An outbreak of post-acupuncture cutaneous infection due to Mycobacterium abscessus

A Delphi Survey on the Validity and Feasibility of a Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance System for Traditional Korean Medicine Hospitals in South Korea

Background: Current research on healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance in traditional Korean medicine (TKM) institutions is limited. Methods: We utilized the Delphi method to evaluate the validity and feasibility of implementing an HAI surveillance system in TKM hospitals. This involved conducting a systematic literature review and focus group interviews with three infection control experts and five TKM doctors experienced in infection control within TKM hospitals. Based on these findings, we developed a Delphi questionnaire. The survey included a total of fifteen participants: ten TKM doctors and TKM-related policy researchers with infection control expertise, two infection control nurses, and three infectious disease doctors. Results: The survey results indicated strong consensus on the necessity of introducing an HAI surveillance system tailored to TKM hospitals, as well as their integration into the Korean National Healthcare-associated Infections Surveillance (KONIS) system. Since infectious diseases do not differentiate between acute care hospitals and TKM hospitals, it is reasonable for TKM hospitals to participate in infection surveillance systems. However, the feasibility of implementing HAI surveillance in TKM hospitals remains low due to a lack of awareness regarding infection surveillance, insufficient surveillance personnel, inadequate diagnostic and surveillance infrastructure, and limited policy support for infection control. Therefore, this study proposes a phased approach in which hand hygiene surveillance and safe injection practice monitoring, which received relatively higher consensus on feasibility, should be prioritized to establish the necessary surveillance infrastructure. Subsequently, a stepwise implementation of HAI surveillance can be introduced. Conclusions: Although TKM hospitals generally have a lower risk of HAIs compared to acute care facilities, they lack robust infection control systems and support. To address this gap, TKM hospitals should join the KONIS system. Appointing and training dedicated infection control personnel will enable their participation and enhance overall infection management.

Drug susceptibility profiles of Mycobacterium abscessus isolated in the state of São Paulo, 2008-2024

Introduction. Infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus, an environmentally prevalent, rapidly growing mycobacteria, are increasingly frequent in developed countries.Objective. To analyse the drug susceptibility profiles of M. abscessus isolated in the state of São Paulo from 2008 to 2024.Methods. Of the 2,402 M. abscessus isolates identified during those 17 years, 558 (23.2%) met the American Thoracic Society's microbiologic and clinical criteria for drug susceptibility testing (DST), which was performed for five agents - clarithromycin, amikacin, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline.Results. Clarithromycin showed a dramatic increase in resistance phenotype from ≤10% in the early period to 73-90% over the last 8 years. Over half those isolates demonstrated inducible resistance. Resistance to amikacin was found in fewer than 5% of isolates from 2016 to 2021. In 2022, that result increased to 13%, but for 2023 and 2024, it had fallen back to 2%. Over the past decade, cefoxitin DST has reported the majority of isolates as intermediate, a problematic result in M. abscessus group (MAG) infections, which typically require long-term treatment for successful outcomes. Since 2018, the annual susceptibility rate has been ≤18%, and in five of the 7 years, ≤7%. Ciprofloxacin was typically assessed as susceptible from 2009 to 2011, then decreased sharply to ≤20% over the next several years, and since 2018, the rate has been less than 5%. Through the entire study, doxycycline resistance has remained consistently high; in the years since 2018, ≤6% of isolates have been susceptible.Conclusion. This study demonstrates wide variation among MAG clinical isolates in the frequency of susceptibility, both across different agents and within individual agents over time. These results emphasize the importance of performing high-quality DST on MAG clinical isolates and suggest the need to consider revising the standard panel of drugs tested.

Chronic intractable nontuberculous mycobacterial-infected wound after acupuncture therapy in the elbow joint: A case report

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) infections are rare, particularly post-acupuncture therapy, and present diagnostic challenges due to their infrequency and potential severity. Prompt recognition and appropriate management are crucial for optimal outcomes. NTM-infected wounds involving the joints are difficult to treat, and only a few cases have been reported.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a case of a chronic intractable NTM-infected wound on the elbow joint that completely healed with conservative wound care and antibiotic treatment. An 81-year-old woman presented with a chronic, ulcerative wound on the right elbow joint where she had undergone repeated acupuncture therapy for chronic intolerable pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed synovial thickening, effusion, and subcutaneous cystic lesions. An orthopedic surgeon performed open synovectomy and serial debridement. However, 1 month postoperatively, the wound had not healed and became chronic. A wound culture revealed NTM (Mycobacterium abscessus), and the patient was referred to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Instead of surgical intervention, conservative wound care with intravenous antibiotics was provided, considering the wound status and the patient's poor general condition. Complete wound healing was achieved in 12 months, with no impact on the range of motion of the elbow joint.

CONCLUSION

With clinical awareness, musculoskeletal NTM infection can be treated with conservative wound care and appropriate antimicrobial agents.

Mycobacterium chelonae hand infection following acupuncture: a case report and literature review

Hand infection caused by atypical mycobacteria is an uncommon condition. We present a case of hand infection caused by Mycobacterium chelonae in a patient who had undergone acupuncture. The clinical features, treatment, and outcome are described. Biopsy and cultures are essential for the diagnosis because Mycobacterium chelonae is a rare cause of human infection and is difficult to diagnose unless suspected. The patient was successfully treated through a combination of surgical excision, debridement, and antimicrobial therapy. We also reviewed the available literature to summarize the experience related to this infectious entity.

Practice recommendations for physiotherapists in Canada managing adverse events associated with acupuncture

In Canada, acupuncture is a regulated medical practice that involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to alleviate pain and other health conditions. Acupuncture is a controlled act in physiotherapy practice. Therefore, physiotherapists who incorporate acupuncture into their practice should have the necessary education and roster this controlled act with the regulatory college in their province. Although acupuncture can be helpful, potential complications can arise, ranging from minor bruising to life-threatening conditions such as pneumothorax and cardiac tamponade. This article provides information on the potential adverse effects of acupuncture and provides recommendations for physiotherapists regarding prevention and management of any incidents that may arise during treatment.

