Abiden Kapar, Songsong Xie, Zihao Guo, Yan Nan, Yaling Du, Xi Yin, Tao Gong, Xiu Gu, Yang Zhou, Wenli Lu, Aimin Yang, Zhaohui Luo, Jianghong Dai, Kailu Wang, Shi Zhao, Kai Wang
{"title":"Effectiveness of azvudine against severe outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Xinjiang, China: a single-center, retrospective, matched cohort study.","authors":"Abiden Kapar, Songsong Xie, Zihao Guo, Yan Nan, Yaling Du, Xi Yin, Tao Gong, Xiu Gu, Yang Zhou, Wenli Lu, Aimin Yang, Zhaohui Luo, Jianghong Dai, Kailu Wang, Shi Zhao, Kai Wang","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2362900","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2362900","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Since the end of 2022, Azvudine was widely used to treat hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in China. However, data on the real-world effectiveness of Azvudine against severe outcomes and post-COVID-19-conditions (PCC) among patients infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variants was limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Azvudine in hospitalized COVID-19 patients during a SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 dominance period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From 1 November 2022 to 1 July 2023, an SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 dominant period, we conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study based on hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from a tertiary hospital in Shihezi, China. Patients treated with Azvudine and usual care were propensity-score matched (PSM) at a 1:1 ratio to a control group in which patients received usual care only, with matching based on covariates such as sex, age, ethnicity, number of preexisting conditions, antibiotic use at admission, and baseline complete blood cell count. The primary outcomes were all-cause death and short-term (60 days) PCC post discharge. The secondary outcomes included the initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation and PCC at long-term post discharge (120 days). Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression models were employed to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) of Azvudine treatment for both all-cause death and invasive mechanical ventilation, and logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for short-term and long-term PCC. Subgroup analyses were performed based on a part of the matched covariates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 2,639 hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were initially identified, and 2,069 ineligible subjects were excluded from analyses. After matching, 297 Azvudine recipients and 297 matched controls were eligible for analyses. The incidence rate of all-cause death was relatively lower in the Azvudine group than in control group (0.007 per person, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001, 0.024 vs 0.128, 95% CI: 0.092, 0.171), and the use of Azvudine was associated with a significantly lower risk of death (HR: 0.049, 95% CI: 0.012, 0.205). Subgroup analyses suggested protection of Azvudine against the risks of all-cause death among men, age over 65, patients without the preexisting conditions, and patients with antibiotics dispensed at admission. Statistical differences were not observed between the Azvudine group and the control group for the risks of invasive mechanical ventilation or short and long-term PCC.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings indicated that Azvudine was associated with lower risk of all-cause death among hospitalized patients with Omicron BA.5 infection in a real-world setting. Further investigation is needed to explore the effectiveness of Azvudine against the PCC after discha","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"569-577"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141186243","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}
Amey Deshpande, Rupali Likhar, Tabassum Khan, Abdelwahab Omri
{"title":"Decoding drug resistance in <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> complex: genetic insights and future challenges.","authors":"Amey Deshpande, Rupali Likhar, Tabassum Khan, Abdelwahab Omri","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2400536","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2400536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Tuberculosis (TB), particularly its drug-resistant forms (MDR-TB and XDR-TB), continues to pose a significant global health challenge. Despite advances in treatment and diagnosis, the evolving nature of drug resistance in <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> (MTB) complicates TB eradication efforts. This review delves into the complexities of anti-TB drug resistance, its mechanisms, and implications on healthcare strategies globally.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>We explore the genetic underpinnings of resistance to both first-line and second-line anti-TB drugs, highlighting the role of mutations in key genes. The discussion extends to advanced diagnostic techniques, such as Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS), CRISPR-based diagnostics and their impact on identifying and managing drug-resistant TB. Additionally, we discuss artificial intelligence applications, current treatment strategies, challenges in managing MDR-TB and XDR-TB, and the global disparities in TB treatment and control, translating to different therapeutic outcomes and have the potential to revolutionize our understanding and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The current landscape of anti-TB drug resistance demands an integrated approach combining advanced diagnostics, novel therapeutic strategies, and global collaborative efforts. Future research should focus on understanding polygenic resistance and developing personalized medicine approaches. Policymakers must prioritize equitable access to diagnosis and treatment, enhancing TB control strategies, and support ongoing research and augmented government funding to address this critical public health issue effectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"511-527"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142105900","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":"Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on parasitic drug resistance.","authors":"Soheil Sadr, Pouria Ahmadi Simab, Mahta Niazi, Zahra Yousefsani, Narges Lotfalizadeh, Ashkan Hajjafari, Hassan Borji","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2360684","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2360684","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The emergence of antiparasitic drug resistance poses a concerning threat to animals and humans. