{"title":"Genomic surveillance of <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i>: a crucial tool in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.","authors":"Daniel Golparian, Ismael Maatouk, Magnus Unemo","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2569049","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2569049","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Baher Elezbawy, Nada Abaza, Mirna Fasseeh, Rawda Elshahawy, Yosra Saeed, Hassan Hendawy, Sergey R Konstantinov, Javier Ruiz-Guiñazú, Corinne Willame, Jeroen Geurtsen, Jan Poolman, Zoltán Voko, Dávid Nagy, Tamás Zelei, Sándor Kovács, Szimonetta Lohner
{"title":"Incidence of staphylococcus aureus infections after surgical interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Baher Elezbawy, Nada Abaza, Mirna Fasseeh, Rawda Elshahawy, Yosra Saeed, Hassan Hendawy, Sergey R Konstantinov, Javier Ruiz-Guiñazú, Corinne Willame, Jeroen Geurtsen, Jan Poolman, Zoltán Voko, Dávid Nagy, Tamás Zelei, Sándor Kovács, Szimonetta Lohner","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2569833","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2025.2569833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Postoperative Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the incidence of postoperative S. aureus infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Embase (2008-2023) for studies reporting S. aureus infections after hip or knee replacement, spinal surgery, craniotomy, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), open colon surgery, abdominal hysterectomy, cesarean section, peripheral vascular bypass, or elective plastic surgery in selected developed countries were considered. We conducted meta-analysis with a generalized linear mixed model and assessed risk of bias. This study is registered with PROSPERO,CRD42023416876.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data from 224 studies indicated a cumulative incidence of deep S. aureus infection after hip surgery 5.05 infections/1000 procedures (95%CI 3.29-7.74), 5.59 (95%CI 3.62-8.63) after knee surgery, 11.74 (95% CI 9.08-15.16) after spinal surgery, and 7.23 (95%CI 1.63-31.86) after CABG surgery. S. aureus infections were associated with increased all-cause mortality among CABG, hip, knee and spinal surgeries. Patients cohorts who received antibiotic prophylaxis and/or underwent decolonization demonstrated lower incidence of S. aureus infections.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The incidence of S. aureus infections varies by procedure, with highest rates seen after spinal surgeries and hysterectomies. Findings highlight the importance of standardized prevention across surgical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marilena Pariano, Matteo Puccetti, Consuelo Fabi, Emilia Nunzi, Sarah Balucchi, Luana Perioli, Maurizio Ricci, Stefano Giovagnoli, Enrico Garaci, Luigina Romani
{"title":"Updates on <i>Candida albicans</i> infections: pathogenesis, resistance, and emerging nanopharmaceutical strategies.","authors":"Marilena Pariano, Matteo Puccetti, Consuelo Fabi, Emilia Nunzi, Sarah Balucchi, Luana Perioli, Maurizio Ricci, Stefano Giovagnoli, Enrico Garaci, Luigina Romani","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2569831","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2569831","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Candidiasis comprises a spectrum of infections ranging from superficial mucosal to life-threatening systemic infections caused by the opportunistic yeast, <i>Candida</i>, a genus containing several species of heterogeneous behavior and unique pathogenesis in the human host. <i>Candida albicans</i> is the most prevalent species. The aim of this review is to provide an update on pathogenesis, resistance and emerging therapeutic strategies in candidiasis, with a focus on <i>C. albicans</i>.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>We discuss recent advancements that have deepened our understanding of <i>Candida</i> pathogenesis, particularly the roles of morphological plasticity, metabolic flexibility, biofilm formation, multidrug resistance and gut dysbiosis. We interrogated three major databases, mainly PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar for the latest (with emphasis on the works published in the last 5 years) developments in antifungal resistance trends, diagnostic innovations, and novel therapeutic strategies, including next-generation antifungals, combination therapies and nanopharmaceuticals. Additionally, we explore emerging strategies, such as probiotics, vaccines, and antifungal stewardship, and discuss the impact of post-COVID-19 immunosuppression, cancer therapies, and climate change on candidiasis epidemiology.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The future of <i>C. albicans</i> management lies in personalized approaches, leveraging genomics, host-pathogen interactions and advanced drug-delivery platforms to combat resistance, overcome the limitations of current systemic therapy and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elizabeth L Schwartz, Nathan C Bahr, Radha Rajasingham
