1
|
Haag AF, Liljeroos L, Donato P, Pozzi C, Brignoli T, Bottomley MJ, Bagnoli F, Delany I. In Vivo Gene Expression Profiling of Staphylococcus aureus during Infection Informs Design of Stemless Leukocidins LukE and -D as Detoxified Vaccine Candidates. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0257422. [PMID: 36688711 PMCID: PMC9927290 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02574-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a clinically important bacterial pathogen that has become resistant to treatment with most routinely used antibiotics. Alternative strategies, such as vaccination and phage therapy, are therefore actively being investigated to prevent or combat staphylococcal infections. Vaccination requires that vaccine targets are expressed at sufficient quantities during infection so that they can be targeted by the host's immune system. While our knowledge of in vitro expression levels of putative vaccine candidates is comprehensive, crucial in vivo expression data are scarce and promising vaccine candidates during in vitro assessment often prove ineffective in preventing S. aureus infection. Here, we show how a newly developed high-throughput quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay monitoring the expression of 84 staphylococcal genes encoding mostly virulence factors can inform the selection and design of effective vaccine candidates against staphylococcal infections. We show that this assay can accurately quantify mRNA expression levels of these genes in several host organs relying only on very limited amounts of bacterial mRNA in each sample. We selected two highly expressed genes, lukE and lukD, encoding pore-forming leukotoxins, to inform the design of detoxified recombinant proteins and showed that immunization with recombinant genetically detoxified LukED antigens conferred protection against staphylococcal skin infection in mice. Consequently, knowledge of in vivo-expressed virulence determinants can be successfully deployed to identify and select promising candidates for optimized design of effective vaccine antigens against S. aureus. Notably, this approach should be broadly applicable to numerous other pathogens. IMPORTANCE Vaccination is an attractive strategy for preventing bacterial infections in an age of increased antimicrobial resistance. However, vaccine development frequently suffers significant setbacks when candidate antigens that show promising results in in vitro experimentation fail to protect from disease. An alluring strategy is to focus resources on developing bacterial virulence factors that are expressed during disease establishment or maintenance and are critical for bacterial in-host survival as vaccine targets. While expression profiles of many virulence factors have been characterized in detail in vitro, our knowledge of their in vivo expression profiles is still scarce. Here, using a high-throughput qRT-PCR approach, we identified two highly expressed leukotoxins in a murine infection model and showed that genetically detoxified derivatives of these elicited a protective immune response in a murine skin infection model. Therefore, in vivo gene expression can inform the selection of promising candidates for the design of effective vaccine antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas F. Haag
- GSK, Siena, Italy
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Tarcisio Brignoli
- GSK, Siena, Italy
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liyanarachi KV, Solligård E, Mohus RM, Åsvold BO, Rogne T, Damås JK. Incidence, recurring admissions and mortality of severe bacterial infections and sepsis over a 22-year period in the population-based HUNT study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271263. [PMID: 35819970 PMCID: PMC9275692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Severe bacterial infections are important causes of hospitalization and loss of health worldwide. In this study we aim to characterize the total burden, recurrence and severity of bacterial infections in the general population during a 22-year period. Methods We investigated hospitalizations due to bacterial infection from eight different foci in the prospective population-based Trøndelag Health Study (the HUNT Study), where all inhabitants aged ≥ 20 in a Norwegian county were invited to participate. Enrollment was between 1995 and 1997, and between 2006 and 2008, and follow-up ended in February 2017. All hospitalizations, positive blood cultures, emigrations and deaths in the follow-up period were captured through registry linkage. Results A total of 79,393 (69.5% and 54.1% of the invited population) people were included, of which 42,237 (53%) were women and mean age was 48.5 years. There were 37,298 hospitalizations due to infection, affecting 15,496 (22% of all included) individuals. The median time of follow-up was 20 years (25th percentile 9.5–75th percentile 20.8). Pneumonia and urinary tract infections were the two dominating foci with incidence rates of 639 and 550 per 100,000 per year, respectively, and with increasing incidence with age. The proportion of recurring admissions ranged from 10.0% (central nervous system) to 30.0% (pneumonia), whilst the proportion with a positive blood culture ranged from 4.7% (skin- and soft tissue infection) to 40.9% (central nervous system). The 30-day mortality varied between 3.2% (skin- and soft tissue infection) and 20.8% (endocarditis). Conclusions In this population-based cohort, we observed a great variation in the incidence, positive blood culture rate, recurrence and mortality between common infectious diseases. These results may help guide policy to reduce the infectious disease burden in the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Vardheim Liyanarachi
