Journal Of Infection In Developing Countries[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in urinary tract infections: clinical efficacy of fosfomycin.
Kaya A, Akyol-Seyhan D, Chousein-Memetali S … +30 more , Yaşar M, Mert-Vahabi M, Başkol-Elik D, Dirik Ş, Şanlıdağ-İşbilen G, Bulut-Avşar C, Demir-Görür M, Guliyeva G, Uyan-Önal A, Önal U, Yalçın N, Kenanoğlu B, Yeniyol Ş, Dağ D, Korkmaz P, Özgiray E, Bozkurt D, Şirin H, Çınar E, Demirağ K, Sipahi H, Çilli F, Aydemir Ş, Taşbakan M, Erdem HA, Pullukçu H, Yamazhan T, Ulusoy S, Arda B, Sipahi OR
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790918 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-Kp) limits effective treatment options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility patterns of CR-Kp strains isolate...
INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-Kp) limits effective treatment options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility patterns of CR-Kp strains isolated from urine cultures to oral treatment options recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines, and ceftazidime-avibactam. Additionally, clinical data and outcomes of patients diagnosed with CR-Kp urinary tract infections (UTI) who were treated with fosfomycin sodium-including therapy regimens (FSITR) were analyzed. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with urine culture-proven CR-Kp between March 2016 and October 2022. Demographic and clinical data, antibiotic susceptibility, treatment outcomes, and one-month mortality (OMM) were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients were included. The susceptibility to fosfomycin tromethamol, nitrofurantoin, and co-trimoxazole (TMP-SMX) were (33.7%; 55/163), (7.7%; 13/167), and (11.1%; 20/179), respectively. All strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin. The susceptibility data compared until 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and afterwards, revealed TMP-SMX susceptibility (4.9% vs 24.1%, p = 0.0001) increased significantly. Susceptibility data for ceftazidime-avibactam were available for 22 isolates and 59% of the isolates were sensitive. OMM of the 179 patients with CR-Kp in urine cultures was 37.4% (67/179). There were 9 FSITR cases. Among those, microbiological eradication was achieved in 87.5% (7/8) and OMM was 44.4% (4/9). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical experience may be feasible and needed to assess the efficacy of nitrofurantoin and TMP-SMX. Fosfomycin-including regimens may serve as a salvage treatment option for CR-Kp UTI in selected patients. However, the retrospective and single-center design of the study should be considered as a limitation.
Occurrence of virulence genes and carbapenemase genes in multidrug resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Ahsan H, Aslam B, Nawaz Z … +7 more , Ahmad MZ, Hussain R, Naveed R, Baig A, Ataya FS, Fouad D, Siddique AB
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790917 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains with virulence characteristics have high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, virulen...
INTRODUCTION: Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains with virulence characteristics have high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, and carbapenemase genes in clinical samples. METHODOLOGY: 400 clinical samples (200 UTI+200 wound samples) were collected from hospitalized patients, targeting P. aeruginosa. RESULTS: Out of 400 samples, 162 (40%) were found positive for P. aeruginosa, and they revealed significant resistance, with 55% classified as multidrug-resistant. Ceftazidime and Imipenem showed the highest resistance rate. Notably, 90% isolates were resistant to Tobramycin and Amikacin, while only 15-25% of isolates were sensitive to several antibiotics. The samples showed that 101 isolates (62% of the total) had the algD gene. Of these, 78% were found to be resistant to multiple drugs. Carbapenemase gene prevalence varied, with IMP (77.27%) being the most common, followed by TEM (63.63%) and NDM (43.18%). The detected exo enzyme genes in 67.9%-88.88% of isolates, with toxA being the most prevalent at 88.88%. Wound isolates showed higher virulence gene frequencies compared to urine isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The misuse/overuse of antibiotics, poor hygiene, and errors of health care personnel were the main factors that significantly increased the prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa. Hospitals should craft and implement a specific control strategy to reduce the distribution of MDR P. aeruginosa. The MDR isolates expressed exoenzymes-encoding genes as compared to the drug-susceptible isolates. The prevalence of these virulence genes was higher in wound isolates as compared to UTIs. This study indicates that exoenzymes-encoding genes are associated with drug resistance in P. aeruginosa.
Disinfectant/antiseptic resistance genes of Staphylococci and serotyping of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates.