An outbreak of devastating facial stigmata caused by a single unlicensed aesthetic practitioner

Background The practice of medicine by uncertified personnel is a common concern in public healthcare. Although the introduction of the Korean National Health Insurance Service has significantly reduced the number of these cases, the problem persists in the field of aesthetics. Herein, we report an outbreak of devastating facial stigmata in patients treated with illegal cosmetic procedures.Methods During 1 week in November 2021, five patients presented to Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital for the management of identical patterns of severe facial scarring. Each patient had been treated for “skin rejuvenation” by a single unlicensed practitioner. Months of needling therapy by the practitioner, aimed at resolving the problem, only aggravated the scarring. The victims visited our hospital after the practitioner ceased to answer their calls. The patients had similar presentations with multiple prominent scars on both cheeks. Ectropion of the right lower eyelid due to scar contracture was observed in one patient.Results Five monthly treatments with intralesional triamcinolone injection and laser therapy were performed. Despite thorough management, the patients were left with improved but distinctive stigmata on their faces.Conclusions Cases of illegal aesthetic procedures are difficult to prosecute because the patients have implicitly agreed to the procedure. Therefore, active legislative measures should be adopted to prevent further victimization. Public education on the dangers of illegal aesthetic practices is also necessary.

Investigation of Two Mycobacterium abscessus Outbreaks in Quebec Using Whole Genome Sequencing

In recent decades, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are of emerging public health concern and have contributed towards significant clinical and economic burden globally. One such rapid growing mycobacteria, Mycobacterium abscessus, can cause clonal outbreaks, and these bacteria exhibit a highly resistant antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Here, we present an investigation of two small outbreaks of M. abscessus: first in a pediatric clinic setting and second in a tattoo parlour from Quebec. Two whole genome sequencing approaches were utilized for genotyping: MAB-MLST, a multilocus sequencing typing scheme containing housekeeping, identification, and antimicrobial resistance genes, and SNVPhyl that uses phylogenetics to determine single nucleotide variations between strains. MAB-MLST results showed that the pediatric outbreak strains had two distinct sequence types, demonstrating that one strain did not belong to the outbreak, while all tattoo outbreak isolates belonged to the same sequence type. SNVPhyl results were similar to MAB-MLST results and showed that the pediatric outbreak strains tightly clustered together with 0-1 SNVs between isolates, a sharp contrast between unrelated strains used as controls. Similar results were seen for tattoo outbreak cases with 3-11 SNVs between isolates. NTM infections can be difficult to identify, and outbreak investigations can be complicated. Thus, WGS tools can be used in public health outbreak investigations as they provide high discriminatory power.

Pediatric Mandible Reconstruction for Osteomyelitis During Largest Reported Mycobacterium Abscessus Outbreak

In 2016, water lines at a children's dental clinic in Orange County, California were contaminated with Mycobacterium abscessus (MA), a non-tuberculosis rapidly-growing mycobacterium, leading to the largest MA outbreak ever reported. Mandatory reporting and active case finding directed by the Public Health Department was conducted in collaboration with community Pediatric Infectious Disease physicians for patients who underwent dental pulpotomies at the contaminated Dental Clinic from January 1 to September 6, 2016. Seventy-one cases (22 confirmed and 49 probable) were identified. One case that required extensive debridement and reconstruction of the mandible is presented in detail. CT maxillofacial demonstrated osteomyelitis extending from the right mandibular angle to the left ramus with multifocal periapical lucencies. CT chest and neck revealed numerous pulmonary nodules and bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Extraction of several involved teeth, bilateral selective neck dissection, and extensive mandibular debridement was performed, followed by mandibular stabilization with a custom pre-bent 2.0-mm locking plate. CT images 1-year post-operative showed clearance of infection and sufficient bony stability. Subsequent removal of hardware and bone grafting was performed and the patient is doing well. In the event of a future odontogenic mycobacterium outbreak, the experience at our institution can inform multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Prophylactic extraction of primary teeth that received pulpotomies with contaminated water should be performed. Early and thorough debridement of affected bone, including enucleation of secondary teeth, should be performed if necessary for early source control.

Diagnosis of Mycobacterium abscessus/chelonae complex cutaneous infection: Correlation of tissue culture and skin biopsy

Mycobacterium abscessus and M. chelonae belong to the rapid-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) group, which are defined by their ability to form visible colonies on agar within 7 days of subculture. Cutaneous infections by this complex show a heterogeneous clinical presentation with varied histopathologic findings. However, the presence of vacuoles in many specimens has been reported as a specific histologic finding. Herein, we correlate the histopathology of patients with tissue-culture positive M. abscessus/M. chelonae complex in order to identify features that may prompt a rapid categorization of the infectious etiology. The cohort includes 33 skin punch biopsy specimens from 28 patients who had associated positive tissue cultures. The most frequent clinical presentation was a single or multiple nodule. Twenty-seven specimens (81.81%) were found to have vacuoles. The observation of certain histologic features (ie, polymorphonuclear microabscesses and epithelioid granuloma formation) should raise the possibility of infection by NTM. In addition to these findings, we believe the presence of vacuoles in the dermal and subcutaneous inflammation should raise suspicion for NTM.

Deep Infection Following Dry Needling in a Young Athlete: An Underreported Complication of an Increasingly Prevalent Modality: A Case Report

CASE

Dry needling frequently is performed by a variety of practitioners for pain treatment. A 16-year-old boy had dry needling in the posterolateral aspect of the right thigh for treatment of pain after a knee injury. He developed an abscess on the posterolateral distal aspect of the right thigh deep to the site of the dry needling. Treatment included surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

Deep infection is a rare but serious complication of dry needling. Standardized guidelines for safety and sterile technique with dry needling are needed to minimize the risk of infection.