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been widely used to treat infections in humans, pets, and livestock. Although this is an emerging field of study, the current review outlines possible mechanisms and examines potential synergism in combination therapies and the possible harmful effects of such an approach.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>The present study delved into the latest pre-clinical research on utilizing MSCs to treat parasitic infections. As per investigations, the introduction of MSCs to patients grappling with parasitic diseases like schistosomiasis, malaria, cystic echinococcosis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis has shown a reduction in parasite prevalence. This intervention also alters the levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the combined administration of MSCs and antiparasitic drugs has demonstrated enhanced efficacy in combating parasites and modulating the immune response.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Mesenchymal stem cells are a potential solution for addressing parasitic drug resistance. This is mainly because of their remarkable immunomodulatory abilities, which can potentially help combat parasites' resistance to drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"435-451"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141156750","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":"Can we use azithromycin eye drops for gonococcal ophthalmia prophylaxis in the United States?","authors":"Susannah Franco, Margaret R Hammerschlag","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2359725","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2359725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Neonatal ocular prophylaxis with 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is mandated by law in many U.S. states despite its lack of efficacy in preventing chlamydial ophthalmia and the low incidence of gonococcal ophthalmia today. The current shortage of 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is bringing into question what alternatives exist for neonatal ocular prophylaxis for the prevention of gonococcal ophthalmia. Providers in states with mandates are concerned with the implications of administering intramuscular ceftriaxone to every newborn. Azithromycin eye drops are being considered as an alternative.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This article discusses 1% azithromycin eye drops as an alternative to 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Clinical experience, side effects, resistance, logistics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics are considered.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Azithromycin eye drops are not an appropriate alternative to 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for ocular prophylaxis. Prenatal screening and treatment of pregnant women is the most effective way to prevent neonatal ophthalmia. Mandates for universal prophylaxis should be withdrawn to avoid unnecessary medication administration, healthcare costs, and potential harm.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"373-377"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141087526","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":"Is the world crippled by antimicrobial resistance, or simply lacking information?","authors":"Ahmad Z Al Meslamani","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2322429","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2322429","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"365-368"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139930745","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":"Antibiotic stewardship: following in the footsteps of Nordic countries?","authors":"Niels Frimodt-Møller, Frederik Boetius Hertz","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2323122","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2323122","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"369-371"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140021335","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}
Adriano Focus Lubanga, Akim Nelson Bwanali, Frank Kambiri, Gracian Harawa, Steward Mudenda, Samuel L Mpinganjira, Nathan Singano, Tumaini Makole, Thandizo Kapatsa, Mapeesho Kamayani, Stuart Ssebibubbu
{"title":"Tackling antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and opportunities for implementing the new people-centered WHO guidelines.","authors":"Adriano Focus Lubanga, Akim Nelson Bwanali, Frank Kambiri, Gracian Harawa, Steward Mudenda, Samuel L Mpinganjira, Nathan Singano, Tumaini Makole, Thandizo Kapatsa, Mapeesho Kamayani, Stuart Ssebibubbu","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2362270","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2362270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Antimicrobial drugs form an essential component of medical treatment in human and animal health. Resistance associated with their use has posed a global public health threat. Multiple efforts have been made at the global level directed by the World Health Organization and associated partners to develop policies aimed at combatting antimicrobial resistance.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Whilst the Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance and people-centered framework aim to guide countries in implementing successful antimicrobial resistance policies, their adoption and success depend on different implementation contexts. Therefore, this paper highlights the challenges and opportunities for implementing the World Health Organization's people-centered approach in sub-Saharan Africa, whilst recognizing antimicrobial resistance as a multifaceted problem rooted in 'complex systems.'</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The people-centered approach provides a solid framework for combating antimicrobial resistance. Countries should build sustainable national action plans, adopt the One Health approach, limit over-the-counter antibiotic consumption, and educate communities on rational antibiotic use. They should also promote inter-country collaborations and innovative solutions, strengthen drug regulatory capacities, invest in infection control, water sanitation, hygiene, diagnostics, and surveillance tools, and promote vaccine uptake to prevent drug-resistant infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"379-386"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141175229","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}
