Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Data analysis of patients with positive mould or dimorphic fungal cultures from sterile sites.","authors":"Bonita van der Westhuizen, Samantha Potgieter","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.630","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.630","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Moulds and dimorphic fungi are increasingly recognised as pathogens carrying high morbidity and mortality in critically ill and immune-compromised patients. The lack of surveillance data limits our understanding of these infections.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the distribution, patient characteristics, risk factors, therapy and treatment outcome in patients with positive mould or dimorphic fungal cultures from sterile sites at a tertiary hospital in central South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>All moulds or dimorphic fungi cultured from sterile specimens from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2017 were identified retrospectively. Laboratory and clinical records were reviewed. Information collected included gender and age, type of specimen collected for investigation, specific fungi isolated, underlying conditions, other contributing risk factors, treatment and outcome of the patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-eight patient records were analysed. Male and female patients were equally distributed. The mean age was 40.5 years (range 7-78 years). <i>Aspergillus</i> spp. were most commonly isolated. The most common underlying condition was HIV infection, followed by haematological conditions. Twenty-six (54.2%) patients received treatment involving antifungal therapy alone (<i>n</i> = 19; 73.1%), surgery alone (<i>n</i> = 5; 19.2%) or a combined medical and surgical approach (<i>n</i> = 2; 7.7%). Twenty-two (45.8%) patients received no treatment. The overall mortality rate was 25.0% (<i>n</i> = 12).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The diagnosis of fungal infections remains challenging. In the current study, moulds and dimorphic fungi were isolated from at-risk patients' specimens. Despite treatment with appropriate antifungal agents, the associated mortality rate was high.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on these potentially life-threatening infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"630"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11369746/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142126898","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 Southern African Society for Virology.","authors":"Wolfgang Preiser, Marietjie Venter, Nicola A Page, Felicity J Burt","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.672","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v39i1.672","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"672"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11369742/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142126901","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":"Lessons from a school-based vaccination response following a Diphtheria outbreak in eThekwini district, SA.","authors":"Azipheli E Ngongoma, Moherndran Archary","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.610","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.610","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diphtheria is a life-threatening respiratory tract infection that causes outbreaks in susceptible populations. Between April and May 2018, an outbreak of diphtheria occurred in the eThekwini district. A school-based outbreak vaccination response was initiated to target vulnerable children and adolescents.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study adds to the limited data describing a school-based vaccination in an outbreak response and highlights successes and challenges. School-based outbreak vaccination response can rapidly increase vaccine coverage; however, additional community engagement may be required in vaccine-hesitant populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"610"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11369744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142126899","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":"Comparing adults with severe SARS-CoV-2 or influenza infection: South Africa, 2016-2021.","authors":"Fiona Els, Jackie Kleynhans, Nicole Wolter, Mignon du Plessis, Fahima Moosa, Stefano Tempia, Mvuyo Makhasi, Jeremy Nel, Halima Dawood, Susan Meiring, Anne von Gottberg, Cheryl Cohen, Sibongile Walaza","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.574","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.574","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Comparisons of the characteristics of individuals hospitalised with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or seasonal influenza in low-to middle-income countries with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence are limited.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Determine the epidemiological differences with those hospitalised with influenza or SARS-CoV-2 infection.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We investigated hospitalised individuals ≥18 years of age testing positive for seasonal influenza (2016-2019) or SARS-CoV-2 (2020-2021). We used random effects multivariable logistic regression, controlling for clustering by site, to evaluate differences among adults hospitalised with influenza or SARS-CoV-2 infection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to individuals with influenza, individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to be diabetic (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-2.61) or die in hospital (aOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.61-4.12). Additionally, those with SARS-CoV-2 infection were less likely to be living with HIV (not immunosuppressed) (aOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34-0.73) or living with HIV (immunosuppressed) (aOR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18-0.39) compared to not living with HIV and less likely to be asthmatic (aOR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.13-0.33) rather than those living with influenza.