T and B cell subsets differentially correlate with amyloid deposition and neurocognitive function in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment after one year of physical activity

Individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) experience cognitive declines in learning and memory greater than expected for normal aging, and are at a high risk of dementia. We previously reported that sedentary aMCI patients exhibited neuroinflammation that correlated with brain amyloid beta (Aβ) burden, as determined by 18F-florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET). These aMCI patients enrolled in a one-year randomized control trial (AETMCI, NCT01146717) to test the beneficial effects of 12 months of moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise training (AET) or stretching/toning (ST) control intervention on neurocognitive function. A subset of aMCI participants had PET imaging, cognitive testing, and immunophenotyping of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood after AET or ST interventions. As adaptive immune responses were similar between AET and ST groups, we combined AET/ST into a general 'physical activity' (PA) group and compared Aβ burden, cognitive function, and adaptive immune cell subsets to sedentary lifestyle before intervention. We found that PAinduced immunomodulation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in CSF correlated with changes in Aβ burden in brain regions associated with executive function. Furthermore, after PA, cognitive scores on tests of memory, processing speed, attention, verbal fluency, and executive function were associated with increased percent representation of circulating naïve B + T cells. We review the literature on aMCI-related cognition and immune changes as they relate to exercise, and highlight how our preliminary data suggest a complex interplay between the adaptive immune system, physical activity, cognition, and Aβ burden in aMCI.

Cutaneous Infections Due to Nontuberculosis Mycobacterium: Recognition and Management

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a diverse group of organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, and the incidence of cutaneous infections due to NTM has been steadily increasing. Cutaneous infections due to NTM can be difficult to diagnose, due to their wide spectrum of clinical presentations and histopathological findings that are often nonspecific. A variety of modalities including tissue culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays may be necessary to identify the organism. Treatment can also be challenging, as it can depend on multiple factors, including the causative organism, the patient's immunological status, and the extent of disease involvement. In this review, we discuss the common presentations of cutaneous NTM infections, diagnostic tools, and treatment recommendations. A multi-disciplinary approach that involves good communication between the clinician, the histopathologist, the microbiologist, and infectious disease specialists can help lead to successful diagnosis and management.

Infectious Adverse Events Following Acupuncture: Clinical Progress and Microbiological Etiology

BACKGROUND

We investigated the clinical progress and bacteriological characteristics of infectious adverse events (AEs) following acupuncture and compared patient characteristics between serious and non-serious outcome groups.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted in 1,174 patients with infectious complications associated with acupuncture at the emergency department (ED) in a tertiary hospital in Korea between 2010 and 2014. Serious outcome was defined as development of septic shock, admission to intensive care unit (ICU) or attaining permanent morbidity.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients had certain causality and cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis and osteomyelitis were common in order. Among them, 9 patients (18.8%) were categorized into serious outcome group, and they showed devastating outcomes such as septic shock (n = 2), ICU admission (n = 4), and permanent sequelae (n = 5). The serious group had delayed admission to the ED after acupuncture (30.0 [4.0-55.0] vs. 3.0 [1.0-10.0] days, P = 0.023). Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism. The patients in the serious group required longer treatment duration (139.0 [49.0-183.5] vs. 14.0 [7.0-34.0] days, P < 0.001) as well as more operation with local (44.4% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.031) or general anaesthesia (33.3% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

The infectious AEs after acupuncture may cause serious outcomes. Patients and primary physicians should be aware of the risk of infectious complications and make efforts to prevent them.

First, keep it safe: Integration of a complementary medicine service within a hospital

OBJECTIVES

This paper sought to explore risk/safety considerations associated with the integration of a complementary medicine (CM) service within a public academic medical centre in Israel.

METHODS

We reviewed various sources pertaining to the CM service (interviews with CM staff, patients' electronic charts, service guidelines, correspondence with hospital administration) and conducted a thematic analysis to evaluate safety-related incidents during the 7 years of operation. In addition, we systematically assessed the charts for reports of treatment-associated adverse effects, which were documented in an obligatory field on treatment reports.

RESULTS

After reviewing transcripts of interviews with 12 CM practitioners and with the director and vice-director of the CM service as well as transcripts of 8560 consultations that included 7383 treatments, we categorised 3 major domains of CM safety management: (i) prevention of safety-related incidents by appropriate selection of CM practitioners and modalities, (ii) actual adverse incidents and (iii) prevention of their recurrence using both hospital and CM service safety protocols. CM staff reported 5 categories of adverse incidents, most of which were minor. Twenty-nine adverse incidents were documented in the 7383 treatment sessions (0.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Safety management needs to be addressed both before introducing CM services in hospitals and throughout their integration. Important considerations for the safe integration of CM practices in the hospital include communication between CM and conventional practitioners, adherence to hospital safety rules, implementing a systematic approach for detecting and reporting safety-related incidents and continuous adaptation of the CM service safety protocols.

Comment on a Primary Cutaneous Nocardiosis of the Hand

Nocardia spp. are gram-positive, partially acid-fast bacteria which are lives in environmental sources and cause of various infection that called nocardiosis in animals and humans. Identification of this group of bacteria was important due to accurate diagnosis, patient management and prevention of antibiotic resistant among of bacteria. Molecular methods including PCR-RFLP and sequencing using housekeeping genes such as 16S rRNA, hsp65, rpoB and gyrB are recommended to accurate and reliable identification of nocardiosis.

Surgical Site Infections due to Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria

INTRODUCTION

Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria are increasingly recognized, nowadays as an important pathogen in delayed surgical site infection in post operative cases. We here in describe cases of surgical site infection caused by Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria, seen in two centers in Jhapa. The aim of the study was to increase awareness of this atypical mycobacterial infection, prompt diagnosis, and treatment that may ultimately provide better care to patients.

