Role Of Antibiotic Therapy Research Articles

Nontyphoidal Salmonella Hepatitis: A Rare Complication of a Common Enteric Infection

ABSTRACT Hepatitis from nontyphoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis is rare, especially in immunocompetent patients. We present the case of a 30-year-old woman who was found to have Salmonella serotype C2 gastroenteritis and elevated liver function tests concerning for concurrent hepatitis. An extensive workup was negative for other etiologies, making Salmonella the likely culprit. The patient was managed with supportive measures as her liver function tests and symptoms were improving before obtaining microbiological data. Since the role of antibiotic therapy in such cases is not well studied, disease severity in accordance with current guidelines should be used to tailor treatment on a case-by-case basis.

Is there still a role for antibiotic therapy in acute cholecystitis?

Is there still a role for antibiotic therapy in acute cholecystitis?

An overview on the role of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic made daily news of deaths. According to several studies, a significant number of deaths due to COVID-19 resulted from secondary bacterial infections. Consequently, antimicrobials are important tools in helping to defend against mortality in patients with COVOD-19. It should be noted that, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now estimated to cause notable global deaths. Points to consider that proportion of COVID-19 cases that are prescribed antibiotics are unclear and may be associated with patient injury and AMR. Thus, the aim of the current review was to focus on the role of antibiotic therapy in the treating of COVID-19.

Outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and acute gastrointestinal symptoms who test indeterminate for Clostridioides difficile.

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) can present with similar symptoms. The current preferred method for diagnosing CDI is the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for C. difficile in stool, followed by reflex toxin enzyme immunoassay (EIA) when NAAT is positive. The clinical significance of NAAT(+)/EIA(-) in the IBD population is uncertain.MethodsThis retrospective cohort included IBD patients who presented with acute onset of gastrointestinal symptoms and a C. difficile NAAT(+) test. The primary outcome was C. difficile recurrence within 12 months. Other outcomes examined included hospital admissions within 30 days of CDI, change of IBD maintenance therapy within 90 days of CDI, and complications such as bowel resection or death.ResultsA total of 71 patients were included. Eighty-four percent of the tests were EIA(-) and among the EIA(-) 88% were treated with antibiotics. Outcomes between EIA(+) and EIA(-) were not significantly different in terms of recurrences, admissions, changes to IBD medications or complications. Outcomes were also similar when comparing those who received antibiotic therapy to those who did not.ConclusionsOur cohort did not demonstrate a significant difference in outcomes between EIA(+) and EIA(-) C. difficile patients. Treatment for EIA(-) patients did not improve outcomes. Even though there may be a role for antibiotic therapy in IBD patients who test NAAT(+)/EIA(-) for C. difficile, further studies will be needed to identify that subpopulation.

Determinants of doctors’ antibiotic prescriptions for patients over 75 years old in the terminal stage of palliative care

IntroductionNotwithstanding high prevalence of presumably bacterial infections in elderly persons (EP) in palliative care (PC), there exists no recommendation on the role of antibiotic therapy (ABP) in this type of situation. ObjectiveTo describe the determinants of antibiotic prescription by general practitioners (GP) and by doctors practicing in institutions (DPI) for patients>75 years, in end-of-life situations in PC. MethodDescriptive investigation by anonymous self-administered questionnaire disseminated in France by e-mail. ResultsA total of 301 questionnaires analyzed: 113 GP, 188 DPIs. The latter were mainly geriatricians (69, 36.6%) and infectologists/internists (41, 21.8%). Sixty-three (55,75%) GPs and 144 (78.7%) DPIs stated that they had prescribed antibiotics. Practice in "EHPAD" retirement homes or intensive care was often associated with non-prescription of antibiotics. Age, PC training and number of patients monitored bore no influence. Family involvement in decision-making was more frequent for GPs than for DPIs. The main purpose of antibiotic therapy was to relieve different symptoms (fever, respiratory congestion, functional urinary signs). Most of the doctors (81%) had previously encountered complications (allergy, adverse effect), which represented the main causes of treatment discontinuation. ConclusionAntibiotic use in end-of-life EPs in PC seems frequent. In accordance with the principle of beneficence, its goal of often symptom-related; that said, in the absence of scientific data, antibiotic prescription in end-of-life situations should be individualized in view of observing the other ethical caregiving principles (beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, patient autonomy) and re-evaluated daily.

The Role of Antibiotic Therapy in Infected Wounds: Ccorrelation Between Clinical Judgment and Microbiological Assesment

The Role of Antibiotic Therapy in Infected Wounds: Ccorrelation Between Clinical Judgment and Microbiological Assesment

Role of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of streptococcal infection

The article states the principles for antibiotic therapy for chronic tonsillitis (CT) and acute tonsillopharyngitis (ATP). The greatest attention is paid to the non-angina CT, when the patients, as a general rule, are deprived of antibiotic therapy. At the same time, the article provides data of St. Petersburg Research Institute of ENT, whereby at least 40% of patients with CT have streptococcal etiology of the disease caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) that is confirmed by not only bacteriological, but also immunological research methods (increase in antistreptolysin-O). In addition, the number of diseases caused by groups C and G beta-hemolytic streptococci has increased in recent years. These groups of streptococci contribute to the development of complications like those caused by GABHS, and therefore the doctor’s attitude towards them should be more critical and in some respects - the same as to GABHS. As you know, streptococcal infection is one of the most dangerous due to the development of internal organs and systems complications. This proposition justifies the need for systemic antibacterial therapy in patients with CT, when they are diagnosed with streptococcal infection, regardless of the presence of angina. In vitro studies showed that GABHS has good sensitivity to penicillin preparations. However, it is not always possible to achieve treatment targets in practice. Given that the duration of antibiotic therapy for streptococcal infection should be at least 10 days, it is difficult to achieve full medication adherence. In this regard, prolonged-release penicillins, such as Bicillin-5, gain ground. The article substantiates the use of this drug in CT, discusses a clinical case, which shows the medical history of a girl with coexistent affection with GABHS of the pharynx and vagina. Only 4-month administration of Bicillin-5 allowed to cure the patient, having achieved GABH eradication.