- Gemini Center for Sepsis Research, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Erik Solligård
- Gemini Center for Sepsis Research, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Clinic of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Randi Marie Mohus
- Gemini Center for Sepsis Research, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Clinic of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjørn O. Åsvold
- Department of Endocrinology, Clinic of Medicine, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- HUNT Research Center, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
| | - Tormod Rogne
- Gemini Center for Sepsis Research, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Clinic of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United Ststes of America
| | - Jan Kristian Damås
- Gemini Center for Sepsis Research, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Malachowa N, McGuinness W, Kobayashi SD, Porter AR, Shaia C, Lovaglio J, Smith B, Rungelrath V, Saturday G, Scott DP, Falugi F, Missiakas D, Schneewind O, DeLeo FR. Toward Optimization of a Rabbit Model of Staphylococcus aureus (USA300) Skin and Soft Tissue Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0271621. [PMID: 35389241 PMCID: PMC9045089 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02716-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus remains a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) globally. In the United States, many of these infections are caused by isolates classified as USA300. Our understanding of the success of USA300 as a human pathogen is due in part to data obtained from animal infection models, including rabbit SSTI models. These animal models have been used to study S. aureus virulence and pathogenesis and to gain an enhanced understanding of the host response to infection. Although significant knowledge has been gained, the need to use a relatively high inoculum of USA300 (1 × 108 to 5 × 108 CFU) is a caveat of these infection models. As a step toward addressing this issue, we created mutations in USA300 that mimic those found in S. aureus strains with naturally occurring rabbit tropism-namely, single nucleotide polymorphisms in dltB and/or deletion of rot. We then developed a rabbit SSTI model that utilizes an inoculum of 106 USA300 CFU to cause reproducible disease and tested whether primary SSTI protects rabbits against severe reinfection caused by the same strain. Although there was modest protection against severe reinfection, primary infection and reinfection with rabbit-tropic USA300 strains failed to increase the overall level of circulating anti-S. aureus antibodies significantly. These findings provide additional insight into the host response to S. aureus. More work is needed to further develop a low-inoculum infection model that can be used to better test the potential of new therapeutics or vaccine target antigens. IMPORTANCE Animal models of S. aureus infection are important for evaluating bacterial pathogenesis and host immune responses. These animal infection models are often used as an initial step in the testing of vaccine antigens and new therapeutics. The extent to which animal models of S. aureus infection approximate human infections remains a significant consideration for translation of results to human clinical trials. Although significant progress has been made with rabbit models of S. aureus infection, one concern is the high inoculum needed to cause reproducible disease. Here, we generated USA300 strains that have tropism for rabbits and developed a rabbit SSTI model that uses fewer CFU than previous models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Malachowa
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Will McGuinness
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Scott D. Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Adeline R. Porter
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Jamie Lovaglio
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Brian Smith
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Viktoria Rungelrath
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Greg Saturday
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Dana P. Scott
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Fabiana Falugi
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Olaf Schneewind
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Frank R. DeLeo
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tenover FC, Tickler IA. Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections Using Molecular Methods. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020239. [PMID: 35203841 PMCID: PMC8868555 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of molecular detection methods for bacterial pathogens has dramatically improved the outcomes of septic patients, including those with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Molecular methods can be applied to a variety of clinical specimens including nasal swabs, growth in blood culture bottles, and wounds. While data show that the overall accuracy of molecular tests for MRSA is high, results can be confounded by the presence of multiple staphylococcal species in a specimen, insertions and deletions of DNA in and around the Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) element, and point mutations in mecA. Herein, we explore the complexities of molecular approaches to MRSA detection and the instances where phenotypic methods should be pursued to resolve discrepancies between genotypic and phenotypic results.