{"title":"Can liposomal amphotericin B be used as a preventive measure for cryptococcal meningitis?","authors":"Elizabeth L Schwartz, Nathan C Bahr, Radha Rajasingham","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2569051","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2569051","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145191542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What do the new CDC HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis guidelines mean for clinical practice?","authors":"Athena P Kourtis, Robyn Neblett Fanfair","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2569052","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2569052","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145191535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimal antibiotic therapy for bacterial central nervous system infections in adults.","authors":"Julie Gorham, Hamza Yousfi, Fabio Silvio Taccone, Michele Salvagno, Maya Hites","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2565581","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2025.2565581","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Central nervous system (CNS) infections are a health concern, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Community-acquired and nosocomial meningitis are distinct entities with potentially different pathogens involved. Prompt antibiotic therapy is crucial. However, challenges arise due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the poor CNS penetration of most antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review summarizes the pathogenesis of bacterial CNS infections, the pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of several classes of antibiotics within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the optimal treatment of these infections in adults. A literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase including all available articles up to February 2025.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The selection of antibiotics with proven CNS penetration and activity against the suspected or confirmed pathogens is essential, particularly in the context of emerging resistance. Higher daily doses and continuous or extended infusions (CI/EI) help maintain therapeutic concentrations in critically ill patients, while intrathecal (IT) administration of antibiotics should be considered when systemic therapy alone is insufficient. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is crucial for optimizing dosing, especially for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices. Although CSF TDM remains uncommon and challenging, it should be performed in specialized centers with experience in antibiotic pharmacokinetics.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145198953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonathan Falconer, Tshiamo M Mmotsa, Nelesh P Govender, Joseph N Jarvis
{"title":"Diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis in people living with HIV in low-income countries: barriers and strategies.","authors":"Jonathan Falconer, Tshiamo M Mmotsa, Nelesh P Govender, Joseph N Jarvis","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2554999","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2554999","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is the second leading cause of AIDS-related mortality where the burden of advanced HIV disease is concentrated. Advances in diagnostics and treatment, including cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening and short-course antifungal regimens, have improved clinical outcomes in trials, but replicating these same benefits in routine care has proven more difficult.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review outlines the biological rationale for CrAg screening and examines the major operational barriers to effective CM diagnosis in low-income countries. An exploratory literature review identified peer-reviewed articles published before May 2025. We assess challenges for CD4 testing, CrAg screening, lumbar puncture (LP) performance, and routine surveillance. Novel approaches, including risk stratification with semi-quantitative CrAg testing are also described.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The impact of recent diagnostic and treatment advances for cryptococcal disease has been constrained by gaps in implementation. Closing the diagnostic gap requires strengthening decentralized CD4 testing; expanding reflex and point-of-care CrAg, including use of semi-quantitative CrAg assays to prioritize those at highest risk for urgent LP and/or enhanced antifungal treatment; strengthening healthcare provider training, referral systems, LP access, and enhancing community engagement. Integration of these measures into national HIV programs alongside operational research could reduce mortality for patients and costs for health systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144948262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mario Fernández-Ruiz, José María Aguado, Francisco López-Medrano
{"title":"Challenges and controversies of urinary tract infection treatment in kidney transplant recipients.","authors":"Mario Fernández-Ruiz, José María Aguado, Francisco López-Medrano","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2561646","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2561646","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infectious complication in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Beyond attributable morbidity and related costs, post-transplant UTI appears to exert a deleterious effect on graft outcomes. Uncertainties on the significance of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and the increasing role as uropathogens of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) further complicate the therapeutic approach.