METHODS

Forty four patients underwent different kinds of operations in two different private hospitals in Jhapa district of Nepal. All patients were presented with painful, draining subcutaneous nodules at the infection sites. Repeated aspiration of abscess, incision and drainage of the wound were done and specimen was sent for microbiological and histopathological examination. All patients were treated with repeated wound debridement and tab. Clarithromycin and inj. Tobramycin for 45days.

RESULTS

Mycobacterium Chelone were isolated from the purulent drainage obtained from wounds by routine microbiological techniques. Of the forty four cases, thirty of them had acid fast bacilli stain positive, two had acid fast bacilli culture positive. All the patients except two cases were treated with injection Tobramycin and Clarithromycin for six weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

There should be high level of clinical suspicion for patients presenting with delayed post- operative wound infections for the diagnosis of non-tubercular mycobacreria as causative agents. These infections not only cause physical but also emotional distress that affects both the patients and the surgeon. Emphasis should be given on good sterilization technique to avoid such infections.

Comparison of Saramis 4.12 and IVD 3.0 Vitek MS Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of Mycobacteria from Solid and Liquid Culture Media

During the last decade, many investigators have studied matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for identification of mycobacteria. Diverse and contradictory results indicated that optimal level for routine testing has not been reached yet. This work aimed to assess Vitek MS through two distinct versions, Saramis v4.12 RUO and the IVD v3.0, under conditions close to routine laboratory practice. Overall, 111 mycobacterial isolates were subjected to protein extraction and same spectra were matched against both databases. The IVD v3.0 database proved to be superior to Saramis v4.12 and its identification rates remarkably increased, from 67% to 94% for isolates grown on Middlebrook 7H10 solid medium and from 62% to 91% for isolates grown on mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) liquid medium. With this new version, IVD v3.0, MALDI-TOF MS might be integrated into routine clinical diagnostics, although molecular techniques remain mandatory in some cases.

Mycobacterium abscessus ESX-3 plays an important role in host inflammatory and pathological responses during infection

Mycobacterial ESX systems are often related to pathogenesis during infection. However, little is known about the function of ESX systems of Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab). This study focuses on the Mab ESX-3 cluster, which contains major genes such as esxH (Rv0288, low molecular weight protein antigen 7; CFP-7) and esxG (Rv0287, ESAT-6 like protein). An esx-3 (MAB 2224c-2234c)-deletional mutant of Mab (Δesx) was constructed and used to infect murine and human macrophages. We then investigated whether Mab Δesx modulated innate host immune responses in macrophages. Mab Δesx infection resulted in less pathological and inflammatory responses. Additionally, Δesx resulted in significantly decreased activation of inflammatory signaling and cytokine production in macrophages compared to WT. Moreover, recombinant EsxG·EsxH (rEsxGH) proteins encoded by the ESX-3 region showed synergistic enhancement of inflammatory cytokine generation in macrophages infected with Δesx. Taken together, our data suggest that Mab ESX-3 plays an important role in inflammatory and pathological responses during Mab infection.

Mycobacterium abscessus complex bacteremia due to prostatitis after prostate biopsy

We present the case of a 49-year-old man, who developed Mycobacterium abscessus complex (M. abscessus complex) bacteremia and prostatitis after prostate biopsy. The patient was successfully treated with amikacin with imipenem-cilastatin with clarithromycin. Infections caused by M. abscessus complex have been increasingly described as a complication associated with many invasive procedures. Invasive procedures might have contributed to the occurrence of the M. abscessus complex. Although M. abscessus complex infection is difficult to diagnose and treat, we should pay more attention to this kind of infection, and the correct treatment strategy will be achieved by physicians.

The looming tide of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in Portugal and Brazil

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widely disseminated in the environment and an emerging cause of infectious diseases worldwide. Their remarkable natural resistance to disinfectants and antibiotics and an ability to survive under low-nutrient conditions allows NTM to colonize and persist in man-made environments such as household and hospital water distribution systems. This overlap between human and NTM environments afforded new opportunities for human exposure, and for expression of their often neglected and underestimated pathogenic potential. Some risk factors predisposing to NTM disease have been identified and are mainly associated with immune fragilities of the human host. However, infections in apparently immunocompetent persons are also increasingly reported. The purpose of this review is to bring attention to this emerging health problem in Portugal and Brazil and to emphasize the urgent need for increased surveillance and more comprehensive epidemiological data in both countries, where such information is scarce and seriously thwarts the adoption of proper preventive strategies and therapeutic options.

An outbreak of joint and cutaneous infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria after corticosteroid injection

OBJECTIVES

An outbreak of joint and cutaneous infections among patients who had been injected at a single clinic in South Korea was investigated.

METHODS

In this retrospective case-control study, 61 cases were diagnosed based on symptoms and signs of septic arthritis or cutaneous infection that developed after injections at the clinic between April and September 2012; 64 controls were investigated by administering questionnaires on risk factors and analyzing the clinic medical records. An environmental investigation was performed, and clinical specimens of the cases were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

All cases were injected with triamcinolone. A greater number of triamcinolone injections (adjusted odds ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval 1.5-12.1 for six or more visits, compared with one or two visits) was associated with the development of an infection. In the clinic, only the triamcinolone injection was prepared by mixing with lidocaine and normal saline, and an alcohol swab was prepared using boiled tap water by members of the clinic staff. Although injected medications and environmental cultures were not found to be responsible, a single strain of Mycobacterium massiliense was isolated from the affected sites of 16 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated injection of triamcinolone contaminated with NTM from the clinic environment may have caused this post-injection outbreak.