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Individuals hospitalised with SARS-CoV-2 had different characteristics to individuals hospitalised with influenza before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Risk factors should be considered in health management especially as we move into an era of co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza pathogens.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Identifying groups at high risk of severe disease could help to better monitor, prevent and control SARS-CoV-2 or influenza severe disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"574"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11304391/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141903178","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 importance of antimicrobial stewardship: An undergraduate perspective.","authors":"Lodewyk J de Kock","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.598","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.598","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this opinion paper, the author reflects on a transformative experience attending an antimicrobial stewardship workshop that shifted their perception of the looming crisis of antimicrobial resistance. The author emphasises the critical need for greater awareness and education at all levels of society, from healthcare professionals to the general population, to truly comprehend the severity of this issue. Drawing parallels between antimicrobial resistance and more recognised threats such as cancer, the author advocates for a multidisciplinary approach and heightened emphasis on education to foster responsible antimicrobial use. They propose practical strategies, including integrating stewardship principles into medical education and advocating for preventive measures such as vaccination. Ultimately, this paper urges individuals to embrace their roles as stewards of antimicrobials and to seize the opportunity to effect change for the betterment of humanity.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This opinion paper emphasises the urgent need for greater awareness and education on antimicrobial stewardship. It underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and proposes practical strategies, particularly in healthcare education. These insights align with the journal's scope of advancing healthcare education, policy, and addressing global health challenges regarding infectious diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"598"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11325599/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141989173","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":"Knowledge and management of female genital schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol.","authors":"Comfort D Tetteh, Jabulani R Ncayiyana, Sizwe E Makhunga, Alfred K Manyeh, Emmanuel A Asiamah, Themba G Ginindza","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.553","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Approximately 20 to 120 million women of reproductive age worldwide are thought to be affected by female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). It is a preventable manifestation of schistosomiasis in adolescent girls and women, which remains underreported, underdiagnosed, or misdiagnosed, and largely untreated.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to map evidence on the knowledge and management of FGS from 1950 to 2022 in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The Arksey and O'Malley and Levac et al. framework suggestions and a guideline from Joanna Briggs Institute will be employed. Search for literature will be in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, MEDLINE via PubMed, and Google Scholar from 1950 to 2022 for useful published research articles using key phrases or search terms and grey literature with limitations for studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Two reviewers will screen the articles. Kappa coefficients by Cohen statistics will be computed for inter-screener agreement, and the selected articles will be evaluated using Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The researchers will map and explore the evidence of the knowledge and management of FGS in the subregion. The years of publications, countries of study, and settings will be reported, and the identified research gaps will be reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The researchers anticipate that this study will determine and map the evidence on the knowledge and management of FGS in sub-Saharan Africa; identify knowledge and management gaps, and direct future research.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study will add to the literature on FGS and direct future research regarding the knowledge and management of FGS.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"553"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11220137/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141499262","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":"Acute kidney injury in an HIV patient with plasmablastic lymphoma - A double-edged sword.","authors":"Gerhard van Wyk, Liezel Coetzee, Mogamat-Yazied Chothia","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.637","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.637","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HIV patients frequently develop acute kidney injury (AKI) because of sepsis and diarrhoeal disease. Here, we report a case of an HIV-positive man with partially treated sinonasal plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) and unexplained AKI. A kidney biopsy revealed two pathological processes.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>While urinary tract obstruction is the most common mechanism by which PBL causes AKI, maintaining a high level of suspicion for multiple pathological processes in cases involving light chain producing PBL.