Infectious Disease Reports最新文献

{"title":"Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Hospitalized Patients: A Five-Year Surveillance in Italy.","authors":"Marcello Guido, Antonella Zizza, Raffaella Sedile, Milva Nuzzo, Laura Isabella Lupo, Pierfrancesco Grima","doi":"10.3390/idr17040076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17040076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Antibiotic resistance is a significant and escalating challenge that limits available therapeutic options. This issue is further exacerbated by the decreasing number of new antibiotics being developed. Our study aims to describe the epidemiology and pattern of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative infections isolated from a cohort of hospitalized patients and to analyze the distribution of infections within the hospital setting. <b>Methods</b>: A retrospective study was conducted on all patients admitted to Vito Fazzi Hospital in Lecce, Italy, who required an infectious disease consultation due to the isolation of Gram-negative bacteria from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022. <b>Results</b>: During the study period, 402 isolates obtained from 382 patients (240 men and 142 women) with infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria were identified. Among these isolated, 226 exhibited multidrug resistance, defined as resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent from three or more different classes. In 2018, the percentage of multidrug-resistant isolates peaked at 87.6%, before decreasing to the lowest level (66.2%) in 2021. Overall, of the 402 isolates, 154 (38.3%) displayed resistance to carbapenems, while 73 (18.1%) were resistant to extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Among the resistant microorganisms, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> showed the highest resistance to carbapenems, accounting for 85.2% of all resistant strains. <i>Escherichia coli</i> exhibited the greatest resistance to ESBLs, with a rate of 86.7%. Among carbapenem-resistant <i>K. pneumoniae</i> isolates, the following resistance rates were observed: KPC-1 at 98.2%, IMP-1 at 0.9%, VIM-1 at 0.9%, and NDM-1 at 0.9%. <b>Conclusions</b>: Patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria have limited treatment options and are therefore at an increased risk of death, complications, and longer hospital stays. Rapid diagnostic techniques and antimicrobial stewardship programs-especially for ESBLs and carbapenemases-can significantly shorten the time needed to identify the infection and initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy compared to traditional methods. Additionally, enhancing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance within populations is crucial to address this emerging public health challenge.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: Silva et al. Abnormal Neurologic and Motor Function in Newborns Treated for Congenital Syphilis. <i>Infect. Dis. Rep.</i> 2025, <i>17</i>, 34.","authors":"Bruna Silva, Luciana Friedrich, Graziela Biazus, Renata Bueno, Carla Almeida","doi":"10.3390/idr17040075","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17040075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the original publication [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12277966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144674693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Hospitalization and Mortality: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes During the Early Phase of the Pandemic.","authors":"Brenda Garduño-Orbe, Paola Selene Palma-Ramírez, Eduardo López-Ortiz, Gabriela García-Morales, Juan Manuel Sánchez-Rebolledo, Alexis Emigdio-Loeza, Anel Gómez-García, Geovani López-Ortiz","doi":"10.3390/idr17040074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17040074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Although COVID-19 vaccination has been effective in reducing severe illness and mortality, its differential clinical behavior in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals during the early stages of the pandemic-especially in settings with partial coverage and real-world conditions-remains insufficiently characterized. <b>Objective</b>: To assess differences in clinical presentation, comorbidity prevalence, hospitalization, and mortality between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during the early phase of the pandemic. <b>Methods</b>: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using 4625 electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Guerrero, Mexico, between 1 January and 31 December 2021. Variables included vaccination status, age, sex, comorbidities, symptom severity, clinical outcomes, and mortality. Statistical analyses involved chi-square tests, logistic regression for hospitalization probability, and Cox proportional hazards models for mortality risk. <b>Results</b>: Of the patients analyzed, 31.45% had received at least one vaccine dose. Fever, headache, cough, and anosmia were more frequent among vaccinated individuals (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Prostration and chest pain were strongly associated with hospitalization in both groups. In unvaccinated patients, smoking (OR = 4.75), obesity (OR = 3.85), and