Bayraktar HS, Köksal F, Duran N … +4 more , Kandemir T, Baykara B, Güven Gökmen T, Meral Öcal M
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790916 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Staphylococci are commonly isolated from healthcare settings worldwide. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is among the most important causes of nosocomial infections. OBJECTIVES: This study...
INTRODUCTION: Staphylococci are commonly isolated from healthcare settings worldwide. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is among the most important causes of nosocomial infections. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the resistance of Staphylococci to the most commonly used disinfectants and antiseptics in healthcare settings and the detection of the dominant serotype of Staphylococcus aureus in Hatay province. METHODOLOGY: The frequency of disinfectant/antiseptic resistance genes was detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in identified staphylococcal strains, and antibiotic susceptibility of strains was evaluated phenotypically. Staphylococcus aureus strains were classified in terms of clonal and phylogenetic relationships with Pulse Field Electrophoresis and spa sequence typing methods. RESULTS: The identification rate of coagulase-negative staphylococci was 43.2% and the others (56.8%) were Staphylococcus aureus. Among these isolates, 103 methicillin-resistant S. aureus were identified. It was determined that 81 (78.64%) of these isolates harbored qacA/B and/or smr genes. The dominant spa serotype was found to be t223. CONCLUSIONS: According to spa serotyping results, it was detected the serotype t223 was the dominant clone in our region, unlike the t030 was dominant in Turkey. Since there are many Syrian immigrants living in the Hatay region due to its geographical location, being the dominant clone of a different serotype has an epidemiologically significant importance.
Prevalence and drug resistance patterns of ESKAPE pathogens in Nigde, Türkiye.
Salim MA, Budak Diler S, Köklü R … +4 more , Öztrük A, Polat F, Mohamed Hajhamed N, Saad Mohamed N
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790915 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The escalating burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant global health challenge. ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter ba...
INTRODUCTION: The escalating burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant global health challenge. ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species), frequently exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR), are especially alarming. This study evaluated the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of ESKAPE infections in patients from Nigde, Türkiye. METHODOLOGY: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed at Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University Training and Research Hospital from September 2022 to June 2024. Clinical specimens were collected and evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility with the VITEK®2 compact system. RESULTS: A total of 13,387 bacterial isolates were obtained from 7,438 patients. The majority of isolates were Gram-negative (9,671; 72.2%), of which 3,928 (39.6%) were ESKAPE. Gram-positive isolates accounted for 3,716 (27.8%), with 1,123 (30.2%) categorized as ESKAPE. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) was the most common Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogen (1,921; 19.9%), while Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most frequent non-ESKAPE pathogen (4,747; 49.1%). Of the 5,051 ESKAPE isolates, 29.7% (1,501) were categorized as MDR and 30.9% (1,562) as extensively drug-resistant (XDR). MDR was widespread, with the highest prevalence observed in Enterococcus faecium (76.9%). Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited the highest prevalence of XDR isolates at 72.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the substantial AMR burden linked to ESKAPE infections in Nigde, Türkiye, highlighting the necessity for effective infection management, antibiotic stewardship, and continuous research to track resistance patterns.
Prognostic performance of ferritin in combination with CT-SS and NEWS, to predict ICU admission and mortality in COVID-19.
Daş M, Beyazıt F, Bardakcı O … +5 more , Ünal Çetin E, Akdur G, Akman C, Akdur O, Beyazıt Y
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790914 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has created significant challenges in predicting severe disease outcomes. This study eval...
INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has created significant challenges in predicting severe disease outcomes. This study evaluates the combined prognostic performance of serum ferritin, national early warning score (NEWS), and computed tomography severity score (CT-SS) in predicting intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 30-day mortality. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective study included 693 COVID-19 patients with confirmed RT-PCR results and complete medical records. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, including ferritin levels, NEWS, and CT-SS, were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate their individual and combined predictive capabilities. RESULTS: Elevated ferritin levels, higher NEWS, and greater CT-SS were significantly associated with increased ICU admission and mortality risks. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed excellent predictive accuracy for mortality: ferritin (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.916), NEWS (AUROC: 0.927), and CT-SS (AUROC: 0.881). Integrating ferritin into NEWS and CT-SS models enhanced predictive precision, with combined scoring systems yielding the highest odds ratios for adverse outcomes. Patients with a NEWS ≥ 5 and ferritin level ≥ 275.8 had a 151-fold increased risk of mortality, while those with a CT-SS ≥ 9 and ferritin level ≥ 275.8 had a 72-fold increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: Combining ferritin with NEWS and CT-SS improves the prognostic accuracy for predicting severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients. This study emphasizes the value of integrating laboratory markers with established scoring systems to optimize clinical decision-making. The findings can guide early interventions, reduce mortality, and improve resource utilization during pandemics.
