The role of sulbactam-durlobactam in treating carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter infections
Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii present a significant global health challenge. Available treatment options are limited and frequently constrained by unfavourable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles. Sulbactam-durlobactam is a novel β-lactamase inhibitors combination specifically developed to target A. baumannii , including carbapenem-resistant strains. The purpose of this review is to assess the current evidence supporting the role of sulbactam-durlobactam in the management of A. baumannii infections.
Interpreting and managing preservation fluids positive for Gram-negative bacteria
Culturing preservation fluids of solid organs before transplantation is not a standardized procedure. In this review, we aim to describe the state-of-the-art of literature evidence in this debated setting with a special focus on Gram-negative bacteria (GNB).
Update on diagnosis and treatment of fungal meningitis: lessons from recent outbreaks
Recently, fungal meningitis outbreaks have occurred in association with neuraxial and epidural anesthesia in immunocompetent patients. Herein, we describe the course of those outbreaks, their diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and lessons learned.
The evolution of knowledge for treating Gram-negative bacterial infections
Infections caused by nonprimarily pathogenic Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) have been increasingly reported from the second half of the 20th century to the present. This phenomenon has expanded during the antibiotic era and in the presence of immunodeficiency.Before the discovery of sulphonamides and penicillin G, infections caused by GNB were rare compared to Gram-positive infections. The advent of anticancer therapy, the expansion of surgical procedures, the use of corticosteroids, and the implantation of prosthetic materials, along with better control of Gram-positive infections, have promoted the current increase in GNB infections.GNB have similar antimicrobial targets to Gram-positive bacteria. However, only antibiotics that can penetrate the double membrane of GNB and remain in them for a sufficient duration have antibacterial activity against them.
Antiviral combination treatment strategies for SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised patients
The purpose of this review is to report the available evidence regarding the use of combination regimens of antivirals and/or antibody-based therapy in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised patients.
Inborn errors of immunity and invasive fungal infections: presentation and management
We review the clinical presentations of invasive fungal infections in a selection of inborn errors of immunity. In addition, we review the particularities of their management, including antifungal therapy, prophylaxis, and immunomodulatory treatments.
Reassessment of the role of combination antifungal therapy in the current era
Given the high mortality and morbidity associated with invasive fungal diseases (IFDs), the use of combination antifungal therapies is often considered despite the dearth of data. This review aims to summarize the current state of literature of combination antifungal therapies, discussing the potential roles of newer antifungal combinations and key considerations for their clinical use.
The emergence of letermovir and maribavir drug-resistant mutations: from clinical trials to real-world studies
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with severe clinical disease and high morbidity in immunocompromised hosts. Letermovir and maribavir, are two recently developed antiviral drugs used in the prevention and treatment of resistant and refractory CMV. Following the publication of landmark randomized trials and increased use, both clinical trial data and real-world experience has reported the development of antiviral drug resistance. The aim of this review was to comprehensively review the published literature on letermovir and maribavir drug resistance and to describe the clinical scenarios in which they may emerge.
Progress on nonculture based diagnostic tests for invasive mould infection
This review describes the current status of diagnosing invasive mould disease and Pneumocystis pneumonia using nonconventional diagnostics methods.
Chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell therapies going viral: latent and incidental viral infections
Infections are the leading cause of non-relapse mortality following chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy, with viral infections being frequent both in the early and late phases post-infusion. We review the epidemiology of viral infections and discuss critical approaches to prevention and management strategies in this setting.
Therapeutic agents for the treatment of human mpox
The aim of this study was to summarize the current knowledge of therapeutic options for mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the context of recent outbreaks and the ongoing evolution of the virus.
Prenatal and postnatal antiviral therapies for the prevention and treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus infections
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is the leading infectious cause of sensorineural hearing loss and lifelong neurodevelopmental disabilities. Studies suggest antiviral therapy can prevent fetal infection after maternal primary infection, as well as halt the progression of hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disabilities in newborns with symptomatic cCMV. With growing worldwide momentum on early detection and diagnosis of cCMV, this review describes the exciting recent advances in antiviral therapies in CMV infected pregnant mothers and babies, as well as emerging evidence on anti-CMV vaccines.
Not all carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are alike: tailoring antibiotic therapy based on resistance mechanisms
To correlate the resistance mechanisms and the susceptibility to new antibiotics in Pseudomonas aeruginosa .
Chains of misery: surging invasive group A streptococcal disease
We describe the epidemiology of the recent global surge in invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease and consider its proximate and distal causes. We highlight important knowledge gaps regarding clinical management and discuss potential strategies for prevention.
Does climate change threaten delivery of HIV care in resource-limited settings?
Extreme weather events (EWEs) pose a challenge to achieving UNAIDS goal of eliminating HIV as a public health threat by 2030. This review summarizes recent findings describing the disruption of HIV services by EWEs and discusses strategies for a resilient HIV care programme in resource-limited settings.
Prostate cancer in people with HIV
Prostate cancer burden has been rising among people with HIV (PWH), yet it remains understudied in the context of HIV infection. The objective of this review article is to summarize contemporary information on the burden, risk, and outcomes of prostate cancer for people living with HIV.
Managing cognitive impairment in people with HIV
To describe patient-centred multiciplinary management and care of people with HIV presenting with cognitive disorders.
New diagnostic strategies to distinguish Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal tuberculosis
Despite advances in our radiological, histological and microbiological armamentarium, distinguishing between Crohn's disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB), especially in a TB endemic country, continues to be a challenging exercise in a significant number of patients. This review aims to summarize current available evidence on novel diagnostic techniques which have a potential to fill the gap in our knowledge of differentiating between ITB and CD.
No longer stuck in the past: new advances in artificial intelligence and molecular assays for parasitology screening and diagnosis
Emerging technologies are revolutionizing parasitology diagnostics and challenging traditional methods reliant on microscopic analysis or serological confirmation, which are known for their limitations in sensitivity and specificity. This article sheds light on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and molecular assays in the field, promising more accurate and efficient detection methods.
Harnessing artificial intelligence microscopy to improve diagnostics for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis: a review of recent advances and future pathways
This opinion piece aims to explore the transformative potential of integrating artificial intelligence with digital microscopy to enhance diagnostics for soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH), two pervasive neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). By aligning innovative artificial intelligence-driven solutions with WHO's strategic objectives and calls for better, more accessible, and more integrated diagnostics, we highlight the latest advancements that may support improved health outcomes in affected communities.
Viral diarrheas - newer advances in diagnosis and management
Viruses are the most common etiological agents of diarrhea in children. Despite rotavirus vaccine introduction, rotavirus remains as the leading cause of death globally, followed by norovirus, which represents a diagnostic challenge. Here, we describe new advances in the diagnosis and management of viral diarrheas.