Surgical site infections due to rapidly growing mycobacteria in puducherry, India

BACKGROUND

Rapidly growing Mycobacteria are increasingly recognized, nowadays as an important pathogen that can cause wide range of clinical syndromes in humans. We herein describe unrelated cases of surgical site infection caused by Rapidly growing Mycobacteria (RGM), seen during a period of 12 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nineteen patients underwent operations by different surgical teams located in diverse sections of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Karnataka, India. All patients presented with painful, draining subcutaneous nodules at the infection sites. Purulent material specimens were sent to the microbiology laboratory. Gram stain and Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods were used for direct examination. Culture media included blood agar, chocolate agar, MacConkey agar, Sabourauds agar and Lowenstein-Jensen medium for Mycobacteria. Isolated microorganisms were identified and further tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by standard microbiologic procedures.

RESULTS

Mycobacterium fortuitum and M.chelonae were isolated from the purulent drainage obtained from wounds by routine microbiological techniques from all the specimens. All isolates analyzed for antimicrobial susceptibility pattern were sensitive to clarithromycin, linezolid and amikacin but were variable to ciprofloxacin, rifampicin and tobramycin.

CONCLUSION

Our case series highlights that a high level of clinical suspicion should be maintained for patients presenting with protracted soft tissue lesions with a history of trauma or surgery as these infections not only cause physical but also emotional distress that affects both the patients and the surgeon.

The treatment of rapidly growing mycobacterial infections

Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) include a diverse group of species. We address the treatment of the most commonly isolated RGM-M abscessus complex, M fortuitum, and M chelonae. The M abscessus complex is composed of 3 closely related species: M abscessus senso stricto (hereafter M abscessus), M massiliense, and M bolletii. Most studies address treatment of M abscessus complex, which accounts for 80% of lung disease caused by RGM and is the second most common RGM to cause extrapulmonary disease (after M fortuitum). The M abscessus complex represent the most drug-resistant nontuberculous mycobacteria and are the most difficult to treat.

An outbreak of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection associated with acupuncture in a private clinic of Zhejiang Province, China, 2012

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture carries the potential risk of transmission of pathogenic microorganisms from the environment to the patient, and from one patient to another. An outbreak of tuberculosis at a private clinic in eastern China was investigated to identify the source of infection, mode of transmission, and risk factors for infection.

METHODS

A probable case was one who had the onset of unexplained pain, swelling, or abscess in the area of invasive treatment between January 1, 2011 and February 23, 2012. A confirmed case was a probable case with positive laboratory test results for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Patient history and the frequency of invasive treatment were compared between 56 probable and confirmed cases and 98 controls in a case-control study.

RESULTS

Fifty-six of 2561 patients (2.2%) who had visited the clinic developed tuberculosis. The odds ratio (OR) of M. tuberculosis infection increased with the frequency of clinic visits (Chi-square for trend=28.943, p=0.000). Multivariate analysis showed that the frequency of acupuncture (Chi-square=24.258, adjusted p-value=0.000) and sharing acupuncture needles (Chi-square=8.936, adjusted p-value=0.003) were risk factors for M. tuberculosis infection. Thirty-two pus sample and nine sputum sample cultures were M. tuberculosis-positive.

CONCLUSIONS

This outbreak was caused by acupuncture and was transmitted through sharing acupuncture needles contaminated with M. tuberculosis.

Diseases caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria in Asia

 The isolation rate of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species and the prevalence of NTM-associated diseases are on the rise in Asian, as well as in Western countries; however, the species distribution of NTM isolates and the types of diseases caused by NTM species vary from region to region. In this review, we present an update on the epidemiology of NTM in Asia. We demonstrate that the distribution of NTM species varies within Asia and differs from that in North America and Europe. In addition, the clinical manifestations of NTM diseases include respiratory tract infections, disseminated infections, skin and soft tissue infections, lymphadenitis, empyema, ocular infections, CNS infections and genitourinary infections. Finally, the rate of adaptive resistance of anti-NTM antimicrobial agents remains high and may be associated with a poor outcome for patients with NTM diseases.

Pedicure-associated rapidly growing mycobacterial infection: an endemic disease

BACKGROUND

Pedicure-associated nontuberculous mycobacterial furunculosis has been reported in the setting of either outbreaks or sporadic case reports. The epidemiology of these infections is not well understood.

METHODS

Systematic surveillance for pedicure-associated nontuberculous mycobacterial furunculosis was conducted in 2 North Carolina counties from 1 January 2005 through 31 December 2008. A subset of implicated nail salons and control salons was inspected and sampled for nontuberculous mycobacteria.

RESULTS

Forty cases of suspected or confirmed pedicure-associated nontuberculous mycobacterial furunculosis were reported during the 4-year study period. Furunculosis incidence in the surveillance region was 1.00, 0.96, 0.83, and 0.89 cases per 100,000 population in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively. The responsible organisms primarily belonged to the Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus group (30 [91%] of 33 isolates). Thirteen implicated salons and 11 control salons were visited and environmentally sampled. An assortment of nontuberculous mycobacteria was cultured from footbaths, but there was no association between the species distribution of the environmental isolates and implication of the salon in human infection. Evidence of suboptimal cleaning (visible debris or surface biofilms) was observed in at least 1 footbath for 11 of 13 implicated salons and 4 of 11 control salons (P = .032).

CONCLUSIONS

Pedicure-associated mycobacterial furunculosis was endemic in these 2 North Carolina counties during 2005-2008. Suboptimal footbath cleaning may have contributed to these infections, which suggests straightforward means of potential prevention. The relative rarity of this type of infection in the setting of nearly ubiquitous exposure to these pathogens suggests that as yet undefined host-specific or procedure-related factors may be involved in susceptibility to these infections.

An outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Kuwait

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium abscessus has been associated with respiratory tract infections, localized skin and soft tissue infections and sepsis. However, outbreaks of M. abscessus are rare.

AIM

to report an outbreak of M. abscessus causing respiratory tract infections in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Kuwait, its investigation and control measures.