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Following a contextualizing introduction on the epidemiology, risk factors and consequences of post-transplant UTI, we reviewed the rationale underlying the 'screen-and-treat' strategy for ASB and the recently generated evidence. Most appropriate regimens for the empirical treatment of cystitis and pyelonephritis are discussed in light of recent microbiological trends. The role of novel antibiotics against MDROs is considered, as well as the management of recurrent UTI and the feasibility of dedicated antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs). Finally, future directions and unmet needs are addressed in the present narrative review.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Despite advances to clarify the management of ASB and recent additions to the antibiotic armamentarium, research is needed to optimize the empirical and definitive therapy for post-transplant UTI. This should include the validation of predictive scores for MDRO infection, the effectiveness and safety of novel antibiotics, and the implementation of ASPs in KTRs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145074814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
James McCarty, David Cassie, Shantha Kodihalli, Efe Aigbedo, Jing Tian, Kevin Yeo, Vanja Komlenovic, Lovelyn Charles, Bojan Drobic, Bob Warnock
{"title":"Brincidofovir in the Era of Mpox.","authors":"James McCarty, David Cassie, Shantha Kodihalli, Efe Aigbedo, Jing Tian, Kevin Yeo, Vanja Komlenovic, Lovelyn Charles, Bojan Drobic, Bob Warnock","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2532029","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2532029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Mpox (formerly monkeypox), a systemic infection caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), has become a global problem of increasing concern. There are currently no antiviral treatments that have been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of mpox.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Brincidofovir is a lipid-modified acyclic nucleotide with in vitro and in vivo activity against multiple DNA viruses, including MPXV. It is licensed in the US and Canada for the treatment of human smallpox disease in adults and children, including neonates. It has been used under FDA-authorized emergency use for patients in the US with severe mpox. The authors review the antiviral activity, clinical development, pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of brincidofovir and its potential as an mpox treatment. A comprehensive review was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, Embase and Google Scholar.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Research is needed to better understand mpox epidemiology, natural history, antiviral therapy and vaccines. Brincidofovir is being evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial under the Mpox Study in Africa (MOSA) protocol. Additional studies will assist in clarification of single vs. combination therapy, safety and populations most likely to benefit, as well as the management of treatment complications such as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"781-796"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144616910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Sutherland K Maciver, Naveed Ahmed Khan
{"title":"<i>Naegleria fowleri</i>: emerging therapies and translational challenges.","authors":"Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Sutherland K Maciver, Naveed Ahmed Khan","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2536827","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2025.2536827","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Naegleria fowleri</i> is a rare but fatal free-living ameba with > 97% mortality rate. Despite advances in clinical and scientific understanding, therapeutic options remain limited, and diagnosis is often delayed, presenting significant public health challenges.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>We reviewed recent literature from the last decade, using Google Scholar and PubMed on <i>N. fowleri</i> treatment, emerging drug candidates, repurposed therapeutics, and innovative delivery strategies. Advancements in drug screening are highlighted, unveiling novel therapeutic targets and mechanisms of action. Additionally, the role of climate change and environmental factors in geographic expansion and increased incidence of infections is explored, posing a growing public health risk.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Effective management of <i>N. fowleri</i> infections hinges on early detection and addressing research gaps, particularly in understanding transmission/disease mechanisms. Recent advances in therapeutics, diagnostics, and water treatment to reduce environmental contamination by <i>N. fowleri</i> show promise for lowering infection risk and improving outcomes for primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Collaboration among academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and water industries is essential, with research advancing treatments and vaccines, and water industries contributing by reducing environmental contamination/human exposure to <i>N. fowleri</i>. A combination of treatment strategies and stringent surveillance will be crucial to limit future outbreaks and improve patient prognosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"753-761"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144689689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}