Nocardia farcinica infection after facial lipolysis injection in an immunocompetent patient.
Xu W, Su F, Ji Y … +4 more , Chen M, Hong X, Zhuo B, Ge Y
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790913 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Injection lipolysis is a widely used technique for the rapid reduction of localized fat deposits. Although complications such as non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections have been reported, Nocardia infecti...
INTRODUCTION: Injection lipolysis is a widely used technique for the rapid reduction of localized fat deposits. Although complications such as non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections have been reported, Nocardia infections following this procedure remain rare. CASE PRESENTATION: This report details a case of Nocardia infection in an immunocompetent patient after facial lipolytic agent administration. The patient exhibited amelioration of facial edema and resolution of chest rash following a course of amoxicillin-clavulanate treatment, ultimately achieving recovery and discharge. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of considering Nocardia infection as a potential complication of lipolytic injections and provides valuable insights into its diagnosis and management.
Red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume as mortality markers in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study.
Kiliç J, Alakuş ÖF, Solmaz İ
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790912 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: This study investigates RDW and MPV as simple, cost-effective markers linked to increased mortality in COVID-19, highlighting their potential prognostic value in viral infections. METHODS: This retrospectiv...
INTRODUCTION: This study investigates RDW and MPV as simple, cost-effective markers linked to increased mortality in COVID-19, highlighting their potential prognostic value in viral infections. METHODS: This retrospective observational study examined hospitalized COVID-19 patients from 2020 to 2022, assessing clinical outcomes such as ICU admission, hospital stay duration, and mortality. It focused on the prognostic value of Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), investigating whether elevated levels of these markers could serve as accessible indicators of mortality risk. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis among patients was 48.07 ± 17.33 years. The mean hospital stay was 5.82 ± 5.44 days. Among 1,810 patients, elevated Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW > 15%) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV > 11.5 fL) were associated with significantly higher mortality rates (p < 0.01 and p = 0.014, respectively). Logistic regression analysis identified age, male sex, length of hospital stay, WBC count, RDW-CV, glucose, ferritin, and low albumin as independent predictors of mortality. Conversely, MPV, D-dimer, creatinine, calcium, and ALT were not significant mortality predictors. These findings suggest that routine markers, particularly RDW and WBC, may serve as accessible and cost-effective tools for early risk stratification in COVID-19 patients, while others, like MPV, may have limited independent prognostic value in this context. CONCLUSIONS: RDW and MPV, routinely available from blood tests, may help identify early clinical deterioration, supporting timely interventions to improve outcomes.
Antibiogram and molecular insights into quinolone resistance in Salmonella spp. from food-producing animals in the Philippines.
Belotindos LP, Magalong AMC, Salinas MBS … +5 more , Miguel JA, Villanueva MA, Mingala CN, Nakajima C, Suzuki Y
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790911 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The increasing quinolone resistance in food animals in the Philippines has been documented in previous studies. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and underlying molecular mechanisms responsible...
INTRODUCTION: The increasing quinolone resistance in food animals in the Philippines has been documented in previous studies. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for quinolone non-susceptibility in Salmonella isolated from food-producing animals. METHODOLOGY: A total of 227 Salmonella isolates were obtained from food-producing animals and their derived food products in the Philippines. These isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 17 different agents. Quinolone non-susceptible isolates were screened for mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. QRDR- and PMQR-positive isolates were also screened for virulence genes and genotyped using the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method. RESULTS: Most isolates showed high resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and nalidixic acid. About 68.3% of the isolates showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 44.9% exhibited multidrug resistance. Out of the 74 quinolone non-susceptible isolates, 74.3% carried amino-acid substitutions in the QRDR of GyrA and ParC, 4.1% harbored PMQR genes, and 14.9% had both. High-level resistance was associated with double amino-acid substitutions in GyrA (Ser83Phe + Asp87Tyr) and ParC (Thr57Ser + Ser80Ile), while PMQR-positive isolates displayed variable low resistance. Moreover, 17 unique sequence types (STs) were identified, predominantly S. London ST155, S. Infantis ST32, and S. Anatum ST64. All Salmonella isolates exhibit QRDR mutations and/or PMQR genes that possess virulence factors invA and agfA. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the widespread fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella in food-producing animals and their products, posing a significant threat to the effective treatment of Salmonella-related food-borne diseases.