Collapse
|
5
|
Eckmann C, Tulkens PM. Current and future options for treating complicated skin and soft tissue infections: focus on fluoroquinolones and long-acting lipoglycopeptide antibiotics. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:iv9-iv22. [PMID: 34849999 PMCID: PMC8632788 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections are among the most common bacterial infections and constitute a major burden for patients and healthcare systems. Care is complicated by the variety of potential pathogens, some with resistance to previously effective antimicrobial agents, the wide spectrum of clinical presentations and the risk of progression to life-threatening forms. More-efficient care pathways are needed that can reduce hospital admissions and length of stay, while maintaining a high quality of care and adhering to antimicrobial stewardship principles. Several agents approved recently for treating acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections have characteristics that meet these requirements. We address the clinical and pharmacological characteristics of the fourth-generation fluoroquinolone delafloxacin, and the long-acting lipoglycopeptide agents dalbavancin and oritavancin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Eckmann
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Klinikum Hannoversch-Muenden, Goettingen University, Germany
| | - Paul M Tulkens
- Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shah N, Buice J, Shields A, Pruitt C. Does Point-of-Care Ultrasound Affect Outcomes in Pediatric Patients with Skin and Soft Tissue Infections? South Med J 2021; 113:645-650. [PMID: 33263136 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is increasing evidence for the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in pediatric patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), but there is a lack of sufficient data on its impact on SSTI outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine whether POCUS use is associated with fewer complications after discharge from the pediatric emergency department. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study in patients presenting to the emergency department with SSTI between the ages of 2 months and 19 years old. Adverse outcomes included hospitalization after discharge, change in antibiotics, subsequent procedures, or reevaluation by a medical professional. Outcome information was obtained 1 week later. Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were used. RESULTS Of 456 patients screened, 250 were enrolled. POCUS was performed on 113 (45%) patients. The median age was 5 years, with more females in the non-POCUS group compared with the POCUS group (58% vs. 52%). Cellulitis without abscess was more commonly diagnosed in the POCUS group than in the non-POCUS group (26% vs 14%, P = 0.02.) The patients in the non-POCUS group were more likely to undergo incision and drainage than those in the POCUS group (62% vs 45%, P = 0.008). Overall, a greater number of patients in the POCUS group did not undergo any procedure (45% vs 27%, P = 0.003). The outcomes at 1 week did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS POCUS use may lead to fewer procedures, but it does not lead to significantly better outcomes. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm or refute our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nipam Shah
- From Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and the School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Jonathan Buice
- From Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and the School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Ashlyn Shields
- From Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and the School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Christopher Pruitt
- From Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and the School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kaye KS, Petty LA, Shorr AF, Zilberberg MD. Current Epidemiology, Etiology, and Burden of Acute Skin Infections in the United States. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 68:S193-S199. [PMID: 30957165 PMCID: PMC6452002 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The US burden of acute skin infections is substantial. While Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. are the most common causes, gram-negative bacteria and mixed infections can occur in some settings. These mixed infections are more likely to result in inappropriate empiric antibiotic therapy. Important challenges remain in diagnosing and treating acute skin infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith S Kaye
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Lindsay A Petty
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Andrew F Shorr
- Health Services Research, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - Marya D Zilberberg
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Medicine, EviMed Research Group, LLC, Goshen.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Medicine, University of Massachusetts School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Amherst