METHODS

Respiratory secretions were obtained from ventilator-dependent patients showing signs of sepsis, including fever, malaise and weight loss. The specimens were cultured on appropriate routine media. After the results of the sample taken from the index case as acid-fast bacilli positive, all patients were screened for M. abscessus carriage. Isolates were identified by INNO-LiPA Mycobacteria v2 line probe assay and DNA sequencing. Molecular fingerprinting DiversiLab strain typing was performed on the isolates. Epidemiologic investigation was conducted during the outbreak.

FINDINGS

the outbreak affected 5 patients, 4 of whom had severe infections including 1 patient with septicemia. Asymptomatic carriage of outbreak strain was found in 1 patient. All environmental samples were negative for M. abscessus but some were positive for M. gordonae and M. fortuitum. The source could not be identified. Stringent infection control measures were put in place, including reemphasizing hand hygiene and closure of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to new admissions. A year later, no further case has occurred after the last case.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a hospital-acquired outbreak of respiratory tract infection caused by M. abscessus in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. In the absence of definite source identification, reinforcement of standard infection control guidelines was successful in containing the outbreak.

Multilocus sequence typing scheme for the Mycobacterium abscessus complex

We developed a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for Mycobacterium abscessus sensu lato, based on the partial sequencing of seven housekeeping genes: argH, cya, glpK, gnd, murC, pta and purH. This scheme was used to characterize a collection of 227 isolates recovered between 1994 and 2010 in France, Germany, Switzerland and Brazil. We identified 100 different sequence types (STs), which were distributed into three groups on the tree obtained by concatenating the sequences of the seven housekeeping gene fragments (3576bp): the M. abscessus sensu stricto group (44 STs), the "M. massiliense" group (31 STs) and the "M. bolletii" group (25 STs). SplitTree analysis showed a degree of intergroup lateral transfers. There was also evidence of lateral transfer events involving rpoB. The most prevalent STs in our collection were ST1 (CC5; 20 isolates) and ST23 (CC3; 31 isolates). Both STs were found in Europe and Brazil, and the latter was implicated in a large post-surgical procedure outbreak in Brazil. Respiratory isolates from patients with cystic fibrosis belonged to a large variety of STs; however, ST2 was predominant in this group of patients. Our MLST scheme, publicly available at www.pasteur.fr/mlst, offers investigators a valuable typing tool for M. abscessus sensu lato in future epidemiological studies throughout the world.

Geospatial analyses to identify clusters of adverse antenatal factors for targeted interventions

BACKGROUND

Late antenatal care and smoking during pregnancy are two important factors that are amenable to intervention. Despite the adverse health impacts of smoking during pregnancy and the health benefits of early first antenatal visit on both the mother and the unborn child, substantial proportions of women still smoke during pregnancy or have their first antenatal visit after 10 weeks gestation. This study was undertaken to assess the usefulness of geospatial methods in identifying communities at high risk of smoking during pregnancy and timing of the first antenatal visit, for which targeted interventions may be warranted, and more importantly, feasible.

METHODS

The Perinatal Data Collection, from 1999 to 2008 for south-western Sydney, were obtained from the New South Wales Ministry of Health. Maternal addresses at the time of delivery were georeferenced. A spatial scan statistic implemented in SaTScan was then used to identify statistically significant spatial clusters of women who smoked during pregnancy or women whose first antenatal care visit occurred at or after 10 weeks of pregnancy.

RESULTS

Four spatial clusters of maternal smoking during pregnancy and four spatial clusters of first antenatal visit occurring at or after 10 weeks were identified in our analyses. In the maternal smoking during pregnancy clusters, higher proportions of mothers, were aged less than 35 years, had their first antenatal visit at or after 10 weeks and a lower proportion of mothers were primiparous. For the clusters of increased risk of late first antenatal visit at or after 10 weeks of gestation, a higher proportion of mothers lived in the most disadvantaged areas and a lower proportion of mothers were primiparous.

CONCLUSION

The application of spatial analyses provides a means to identify spatial clusters of antenatal risk factors and to investigate the associated socio-demographic characteristics of the clusters.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infection due to Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria: Case Series and Literature Review

Background

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous in soil and water. Most NTM cause disease in humans only rarely unless some aspect of host defense is impaired. Recently, rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) is not uncommon, and the prevalence of RGM infection has been increasing. RGM causes a wide spectrum of pulmonary and extrapulmonary diseases and has been shown as an important source for opportunistic infection.

Materials and Methods

We report 5 patients of skin and soft tissue infection due to RGM in tertiary medical center in Jeju Island and analyzed 21 patients of skin and soft tissue infection due to RGM in Republic of Korea. Clinical, microbiological and epidemiological data were collected from each patient. NTM isolates were identified using conventional and molecular methods including 16S rDNA gene sequencing.

Results

The mean age of the RGM patients (n=26) was 54.9 ± 15.9 years and 73% were women. Mycobacterium fortuitum complex was the most common (12/26). Antimicrobial resistance for clarithromycin and quinolone were 12% and 60%, respectively. Clarithromycin based therapy was done in 46%. The mean duration of treatment was 21.2 ± 8.7 weeks.

Conclusions

Many cases can be cured after therapy for 4-7 month with at least 2 or 3 antibiotics according to in vitro susceptibility. Recent increasing of NTM cases suggests that species and subspecies identification is epidemiologically important, especially related to medical procedure, and surgery.

Adverse events of acupuncture: a systematic review of case reports

Acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping, important in traditional Eastern medicine, are increasingly used in the West. Their widening acceptance demands continual safety assessment. This review, a sequel to one our team published 10 years ago, is an evaluation of the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) reported for acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping between 2000 and 2011. Relevant English-language reports in six databases were identified and assessed by two reviewers. During this 12-year period, 117 reports of 308 AEs from 25 countries and regions were associated with acupuncture (294 cases), moxibustion (4 cases), or cupping (10 cases). Country of occurrence, patient's sex and age, and outcome were extracted. Infections, mycobacterial, staphylococcal, and others, were the main complication of acupuncture. In the previous review, we found the main source of infection to be hepatitis, caused by reusable needles. In this review, we found the majority of infections to be bacterial, caused by skin contact at acupoint sites; we found no cases of hepatitis. Although the route of infection had changed, infections were still the major complication of acupuncture. Clearly, guidelines such as Clean Needle Technique must be followed in order to minimize acupuncture AEs.