Pancytopenia associated with Weissella confusa septicemia.
Akkus C, Arslan A
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790910 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Weissella spp. are facultative gram-positive bacteria. They are also part of the human microbiota and can cause opportunistic infections. There are very few case reports in the literature describing bactere...
INTRODUCTION: Weissella spp. are facultative gram-positive bacteria. They are also part of the human microbiota and can cause opportunistic infections. There are very few case reports in the literature describing bacteremia caused by W. confusa. CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old male patient presented to the Internal Medicine Department of Ankara Etlik City Hospital with complaints of fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Laboratory tests revealed pancytopenia. Etiological investigation identified W. confusa in blood cultures using MALDI-TOF MS, and other potential causes of pancytopenia were excluded. The patient had chronic kidney disease and was undergoing hemodialysis three times a week. CONCLUSIONS: W. confusa should be considered among opportunistic pathogens, especially in patients with end-stage renal disease. This case is presented as a rare clinical report due to the association of pancytopenia with W. confusa septicemia.
Analysis of in-hospital mortality and associated risk factors in hospitalized elderly patients with an Omicron infection.
Liu Y, Liu J, Wang YN … +3 more , Zhao YT, Zhang J, Cao J
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790909 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-hospital mortality rate and associated risk factors in elderly patients hospitalized with an Omicron coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. METHODOLOGY:...
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-hospital mortality rate and associated risk factors in elderly patients hospitalized with an Omicron coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study included 137 elderly patients with Omicron infection. The cases were divided into survival and mortality groups based on the discharge outcomes. The basic data were collected. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 25.54% (102 survivors, 35 non-survivors). The mean age was higher in the mortality group. Shock and dyspnea were more common in the mortality group (p = 0.041). Multivariable logistic regression analysis concluded that advanced age (odds ratio, (OR) = 2.158, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.183-3.368), shock (OR = 2.876, 95% CI: 1.538-8.304), high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; OR = 1.872, 95% CI: 1.060-2.424), radiographic pleural effusion (OR = 1.756, 95% CI: 1.592-3.662), and elevated fasting glucose (OR = 1.785, 95% CI: 1.263-3.821) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the proposed model had a good fit with observed values (χ2 = 4.681, p = 0.341). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the proposed model had an area under the curve of 0.791 for predicting mortality, with a sensitivity of 83.9% and specificity of 61.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The in-hospital mortality rates were high in elderly patients with Omicron infection. Advanced age, glucose level, shock, NLR, and pleural effusion were identified as risk factors.
Temperature influences the development-related phenotypes of Philippine Aedes albopictus: implications for vector control.
Edillo F, Ymbong RR, Bolneo AA … +3 more , Hernandez RJ, Suycano MW, Sakuntabhai A
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790908 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the development-related phenotypes (percent pharate larvae, PPL; hatch rates, HRs; and reproductive outputs, ROs) of Aedes albopictus F1 eggs; with parental eggs collected from selec...
INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the development-related phenotypes (percent pharate larvae, PPL; hatch rates, HRs; and reproductive outputs, ROs) of Aedes albopictus F1 eggs; with parental eggs collected from selected highland and lowland sites of the major islands in the Philippines (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao) in 2018-2020. METHODOLOGY: Field-trapped parental Aedes eggs were reared and coupled. Ae. albopictus F1 eggs were separately placed inside environmental chambers (18 °C, 25 °C, and 38 °C) for 6 weeks. PPL, HRs, and ROs were determined. RESULTS: Temperature had significant effects on PPL and ROs of F1 eggs of wet season-collected Ae. albopictus; and on PPL, HRs, and ROs of F1 eggs of dry season-collected samples. Temperature had significant effects on PPL, HRs, and ROs across all sites. No seasonal differences were found for PPL, HRs, and ROs. The means of PPL (14.01%) and HR (10.18%) were the highest at 25 °C and lowest at 38 °C (0.64% and 0.00%, respectively); mean RO (2.5) was highest at 18 °C. Pharate larvae of Ae. albopictus at 38 °C were first reported. PPL, HRs, and ROs were similar between highlands and lowlands in Visayas and Mindanao. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature influences the development-related phenotypes of Ae. albopictus. F1 eggs can withstand extreme temperatures, hence are public health threats amidst global warming. Both Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti should be included in all-year round vector control strategies against Aedes-borne diseases in the tropics. It is recommended to install water pipelines in the rural mountains to prevent mosquito breeding sites.