hypertension (OR = 2.94) increased hospitalization risk. Among vaccinated patients, diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.62) and hypertension (OR = 2.88) were key predictors. Vaccination was significantly associated with lower odds of hospitalization (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.26-0.55) and reduced mortality risk (HR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.71). <b>Conclusions</b>: Vaccination status was a significant protective factor for both hospitalization and mortality; however, clinical symptoms and comorbidity-related risks varied, highlighting the need for individualized patient management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Northern Thailand: A Retrospective Study from 2016 to 2024.","authors":"Nang Kham-Kjing, Sirithip Phruekthayanon, Thipsuda Krueyot, Panaddar Phutthakham, Sorasak Intarasoot, Khajornsak Tragoolpua, Kanya Preechasuth, Tanawan Samleerat Carraway, Natedao Kongyai, Woottichai Khamduang","doi":"10.3390/idr17040073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17040073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant public health concern in Thailand, with genotype-specific, drug-dependent variations influencing treatment response and disease progression. Despite the availability of pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), genotype surveillance remains essential for optimizing national elimination strategies. This study thus aims to characterize the molecular distribution of HCV genotypes in northern Thailand. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a retrospective molecular epidemiological study on 1737 HCV-infected patients who attended the Clinical Microbiology Service Unit (CMSU) Laboratory, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University between April 2016 and June 2024. HCV genotyping was performed using Sanger sequencing and reverse hybridization line probe assay (LiPA). <b>Results:</b> Genotype 3 was the most prevalent (36.6%), followed by genotype 1 (35.8%) and genotype 6 (27.2%). Subtype 3a (27.2%) predominated, along with 1a (22.1%), 1b (12.6%), and genotype 6 subtypes including 6c to 6l (13.5%) and 6n (6.6%). Males had a higher prevalence of genotype 1, while genotype 3 was more common among females. Temporal analysis revealed a relative increase in genotype 6 prevalence since 2021. Genotype 6 also exhibited significantly higher median viral loads compared to genotypes 1 and 3 (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). <b>Conclusions:</b> This study provides updated evidence on the shifting distribution of HCV genotypes in northern Thailand, particularly the increasing prevalence of genotype 6. These findings underscore the importance of continued molecular surveillance to guide genotype-specific treatment strategies and support Thailand's 2030 HCV elimination goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polylactic Acid Membranes, a Novel Adjunct Treatment for Bullous Impetigo.","authors":"Ana Lorena Novoa-Moreno, Mario Aurelio Martinez-Jimenez, Arturo Ortiz-Alvarez, Natalia Sanchez-Olivo, Victor Manuel Loza-Gonzalez, Jose Luis Ramirez-GarciaLuna","doi":"10.3390/idr17030072","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by blistering and erosions that can lead to significant discomfort and complications. The standard treatment includes topical or systemic antibiotics, but severe cases may require advanced wound management strategies. Polylactic acid (PLA)-based membranes have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing wound healing, modulating inflammation, and reducing pain. <b>Clinical case:</b> We present three cases of bullous impetigo with extensive erosions, managed using PLA membranes as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics. A significant improvement was shown after 7 days of treatment of a single application, and complete resolution was achieved after 30 days. Notably, pain was resolved within 48-72 h, highlighting the analgesic and protective properties of the membrane. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings suggest that PLA membranes provide a viable adjunct to antibiotic therapy in bullous impetigo, accelerating healing, reducing discomfort, and improving long-term skin outcomes. Given the increasing concern over antibiotic resistance and the limitations of standard wound care, bioresorbable synthetic membranes represent a promising alternative in dermatological wound management.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and Occupational Predictors of Mortality in Ebola Virus Disease: A Commentary from the Democratic Republic of Congo (2018-2020).","authors":"Jean Paul Muambangu Milambo, Charles Bitamazire Businge","doi":"10.3390/idr17030071","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This commentary analyzes demographic, clinical, and occupational characteristics associated with Ebola virus disease (EVD) outcomes during the 2018-2020 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). <b>Methods:</b> A total of 3477 EVD cases were included. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between clinical outcomes and patient characteristics. Comorbidity estimates and healthcare worker (HCW) occupational exposure data were incorporated based on the literature. <b>Results:</b> The median age was 26.5 years (SD = 16.1), with the majority (59.7%) aged 20-59. Males represented 51.3% of the cohort. Most patients (81.8%) worked in occupations that were not disease-exposing. Overall, 450 patients (12.9%) died. Although comorbidities initially appeared predictive of mortality (unadjusted HR: 3.05; 95% CI: 2.41-3.87), their effect was not statistically significant after adjustment (adjusted HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.87-1.59; <i>p</i> = 0.301). The strongest predictor of death was clinical status at admission: patients classified as \"very sick\" had an alarmingly high adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 236.26 (95% CI: 33.18-1682.21; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Non-disease-exposing occupations were also associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.33-2.31; <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> Despite improvements in outbreak response, mortality remains disproportionately high among patients presenting in critical condition and those outside the health sector. These findings underscore the importance of early detection strategies and enhanced protection for all occupational groups during EVD outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SARS-CoV-2 Did Not Spread Through Dental Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan.","authors":"Yasuhiro Tsubura, Yuske Komiyama, Saori Ohtani, Toshiki Hyodo, Ryo Shiraishi, Shuma Yagisawa, Erika Yaguchi, Maki Tsubura-Okubo, Hajime Houzumi, Masato Nemoto, Jin Kikuchi, Chonji Fukumoto, Sayaka Izumi, Takahiro Wakui, Koji Wake, Hitoshi Kawamata","doi":"10.3390/idr17030070","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dental professionals were thought to have the most significant risk of coronavirus infection during the pandemic. Since the first Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient was detected in Japan in January 2020, Japan has faced several waves of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. However, no cluster of SARS-CoV-2 infections associated with dental procedures has been reported in Japan. In this study, we aimed to investigate the actual status of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pandemic through antibody testing for dental professionals. We further investigated saliva and oral management-related aerosol to estimate the risk of virus transmission during dental procedures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer in the blood of dental professionals and their families was determined during the pre-vaccinated period of the SARS-CoV-2 wave to see the history of infection in Japan. Viral loads in saliva and in the aerosol generated during the oral management of COVID-19 patients were detected by RT-qPCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The antibody testing of dental healthcare providers during the early phases of the pandemic in Japan revealed low antibody positivity, which supported the low incidence of infection clusters among dental clinics. The aerosol generated during dental procedures may contain trace levels of SARS-CoV-2, indicating the risk of transmission through dental procedures is limited. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 did not spread through dental clinics.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Very few SARS-CoV-2 infections were observed in dental professionals who took appropriate infection control measures in the early period of the pandemic. Performing dental procedures using standard precautions seems to be sufficient to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193509/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validation of a Questionnaire on the Post-COVID-19 Condition (Long COVID): A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy.","authors":"Angelo Cianciulli, Emanuela Santoro, Roberta Manente, Antonietta Pacifico, Gianni Comunale, Marika Finizio, Mario Capunzo, Francesco De Caro, Gianluigi Franci, Giuseppina Moccia, Giovanni Boccia","doi":"10.3390/idr17030069","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Long COVID is a condition that was initially recognized by social support groups, and later by the scientific and medical communities. It affects COVID-19 survivors at various levels of severity, including young people, children and non-hospitalized people. Although the exact definition is unclear, the most common symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath, which persist for months. Other symptoms include cognitive impairment, pain, palpitations, and gastrointestinal and heart problems. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of a questionnaire designed to examine the development and effects of long COVID.