Mycobacterium abscessus induces a limited pattern of neutrophil activation that promotes pathogen survival

Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing mycobacterium increasingly detected in the neutrophil-rich environment of inflamed tissues, including the cystic fibrosis airway. Studies of the immune reaction to M. abscessus have focused primarily on macrophages and epithelial cells, but little is known regarding the neutrophil response despite the predominantly neutrophillic inflammation typical of these infections. In the current study, human neutrophils released less superoxide anion in response to M. abscessus than to Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen that shares common sites of infection. Exposure to M. abscessus induced neutrophil-specific chemokine and proinflammatory cytokine genes. Although secretion of these protein products was confirmed, the quantity of cytokines released, and both the number and level of gene induction, was reduced compared to S. aureus. Neutrophils mediated killing of M. abscessus, but phagocytosis was reduced when compared to S. aureus, and extracellular DNA was detected in response to both bacteria, consistent with extracellular trap formation. In addition, M. abscessus did not alter cell death compared to unstimulated cells, while S. aureus enhanced necrosis and inhibited apoptosis. However, neutrophils augment M. abscessus biofilm formation. The response of neutrophils to M. abscessus suggests that the mycobacterium exploits neutrophil-rich settings to promote its survival and that the overall neutrophil response was reduced compared to S. aureus. These studies add to our understanding of M. abscessus virulence and suggest potential targets of therapy.

Increased incidence of cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, 1980 to 2009: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection during the past 30 years and whether the predominant species have changed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using Rochester Epidemiology Project data, we identified Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents with cutaneous NTM infections between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2009, examining the incidence of infection, patient demographic and clinical features, the mycobacterium species, and therapy.

RESULTS

Forty patients (median age, 47 years; 58% female [23 of 40]) had positive NTM cultures plus 1 or more clinical signs. The overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence of cutaneous NTM infection was 1.3 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 0.9-1.7 per 100,000 person-years). The incidence increased with age at diagnosis (P=.003) and was higher in 2000 to 2009 (2.0 per 100,000 person-years; 95% CI, 1.3-2.8 per 100,000 person-years) than in 1980 to 1999 (0.7 per 100,000 person-years; 95% CI, 0.3-1.1 per 100,000 person-years) (P=.002). The distal extremities were the most common sites of infection (27 of 39 patients [69%]). No patient had human immunodeficiency virus infection, but 23% (9 of 39) were immunosuppressed. Of the identifiable causes, traumatic injuries were the most frequent (22 of 29 patients [76%]). The most common species were Mycobacterium marinum (17 of 38 patients [45%]) and Mycobacterium chelonae/Mycobacterium abscessus (12 of 38 patients [32%]). In the past decade (2000-2009), 15 of 24 species (63%) were rapidly growing mycobacteria compared with only 4 of 14 species (29%) earlier (1980-1999) (P=.04).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of cutaneous NTM infection increased nearly 3-fold during the study period. Rapidly growing mycobacteria were predominant during the past decade.

Case series of mycobacterium abscessus infections associated with a trigger point injection and epidural block at a rural clinic

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this report is to investigate Mycobacterium abscessus infections at a rural clinic and carry out a surveillance program to determine the extent and source of these infections.

METHODS

The authors conducted an active surveillance investigation of 36 patients who had visited the clinic since 1 July 2008. Clinical specimens were collected from the patients and an envirnmental investigation. Pulsed-field gel elctrophoresis (PFGE) was performed for comparing with M. abscessus isolates from the patients.

RESULTS

Six specimens were obtained from the 6 patients respectively and 22 environmental samples were obtained. M. abscessus was isolated from the wounds of two patients, and various nosocomial pathogens, but not M. abscessus, were isolated from the surrounding environment. Two strains of M. abscessus from patients were identical as a result of PFGE.

CONCLUSION

Infection control education including proper hand hygiene should be emphasized for physicians performing invasive procedures. There also needs to be more attention for invasive procedures management, including trigger point injection and epidural block in rural clinics.

Mycobacterium massiliense outbreak after intramuscular injection, South Korea

We conducted an epidemic investigation to discover the route of transmission and the host factors of an outbreak of post-injection abscesses. Of the 2984 patients who visited a single clinic, 77 cases were identified and 208 age- and sex-matched controls were selected for analysis. Injected medications per se were not found to be responsible, and a deviation from safe injection practice suggested the likelihood of diluent contamination. Therefore the injected medications were classified according to whether there was a need for a diluent, and two medications showed a statistically significant association, i.e. injection with pheniramine [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 5·93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·97–11·87] and ribostamycin (aOR 47·95, 95% CI 11·08–207·53). However, when considered concurrently, pheniramine lost statistical significance (aOR 8·71, 95% CI 0·44–171·61) suggesting that normal saline was the causative agent of this outbreak. Epidemiological evidence strongly suggested that this post-injection outbreak was caused by saline contaminated with Mycobacterium massiliense without direct microbiological evidence.