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"637"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11151415/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141262999","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":"Rapid-onset diarrhoea in HIV patient: The importance of suspecting cholera in non-endemic areas.","authors":"Meisie A Nkoane, Adegoke O Adefolalu","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.619","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.619","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease caused by <i>Vibrio cholerae</i> is typically associated with inadequate potable water supply and poor sanitation. We report cholera disease presentation identified as a suspected case of acute diarrhoea (HIV/AIDS common condition) in a person living with HIV seen in a cholera non-endemic area.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>We highlight the importance of recognizing cholera in cases of acute diarrhoea, especially among people with HIV, in resource-constraint areas that lack potable water supply.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"619"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11151414/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141263001","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":"<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> bacteraemia cases at Helen Joseph Hospital.","authors":"Mithra John, Lauren Richards, Jeremy S Nel","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.626","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.626","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> bacteraemia (SAB) is associated with a high mortality. Data on SAB cases in South Africa (SA) are limited.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to establish the demographic profile, risk factors and complications of patients with SAB in a tertiary inpatient setting.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We conducted a retrospective record review of inpatients above the age of 13 with SAB from October 2015 to November 2022 at Helen Jospeh Hospital (HJH) in Gauteng, SA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 126 patients with SAB were reviewed. The case fatality ratio among these patients was 20.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.9-28.8); this was similar for methicillin-sensitive <i>S. aureus</i> and methicillin-resistant <i>S. aureus</i> (<i>p</i> = 0.154). Almost half (49.2%) were community acquired, and these were chiefly associated with skin and soft tissue infections (45.2%), while most healthcare-associated community-acquired infections (18.3%) and nosocomial-related infections (32.5%) were associated with short-term venous catheterisation (40.6%). The most common risk factors for acquiring a SAB were prior hospitalisation in the last 90 days (27.8%), the presence of an invasive device (26.2%) and receipt of haemodialysis (15.1%). Having hypertension (adjusted odds ratio: 5.55 [95% CI: 1.31-23.55]) and being recently hospitalised (adjusted odds ratio: 11.88 [95% CI: 1.84-26.99]) were associated with statistically significant increased odds of death.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SAB-associated all-cause mortality remains high in a middle-income tertiary hospital setting, albeit with a case fatality ratio comparable to that seen in high-income countries.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Our study suggests that acceptable outcomes are achievable in tertiary middle-income settings provided there is access to resources including infectious diseases consultation, echocardiograms and basic infection control practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"626"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11151412/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141262992","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 clinical Spectrum of Viridans Group Streptococci infections in paediatric patients at a tertiary hospital.","authors":"Nkosinathi S Shongwe, Fikile C Mabena, Jeannette Wadula, Karen Petersen","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.563","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v39i1.563","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Viridans Group Streptococci (VGS) are often considered organisms of low virulence; however, infection can result in clinically significant sepsis and life-threatening complications in paediatric patients.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to describe the spectrum of clinical presentation of VGS bacteraemia in paediatric patients, to analyse risk factors, and to describe the antibiotics resistance patterns of VGS.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Cultures of VGS in paediatric patients admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in 2019 were identified through National Health Laboratory Service. Data were extracted from archived clinical records and analysed. Sepsis scores were calculated at the time of bacteraemia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 133 cultures were identified; 64 (48.1%) polymicrobial cultures and no records 4 (0.03%) were excluded; 65 (48.9%) were analysed. The median age was 1.5 months (range 0.03 to 168, interquartile range [IQR]: 0.3-13.25), 27/65 (42%) were neonates. The median duration of hospitalisation was 7 days (IQR: 3-21). The commonest diagnoses were neonatal sepsis 30.8% (<i>n</i> = 20) and pneumonia 28% (<i>n</i> = 18). The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score was ≥ 2 in 57% (16/28) patients; paediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) score was > 2 in 10/24 (42%). Fifty-seven (88%) patients were discharged; three (5%) required ICU admission and 8/65 (12.3%) died. Malnutrition was present in 50% of patients who died. Cephalosporins and penicillin had sensitivity of 89% and 55%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Viridans Group Streptococci bacteraemia was common in neonates, and pneumonia was a common presentation in this cohort. The VGS bacteraemia was associated with morbidity and deaths in this cohort.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The VGS should be considered a significant organism when cultured from sterile sites and routine antibiotic susceptibility testing should be performed. Prospective studies are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"39 1","pages":"563"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11079360/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140896157","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}