Successful rapid intravenous desensitization to rifampicin in a patient with tuberculosis.
Spataro F, Ria R, Cristallo M … +5 more , Indrio L, Desantis V, Vacca A, Solimando AG, Di Girolamo A
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790907 · Publisher ↗
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The role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis at tertiary St. George Hospital Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Dermendzhiev S, Petrova A, Lengerova G … +2 more , Dimitrova N, Deleva P
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790906 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated uncertainty about epidemiology, clinical course, and the influence of comorbidities. Evidence is conflicting on whether bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis alter susce...
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated uncertainty about epidemiology, clinical course, and the influence of comorbidities. Evidence is conflicting on whether bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis alter susceptibility to SARS‑CoV‑2 or the severity of COVID‑19. This study describes occurrence and clinical course of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection in a small cohort of patients with allergic respiratory comorbidities. METHODOLOGY: Nineteen patients with PCR‑confirmed COVID‑19 were observed from 11 to 30 November 2020 at the Department of Occupational Diseases with Clinical Allergy Activity, University Hospital "St. George", Plovdiv. Viral RNA was extracted from respiratory specimens using automated systems and amplified by real‑time PCR; cycle threshold (Ct) values were recorded as an indirect viral load measure. The department was temporarily reorganized as a dedicated COVID‑19 unit and care followed institutional protocols based on international evidence. Data were obtained retrospectively from official medical records; informed consent was included. RESULTS: Clinical histories, examinations, and laboratory data were reviewed for all 19 patients. Six had bronchial asthma and three had allergic rhinitis. Although the sample is small and not statistically representative, allergic respiratory diseases were observed to coexist with SARS‑CoV‑2 infection in this hospitalized series. CONCLUSIONS: Given the lung's central role in both allergic airway disease and COVID‑19, clinicians should evaluate infection risk and clinical implications in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis to inform prevention and management strategies.
Determinants of sputum smear non-conversion after intensive phase treatment among pulmonary TB patients in southern Thailand.
Buatong W, Chaimay B, Woradet S
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790905 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis remains a global health challenge, with sputum conversion serving as a critical indicator of treatment success during the intensive phase. This study aimed to identify factors associated with spu...
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis remains a global health challenge, with sputum conversion serving as a critical indicator of treatment success during the intensive phase. This study aimed to identify factors associated with sputum smear non-conversion at the end of intensive phase treatment among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODOLOGY: This case-control study utilized data from the National Tuberculosis Information Program (NTIP) Registry database between 2014 and 2019. Newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients were included. The study comprised 322 cases of sputum smear non-conversion and 644 controls who achieved sputum smear conversion. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Factors significantly associated with sputum smear non-conversion included male sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.10-2.25), age 35-59 years (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.19-2.59), age ≥ 60 years (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.09-2.71), sputum AFB smear grading of 2+ (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.20-6.28) and 3+ (AOR = 4.72, 95% CI: 2.14-10.43), and receiving treatment at a private hospital (AOR = 4.94, 95% CI: 2.34-10.44). In contrast, patients weighing ≥ 50 kg at baseline treatment were less likely to experience non-conversion (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Patients' sex, age, sputum acid-fast bacilli [AFB] smear grading, and private hospital access were significant risk factors for sputum smear non-conversion, while higher baseline weight appeared protective. Enhanced monitoring of high-risk groups could improve treatment outcomes.
Antimicrobial resistance: a critical public health challenge in Albania.
Shapo L, Brati Kika B
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790904 · Publisher ↗
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR): AMR represents a critical challenge for healthcare systems globally and in Albania. The increasing ability of microorganisms to withstand standard therapies complicates infection managemen...