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Harris M, Brathwaite R, McGowan CR, Ciccarone D, Gilchrist G, McCusker M, O'Brien K, Dunn J, Scott J, Hope V. 'Care and Prevent': rationale for investigating skin and soft tissue infections and AA amyloidosis among people who inject drugs in London. Harm Reduct J 2018; 15:23. [PMID: 29739408 PMCID: PMC5941602 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID). International data indicate up to one third of PWID have experienced an SSTI within the past month. Complications include sepsis, endocarditis and amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis. AA amyloidosis is a serious sequela of chronic SSTI among PWID. Though there is a paucity of literature reporting on AA amyloidosis among PWID, what has been published suggests there is likely a causal relationship between AA amyloidosis and injecting-related SSTI. If left untreated, AA amyloidosis can lead to renal failure; premature mortality among diagnosed PWID is high. Early intervention may reverse disease. Despite the high societal and individual burden of SSTI among PWID, empirical evidence on the barriers and facilitators to injecting-related SSTI prevention and care or the feasibility and acceptability of AA amyloidosis screening and treatment referral are limited. This study aims to fill these gaps and assess the prevalence of AA amyloidosis among PWID. METHODS Care and Prevent is a UK National Institute for Health Research-funded mixed-methods study. In five phases (P1-P5), we aim to assess the evidence for AA amyloidosis among PWID (P1); assess the feasibility of AA amyloidosis screening, diagnostic and treatment referral among PWID in London (P2); investigate the barriers and facilitators to AA amyloidosis care (P3); explore SSTI protection and risk (P4); and co-create harm reduction resources with the affected community (P5). This paper describes the conceptual framework, methodological design and proposed analysis for the mixed-methods multi-phase study. RESULTS We are implementing the Care and Prevent protocol in London. The systematic review component of the study has been completed and published. Care and Prevent will generate an estimate of AA amyloidosis prevalence among community recruited PWID in London, with implications for the development of screening recommendations and intervention implementation. We aim to recruit 400 PWID from drug treatment services in London, UK. CONCLUSIONS Care and Prevent is the first study to assess screening feasibility and the prevalence of positive proteinuria, as a marker for AA amyloidosis, among PWID accessing drug treatment services. AA amyloidosis is a serious, yet under-recognised condition for which early intervention is available but not employed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments, and Society London, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | - R Brathwaite
- Department of Public Health, Environments, and Society London, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Catherine R McGowan
- Department of Public Health, Environments, and Society London, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.,Humanitarian Public Health Technical Unit, Save the Children UK, London, UK
| | - D Ciccarone
- Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Franciso, CA, 94143, USA
| | - G Gilchrist
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, National Addiction Centre, King's College London, 4 Windsor Walk, London, SE5 8BB, UK
| | - M McCusker
- Lambeth Service Users Forum, Lorraine Hewitt House, Brighton Terrace, London, SW9 8DG, UK
| | - K O'Brien
- Camden Drug Services, The Margarete Centre, 108 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 2LS, UK
| | - J Dunn
- Camden Drug Services, The Margarete Centre, 108 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 2LS, UK
| | - J Scott
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - V Hope
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, 79 Tithebarn Street, Liverpool, L2 2ER, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are the most frequent infectious cause of referrals to emergency departments and hospital admissions in developed world, contributing to significant morbidity and healthcare expenditures. We sought to review recent literature covering epidemiology and management of SSTIs. RECENT FINDINGS Incidence trends of SSTIs were increasing worldwide with Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci predominating and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) posing additional challenges, because of high rates of treatment failure and relapse. Development of new antimicrobials was associated with an appraisal of regulatory definitions and endpoints. Prediction of clinical response can be very tricky, because of variable risk factors for recurrence or treatment failure, depending mostly on the host. Precise indications for new antimicrobials should be established; their integration into clinical practice algorithms may serve reduction of unnecessary admissions, overtreatment and total costs. SUMMARY New antimicrobials with activity against MRSA have been recently launched. Long-acting agents, mainly oritavancin and dalbavancin, provide the opportunity of single-dose treatment and early discharge. Further outpatient treatment options include new per os antibiotics such as oxazolidinones. Validated assessment tools are urgently needed to support decision-making toward rational resource utilization and delivery of optimal treatment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Leibler JH, Nguyen DD, León C, Gaeta JM, Perez D. Personal Hygiene Practices among Urban Homeless Persons in Boston, MA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14080928. [PMID: 28820454 PMCID: PMC5580630 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14080928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Persons experiencing homelessness in the United States experience significant barriers to self-care and personal hygiene, including limited access to