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A questionnaire, composed of three sections, with a total of 24 items, was administered to subjects who had recovered from the COVID-19 disease in Italy. Data were collected from February to April 2025, and a statistical analysis was performed using R^® statistical software for Windows, version 4.3.3. Cronbach's alpha was tested to check internal consistency. The questionnaire was completed voluntarily and anonymously by 250 individuals who had recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The questionnaire was self-administered and had open and structured questions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The highest value of Cronbach's alpha was found on 18 items (alpha = 0.97), which means that the questionnaire has satisfactory internal validity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights and confirms the continuity of symptoms manifested during the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the post-COVID-19 phase and the significant impact of these symptoms on daily life activities. Given its excellent reliability properties and high internal consistency, the instrument is recommended for future longitudinal studies and with large cohorts in order to carry out valid and replicable measurements of COVID-19 symptomatology.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192970/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Demographical and Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Prognosis of Adult Patients with Herpes Zoster in Türkiye: A Retrospective, Multi-Center Study (VARICOMP-Adult Study).","authors":"Esin Senol, Alpay Azap, Selda Sayin Kutlu, Murat Kutlu, Ayse Erbay, Pelin Kocyigit, Emine Colgecen, Ozlem Ozbagcivan, Nilsel Ilter, Funda Yetkin, Serpil Sener, Birsen Mutlu, Rebiay Kiran, Nese Saltoglu, Burhan Engin, Ener Cagri Dinleyici","doi":"10.3390/idr17030068","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Over the past few decades, the rising incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) rates appears to have been a global phenomenon. In Türkiye, there is a lack of comprehensive studies addressing the HZ burden of disease, risk factors, and clinical characteristics. The aim of the VARICOMP-Adult study was to evaluate the clinical and demographic findings of adult patients with HZ. <b>Patients and Methods:</b> We enrolled the medical records of 1955 patients, 1010 females and 945 males, aged between 18 and 97 years between 2009 and 2014. <b>Results:</b> The presence of underlying conditions was present in 35.5% of patients and 345 patients (17.6%) had immunosuppression; 18.0% of patients required hospitalization. The mean age, the presence of underlying conditions, and immunosuppression in hospitalized cases with HZ were higher than those in outpatients. Logistic regression analysis revealed the following risk factors for hospitalization: age, immunosuppression, hypertension, hematological disorders, transplantation, COPD, and the presence of HZ opthalmicus or disseminated disease. We observed seven HZ cases with mortality aged between 58 and 80 years, and all cases had an underlying condition; 9.9% of the entire population reported postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and age and no previous antiviral medications were the risk factors for PHN. <b>Conclusions:</b> This is the largest nationwide study of adult patients with HZ. Effective healthcare interventions such as antiviral therapy and immunization could prove beneficial in combating disease and treating HZ complications, especially in the high-risk population and individuals of older ages.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193520/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The New Reality of Infective Endocarditis: Changes in Patient Demographics and Outcomes in South Carolina.","authors":"Grant Garrison, Julie Royer, Max Habicht, Sarah Battle, Hana R Winders, Kayla Antosz, Anna-Kathryn Burch, Majdi N Al-Hasan, Julie Ann Justo, Pamela Bailey","doi":"10.3390/idr17030067","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Rising rates of opioid use disorder (OUD), usually via injection, has resulted in younger patients being diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE), with unique treatment challenges. <b>Methods:</b> This retrospective ecological study analyzed hospital discharge and home health records from 2016 to 2022 in South Carolina (SC). Cases of IE with concurrent coding for OUD were identified. Differences in patient demographics, hospital characteristics, length of care days, and charges by OUD status were determined using chi-square or <i>t</i>-tests. IE hospitalization rates by OUD status, year, and age group were calculated, and linear regression was used to determine differences by year. <b>Results:</b> There were 8601 acute-care hospitalization records for IE from 2016 to 2022 in the SC dataset, of which 1180 (13.7%) had concurrent OUD coding. Statistically significant differences between patients with and without OUD were identified for sex, age group, race, resident rurality, average number of comorbidities, disposition status, and year (all <i>p</i> < 0.01). The incidence rate of IE increased from 2.5/100,000 in 2016 to 6.9/100,000 in 2022 in patients aged 36 to 49 years with OUD (<i>p</i> = 0.02). Patients with IE and OUD who were discharged home had significantly longer lengths of stay in acute care hospitals (32.9 vs. 15.3 days; <i>p</i> < 0.01) and excessive hospital charges ($308,874 vs. $188,862) compared to those without OUD. <b>Conclusions:</b> Major changes have occurred in the demographics of IE in SC. The increasing incidence rate of IE in younger adults with OUD coupled with prolonged stays at acute care hospitals pose challenges to the healthcare system that require creative solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193507/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}