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR): AMR represents a critical challenge for healthcare systems globally and in Albania. The increasing ability of microorganisms to withstand standard therapies complicates infection management, elevates morbidity and mortality, and drives up healthcare costs. Overprescribing and incomplete antibiotic courses are principal contributors, underscoring the necessity for robust stewardship and ongoing education. Continued research and the development of novel antimicrobials are essential. GROWING CONCERN: AMR is exacerbated by inappropriate antimicrobial use, suboptimal infection control, and global mobility. Both human and veterinary medicine are affected, with resistance spreading via direct contact and the food chain. The "One Health" approach-integrating human, animal, and environmental health-is essential for effective AMR management; and without intervention, AMR could result in millions of deaths annually. The major drivers of AMR include (i) unnecessary prescriptions and incomplete treatment courses; (ii) poor hygiene and infection control in clinical settings; (iii) international movement of people and goods; and (iv) limited development of new antimicrobial agents. Albania is experiencing rising rates of antibiotic resistance, particularly in urinary tract infections (UTIs) and community-acquired pathogens. Excessive antibiotic prescribing among certain healthcare professionals highlights the need for improved stewardship and adherence to clinical guidelines. The National Action Plan on AMR exists, but its implementation requires further evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Albania has established a functioning AMR surveillance system and continues to implement awareness campaigns. Ongoing research and targeted interventions are needed to address resistance trends. Strengthening stewardship and surveillance is critical to mitigating the impact of AMR on patient outcomes and public health.
Parvovirus B19-induced aplastic crisis in a kidney transplant recipient.
Strakosha A, Rista E, Imeraj A … +3 more , Pasko N, Cadri V, Dedej T
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Feb · PMID 41790903 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Parvovirus B19 infection is a rare, but important cause of severe anemia in kidney transplant recipients. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 32-year-old male with end-stage kidney disease undergoin...
INTRODUCTION: Parvovirus B19 infection is a rare, but important cause of severe anemia in kidney transplant recipients. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 32-year-old male with end-stage kidney disease undergoing living-donor kidney transplantation and subsequently developing profound anemia. Our case emphasizes the heightened risks of developing infectious complications among kidney transplant recipients due to their intense immunosuppressed state and the diagnostic challenges parvovirus B19 presents in this population. In this context, maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion in recipients presenting with severe, erythropoietin-resistant anemia and reticulocytopenia is essential in ensuring a timely diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Adopting a tailored, multidisciplinary approach that balances the risks of acute rejection with the need to reduce immunosuppression to promote viral clearance, is paramount to improving hematological and allograft outcomes.
Cervical HPV in central China: regional prevalence, subtypes and pathology.
Guan J, Liu H, Li J … +3 more , Chang Z, Zhang M, Xiao X
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Jan · PMID 41662430 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics, subtype distribution, and clinical correlations of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Jingmen, China. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective...
INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics, subtype distribution, and clinical correlations of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Jingmen, China. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study of 5,155 women screened at Jingmen Central Hospital (2022-2024). The participants were categorized into 6 age groups: ≤ 20 years (n = 54), 21-30 years (n = 791), 31-40 years (n = 1,757), 41-50 years (n = 1,371), 51-60 years (n = 968), and ≥ 61 years (n = 214). HPV genotyping and histopathology were used to assess infection patterns and lesion correlations. RESULTS: The infection rates of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV), low-risk HPV (LR-HPV), and mixed infections were 18.10% (933/5,155), 3.38% (174/5,155), and 3.38% (174/5,155), respectively. HR-HPV infections exhibited a bimodal age distribution, with peak prevalence in women aged ≤ 20 years (33.33%) and ≥ 61 years (39.25%). This age-related difference was statistically significant (χ² = 81.430, p < 0.001). The dominant subtypes were HPV52 (23.5%), HPV16 (13.9%), and HPV58 (13.3%). Notably, HPV16 was significantly more prevalent in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL; 44.3%) and cervical cancer (CC; 55.5%), compared with low-grade lesions (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified both adolescent/young women (≤ 20 years) and older women (≥ 61 years) as high-risk populations for HR-HPV infection. Notably, HPV16 (55.5%) exhibited significantly higher detection rates in cervical cancer cases, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing this subtype in region-specific vaccine-based prevention strategies. These findings underscore the need for tailored clinical management approaches based on viral subtype distribution and lesion severity.
Respiratory symptoms: a significant factor to be considered in dengue infection.
Murugesan R, Thiruvengadam K, Roy A … +2 more , Pulikkottil S, Paluru V
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Jan · PMID 41662429 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a major arboviral infection. Clinical manifestations range widely from mild, non-specific febrile syndromes to serious, life-threatening conditions. Dengue cases have increased globally over the l...
INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a major arboviral infection. Clinical manifestations range widely from mild, non-specific febrile syndromes to serious, life-threatening conditions. Dengue cases have increased globally over the last ten years. Dengue patients show gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify the associated demographic risk factors, and evaluate the significance of respiratory symptoms for early diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: Blood samples were collected from dengue-suspected patients reported to various health centers in South Andaman, from January 2018 to December 2022, and were processed by antigen/antibody assay. The odds of factors for being dengue positive among dengue suspects were analyzed using the Chi-square test, logistic regression models, and random forest analysis. RESULTS: Blood samples were collected from 14,783 (99.6%) of the 14,836 dengue suspects. Dengue infection was confirmed in 1,354 (9.2%) suspects. A significantly higher prevalence of infection was observed in the age group 16 to 30 years. Resident males of urban areas had higher dengue positives. Fever was a significant clinical manifestation of dengue infection. Rhinorrhea and other respiratory symptoms showed a significant association (p < 0.05) with dengue infection. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory discomfort was found to have a significant association with individuals suspected of dengue. Dengue positivity rate per 1000 population was high among these individuals. This study determined the key signs that can be considered significant to suspect dengue, including respiratory ailments. This will help the healthcare professionals to identify dengue cases at an early stage, to initiate fluid-based treatment.
Evaluation of infection prevention and control in a Moroccan university hospital using the IPCAF tool.
Melalka L, Assi F, Zouhdi M … +1 more , Sekhsokh Y
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Jan · PMID 41662428 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant global health challenge. In Morocco, while the prevalence of HAIs has been studied in university hospitals, limited research has focused on the effe...
INTRODUCTION: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant global health challenge. In Morocco, while the prevalence of HAIs has been studied in university hospitals, limited research has focused on the effectiveness of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs. This study evaluates the adherence of 8 Moroccan hospitals to IPC standards using the Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF). METHODOLOGY: Eight Moroccan hospitals participated in this study. The IPC compliance of each hospital was assessed using the IPCAF tool, which evaluates IPC committees, staff training, infrastructure, and surveillance systems. RESULTS: The study showed significant variation in IPCAF scores. Hospitals such as Maternity and Reproductive Health Hospital - Orangers, Ibn Sina Hospital, and National Institute of Oncology achieved high compliance, with scores of 657.5 and 652.5, reflecting 82.19% and 81.56% compliance. These hospitals demonstrated strong IPC committees, effective training, and consistent surveillance. In contrast, Arrazi Hospital and Souissi Maternity had lower scores, with HAI scoring 352.5, indicating gaps in IPC practices. The lower-scoring hospitals struggled with infrastructure, staff involvement, and adherence to IPC guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the importance of leadership commitment, regular training, and surveillance to improve IPC outcomes. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in underperforming hospitals to address gaps in infrastructure and staff involvement, thereby enhancing patient safety and infection control standards in Morocco.
Understanding delayed diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis: a cross-sectional study in Semarang, Indonesia.
Handayani S, Isworo S, Hinchcliff R … +3 more , Wahyudi F, Aryani L, Triyono A
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Jan · PMID 41662427 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health challenge worldwide. Despite the aspiration of the World Health Organization's 'End TB Strategy', Indonesia continues to struggle with adequate identification and...
INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health challenge worldwide. Despite the aspiration of the World Health Organization's 'End TB Strategy', Indonesia continues to struggle with adequate identification and diagnosis of TB cases, resulting in prolonged delays in accessing treatment. This study examined the factors influencing patients' delay and routes to accessing a reliable TB diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 179 TB patients receiving appropriate treatment from 10 primary healthcare services in Semarang, Indonesia. Data were collected through a questionnaire, analyzed using Chi square analysis, and binary logistic regression was used to predict the correlation and odds ratio variables related to the delayed diagnosis. RESULTS: Most participants were diagnosed by primary healthcare services (89%). Females experienced more delay compared to males (53% vs 47%). The median diagnostic delay was 19 days between the first onset of symptoms and receiving a reliable diagnosis. Education (p value: 0.040; adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.348; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.127-0.951), and belief that TB is a hereditary disease (p value < 0.001; AOR: 1.671; 95% CI: 1.253-2.229) were identified as key factors associated with diagnostic delay. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive community interventions targeting the factors identified in this study are needed to improve education with culturally sensitive strategies and greater engagement with both formal and informal care providers.
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