Acute hepatitis C in Korea: different modes of infection, high rate of spontaneous recovery, and low rate of seroconversion

The epidemiology and clinical outcomes of acute hepatitis C are different geographically. This study aimed to investigate the mode of infection, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of acute hepatitis C in Korea. Forty-seven patients with acute hepatitis C were enrolled consecutively in a study conducted in seven medical centers. The patients with the mean age of 45.8 years had mostly mild symptoms. A healthcare-related procedure was the most common exposure history (42.5%): acupuncture (17%), surgery (10.6%), needle-stick injury (8.5%), and other medical procedures (6.4%). There was no case of intravenous drug use. Twenty-one patients (44.7%) recovered spontaneously. Among the 16 patients who received antiviral therapy (34%), all of the 12 evaluable patients had a sustained virologic response, while 10 patients (21.3%) who did not receive antiviral therapy progressed to chronic infection. The overall seroconversion rate of anti-HCV antibody was 61.7%. The patients who recovered spontaneously had significantly lower rate of seroconversion compared with the patients who did not clear spontaneously the infection. In conclusion, acute hepatitis C in Korea was related to various healthcare procedures, including acupuncture, characterized by high rates of spontaneous recovery and low rates of seroconversion, which may be associated with different modes of infection and ethnic differences. The characteristics of acute hepatitis C in Asian countries warrants further study.

Prevalence and co-infections of schistosomiasis/hepatitis B and C viruses among school children in an endemic areas in Taiz, Yemen

OBJECTIVE

To determine the disease prevalence and its relationship with hepatitis B and C viruses among school children in five endemic areas by schistosomiasis.

METHODS

During June 2007 and March 2009, 1 484 school children aged between 5 - 16 years participated in the current study from 32 basic schools in five districts (Al-Dhabab, Hedran, Warazan, Al-Barh and Al-Shmaytin) in Taiz Governorate, Republic of Yemen. Out of school children who participated in the study; 1 406 stool samples, 1 484 urine samples and 214 blood samples were collected and examined.

RESULTS

Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) was found in all the studied areas except Al-Barh. However, Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) was recorded only in Al-Shmaytin and Al-Barh. Both S. mansoni and S. haematobium were observed in Al-Shmaytin district. The overall prevalence was 20.76% for S. mansoni and 7.41% for S. haematobium. The prevalence rate of infection among males was higher than females, showing no significant differences. Rate of light, moderate and heavy infections in the case of S. mansoni were 41.78%, 25.34% and 32.87% respectively. Whereas, for S. hematobium it was 50.90% for light infection and 49.09% for heavy infection. Regarding to the prevalence of viral hepatitis among infected school children with schistosomiasis, it could be noticed that hepatitis B virus was higher than the prevalence of hepatitis C virus. But, the presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV was not associated with Schistosoma infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Schistosomiasis infection is an important public health problem in Taiz Governorate, Republic of Yemen. There was a correlation between S. haematobium and hepatitis B, but no association between S. mansoni infections and hepatitis B and C viruses.

Cutaneous Mycobacterium haemophilum infection in a kidney transplant recipient after acupuncture treatment

Mycobacterium haemophilum is a slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacterium that can cause disease in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The most common clinical presentations of infection are the appearance of suppurative and ulcerated skin nodules. For the diagnosis, samples collected from suspected cases must be processed under the appropriate conditions, because M. haemophilum requires lower incubation temperatures and iron supplementation in order to grow in culture. In this case report, we describe the occurrence of skin lesions in a kidney transplant recipient, caused by M. haemophilum, associated with acupuncture treatment. The diagnosis was established by direct smear and culture of material aspirated from cutaneous lesions. Species identification was achieved by characterization of the growth requirements and by partial sequencing of the hsp65 gene. The patient was successfully treated with clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin for 12 months. Considering that the number of patients receiving acupuncture treatment is widely increasing, the implications of this potential complication should be recognized, particularly in immunosuppressed patients.

Clarithromycin and amikacin vs. clarithromycin and moxifloxacin for the treatment of post-acupuncture cutaneous infections due to Mycobacterium abscessus: a prospective observational study

An outbreak of post-acupuncture cutaneous infections due to Mycobacterium abscessus occurred in Ansan, Korea, from November 2007 through to May 2008. During this time a prospective, observational, non-randomized study was conducted involving 52 patients that were diagnosed with cutaneous M. abscessus infection. We compared the clinical response between patients treated with clarithromycin plus amikacin regimen and those treated with clarithromycin plus moxifloxacin regimens with regard to time to resolution of the cutaneous lesions. Among the 52 study patients, 33 were treated with clarithromycin plus amikacin, and 19 were treated with clarithromycin plus moxifloxacin. The baseline characteristics for the treatment groups were not significantly different, except for initial surgical excision (n = 27 vs. 6, respectively, p = 0.001). The median time (weeks) to resolution of the lesions in the clarithromycin plus moxifloxacin-treated subjects was significantly shorter than that in the clarithromycin plus amikacin-treated subjects (17 ± 1.1 vs. 20 ± 0.9, respectively, p = 0.017). With adjustments for age, location of lesions, prior incision and drainage, and excision during medical therapy, clarithromycin plus moxifloxacin-treated subjects were more likely to have resolved lesions (hazard ratio, 0.387; 95% confidence interval, 0.165-0.907; p = 0.029). The frequency of drug-related adverse events in the two treatment groups was not significantly different (n = 18 vs. 14, respectively; p = 0.240). The most common adverse event was gastrointestinal discomfort. The results of our study showed that the combination regimen of clarithromycin and moxifloxacin resulted in a better clinical response than a regimen of clarithromycin plus amikacin when used for treatment of cutaneous M. abscessus infection.

An unusual surgical site infection in a liver transplant recipient

Mycobacterium abscessus is a rare cause of human infection and is difficult to diagnose unless it is suspected. A 45-year-old woman underwent deceased donor liver transplantation following which she developed non-healing surgical site infection, which did not resolve with routine antibiotics for 2 months. The scraping of the wound revealed M abscessus infection. Definitive identification of this species of mycobacterium was possible by its growth characteristics on culture and reverse line blot hybridisation assay. She was treated with clarithromycin and cotrimaxazole as per sensitivity and showed complete recovery from the infection within 6 weeks of starting the drugs, which were continued for 6 months. We believe that this is the first documented case of surgical site infection by M abscessus in a liver transplant recipient.