Muhammad Zeeshan Munir, Amer Hayat Khan, Tahir Mehmood Khan
{"title":"Healthcare professionals' understanding and perception of drug-related issues linked to off-label pharmacological medications used for COVID-19.","authors":"Muhammad Zeeshan Munir, Amer Hayat Khan, Tahir Mehmood Khan","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2310004","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2310004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To evaluate the opinions of healthcare workers regarding drug therapy problems linked to anti-infective medicines used for the treatment of COVID-19 infection in Pakistan.</p><p><strong>Research methodology: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire developed by the authors, having three sections: demographics, knowledge, and perception. The study was validated by research experts and pilot-tested on 30 subjects. The study included medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists from Punjab's government and private medical institutes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, 382 of 400 participants replied. The mean knowledge score was 9.52 (SD 2.97), showing that participants had adequate knowledge of COVID-19 pharmacological interventions. The knowledge scores were significantly higher of those who treated COVID-19 patients and were from Lahore. Many doctors considered that elderly patients and those with blood disorders were at greater risk of experiencing drug-related problems. Most pharmacists support electronic prescription systems. Many doctors thought the lack of unified treatment guidelines, multiple prescribers, and self-medication were key obstacles in managing COVID-19 patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Most respondents had adequate knowledge. Older patients with comorbidities are at risk of adverse effects. Self-medication, polypharmacy, and multiple prescriptions can lead to misdiagnosis and complications. Electric prescriptions, team effort, and training programs can decrease these issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"487-493"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139541792","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}
Pulin Li, Ling Huang, Rui Han, Min Tang, Guanghe Fei, Daxiong Zeng, Ran Wang
{"title":"Safety and efficacy of Paxlovid in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 during the omicron epidemic: a multicentre study from China.","authors":"Pulin Li, Ling Huang, Rui Han, Min Tang, Guanghe Fei, Daxiong Zeng, Ran Wang","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2309998","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2309998","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Since December 2022, the Omicron variant has led to a widespread pandemic in China. The study was to explore the safety and effectiveness of Paxlovid for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>We included patients at risk of developing severe COVID-19, all of whom exhibited mild to moderate symptoms and were admitted to three hospital centers. Patients were divided into two groups: one received Paxlovid alongside standard care, while the other was given only standard care. We compared clinical characteristics, hospital stay duration, and clinical outcomes between two groups. Multi-factor analysis determined the independent risk factors influencing the duration of hospitalization and disease progression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the study, those treated with Paxlovid shorter hospital stays than those in the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the absence of Paxlovid treatment was a distinct risk factor for hospitalizations lasting over 7 days (OR: 4.983, 95% CI: 3.828-6.486, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and 14 days (OR: 2.940, 95% CI: 2.402-3.597, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Amid the Omicron outbreak, Paxlovid has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for reducing hospitalization durations for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"469-477"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139650631","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}
Aditya K Gupta, Mesbah Talukder, Avner Shemer, Eran Galili
{"title":"Safety and efficacy of new generation azole antifungals in the management of recalcitrant superficial fungal infections and onychomycosis.","authors":"Aditya K Gupta, Mesbah Talukder, Avner Shemer, Eran Galili","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2362911","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2362911","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Terbinafine is considered the gold standard for treating skin fungal infections and onychomycosis. However, recent reports suggest that dermatophytes are developing resistance to terbinafine and the other traditional antifungal agents, itraconazole and fluconazole. When there is resistance to terbinafine, itraconazole or fluconazole, or when these agents cannot used, for example, due to potential drug interactions with the patient's current medications, clinicians may need to consider off-label use of new generation azoles, such as voriconazole, posaconazole, fosravuconazole, or oteseconazole. It is essential to emphasize that we do not advocate the use of newer generation azoles unless traditional agents such as terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole have been thoroughly evaluated as first-line therapies.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This article reviews the clinical evidence, safety, dosage regimens, pharmacokinetics, and management algorithm of new-generation azole antifungals.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Antifungal stewardship should be the top priority when prescribing new-generation azoles. First-line antifungal therapy is terbinafine and itraconazole. Fluconazole is a consideration but is generally less effective and its use may be off-label in many countries. For difficult-to-treat skin fungal infections and onychomycosis, that have failed terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole, we propose consideration of off-label voriconazole or posaconazole.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"399-412"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141260763","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}