clean showers, laundry and hand washing facilities. While the obstacles to personal hygiene associated with homelessness may increase risk of infectious disease, hygiene-related behaviors among people experiencing homelessness has received limited attention. We conducted a cross-sectional study of individuals experiencing homelessness in Boston, MA (n = 194) to identify hygiene-related self-care practices and risk factors for reduced hygiene in this population. Most participants (72%) reported taking a daily shower. More than 60% reported hand washing with soap five or more times each day, and use of hand sanitizer was widespread (89% reported using sanitizer in the last week). A majority (86%) used a laundromat or laundry machine to wash clothing, while 14% reported washing clothing in the sink. Heavy drinking, injection drug use, and sleeping outdoors were identified as significant risk factors for reduced hygiene practices. People experiencing homelessness who also engage in these activities may be among the most difficult to reach for intervention, yet targeted efforts may decrease illness risk associated with reduced hygiene. Housed friends and family play a critical role in assisting homeless individuals maintain hygiene by providing showers and laundry facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Leibler
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T430W, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Daniel D Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T430W, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Casey León
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany St. Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany St. Boston, MA 02118, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St. Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Debora Perez
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T430W, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The rise of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: now the dominant cause of skin and soft tissue infection in Central Australia. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:2817-2826. [PMID: 28803587 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817001716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of community-onset purulent staphylococcal skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) in Central Australia. We performed a prospective observational study of patients hospitalised with community-onset purulent staphylococcal SSTI (n = 160). Indigenous patients accounted for 78% of cases. Patients were predominantly young adults; however, there were high rates of co-morbid disease. Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) was the dominant phenotype, accounting for 60% of cases. Hospitalisation during the preceding 6 months, and haemodialysis dependence were significant predictors of CA-MRSA infection on univariate analysis. Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes were found to be comparable for methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant cases. All MRSA isolates were characterised as non-multi-resistant, with this term used interchangeably with CA-MRSA in this analysis. We did not find an association between receipt of an active antimicrobial agent within the first 48 h, and progression of infection; need for further surgical debridement; unplanned General Practitioner or hospital re-presentation; or need for further antibiotics. At least one adverse outcome was experienced by 39% of patients. Clindamycin resistance was common, while rates of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance were low. This study suggested the possibility of healthcare-associated transmission of CA-MRSA. This is the first Australian report of CA-MRSA superseding MSSA as the cause of community onset staphylococcal SSTI.
Collapse
|
12
|
Incidence and factors associated with emergency department visits for recurrent skin and soft tissue infections in patients in California, 2005-2011. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 145:746-754. [PMID: 27917738 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816002855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 2 million visits for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are seen in US emergency departments (EDs) yearly. Up to 50% of patients with SSTIs, suffer from recurrences, but associated factors remain poorly understood. We performed a retrospective study of patients with primary diagnosis of SSTI between 2005 and 2011 using California ED discharge data from the State Emergency Department Databases and State Inpatient Databases. Using a multivariable logistic regression, we examined factors associated with a repeat SSTI ED visits up to 6 months after the initial SSTI. Among 197 371 SSTIs, 16·3% were associated with a recurrent ED visit. We found no trend in recurrent visits over time (χ 2 trend = 0·68, P = 0·4). Race/ethnicity, age, geographical location, household income, and comorbidities were all associated with recurrent visits. Recurrent ED visits were associated with drug/alcohol abuse or liver disease [odds ratio (OR) 1·4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·3-1·4], obesity (OR 1·3, 95% CI 1·2-1·4), and in infections that were drained (OR 1·1, 95% CI 1·1-1·1) and inversely associated with hospitalization after initial ED visit (OR 0·4, 95% CI 0·3-0·4). In conclusion, we found several patient-level factors associated with recurrent ED visits. Identification of these high-risk groups is critical for future ED-based interventions.
Collapse
|