1547 Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: A Rare Cause of Community-Acquired Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in an Immunocompetent Adult

INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic gram negative pathogen known to cause enterocolitis in children and nosocomial infections, including hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) and catheter associated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Rarely, P. aeruginosa causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea in immunocompromised hosts, but this has not been reported in immunocompetent ambulatory hosts. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: An 81 year old previously healthy woman presented to the emergency department (ED) with diarrhea for 2 days. A week prior to symptom onset, she completed a 17 day course of ciprofloxacin for a UTI, with resolution of dysuria. She described frequent, watery, nonbloody bowel movements with nausea and emesis. She was treated with intravenous saline and ondansetron, and discharged. The next day, she developed bloody bowel movements associated with weakness and mild lower abdominal pain. With ongoing diarrhea, she returned to the ED. Physical exam showed very mild left lower quadrant abdominal tenderness, without rebound or guarding. Laboratory studies showed white blood cell count 11,800 cells/mcL, potassium 3.3 meq/dL, and lipase 67 units/L. Electrolytes and liver enzymes were otherwise normal. Clostridium difficile (C difficile) stool toxin PCR was negative. CT abdomen and pelvis without contrast showed diverticulosis and mild inflammation surrounding the sigmoid colon (Figures 1 and 2). She was started empirically on ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, and admitted to the medical floor. Over the next 3 days, she gradually improved. Stool culture grew P. aeruginosa, with absence of normal fecal flora. Sensitivities showed resistance to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Given her clinical improvement, antibiotics were discontinued after 7 days. DISCUSSION: We report a case of P. aeruginosa as a cause of bacterial colitis. Our patient's prior antibiotic therapy may have increased her susceptibility to this infection via loss of normal fecal microbiota, leading to a loss of competitive exclusion and diminished colonic barrier protection. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of post-antibiotic diarrhea caused by P. aeruginosa in an immunocompetent ambulatory host. This may be an important diagnostic consideration in patients presenting with persistent diarrhea following antibiotics, with negative C. difficile stool testing. The role for antibiotic therapy in Pseudomonas associated diarrhea warrants further research.

The 2018 Lebanese Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Guidelines for the use of antimicrobial therapy in complicated intra-abdominal infections in the era of antimicrobial resistance

BackgroundThe Lebanese Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (LSIDCM) is involved in antimicrobial stewardship. In an attempt at guiding clinicians across Lebanon in regards to the proper use of antimicrobial agents, members of this society are in the process of preparing national guidelines for common infectious diseases, among which are the guidelines for empiric and targeted antimicrobial therapy of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI). The aims of these guidelines are optimizing patient care based on evidence-based literature and local antimicrobial susceptibility data, together with limiting the inappropriate use of antimicrobials thus decreasing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and curtailing on other adverse outcomes.MethodsRecommendations in these guidelines are adapted from other international guidelines but modeled based on locally derived susceptibility data and on the availability of pharmaceutical and other resources.ResultsThese guidelines propose antimicrobial therapy of cIAI in adults based on risk factors, site of acquisition of infection, and clinical severity of illness. We recommend using antibiotic therapy targeting third-generation cephalosporin (3GC)-resistant gram negative organisms, with carbapenem sparing as much as possible, for community-acquired infections when the following risk factors exist: prior (within 90 days) exposure to antibiotics, immunocompromised state, recent history of hospitalization or of surgery and invasive procedure all within the preceding 90 days. We also recommend antimicrobial de-escalation strategy after culture results. Prompt and adequate antimicrobial therapy for cIAI reduces morbidity and mortality; however, the duration of therapy should be limited to no more than 4 days when adequate source control is achieved and the patient is clinically stable. The management of acute pancreatitis is conservative, with a role for antibiotic therapy only in specific situations and after microbiological diagnosis. The use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents including systemic antifungals and newly approved antibiotics is preferably restricted to infectious diseases specialists.ConclusionThese guidelines represent a major step towards initiating a Lebanese national antimicrobial stewardship program. The LSIDCM emphasizes on development of a national AMR surveillance network, in addition to a national antibiogram for cIAI stratified based on the setting (community, hospital, unit-based) that should be frequently updated.

Role of antibiotic therapy in bacterial disease: A mathematical study

Pathogenic bacteria in human system mature through the bio-synthesis of protective layer known as cell wall. This bacterial cell wall growth occurs in the presence of enzyme released by it. After maturation by the cell wall formation, pathogenic bacteria become harmful for human body as they are responsible for different diseases. Antibiotics or drugs are employed for curing bacterial diseases through the inhibition of this maturation process and it occurs by the binding progression of antibiotics with the released enzyme. But nowadays, drugs or antibiotics like [Formula: see text]-lactum family (Amoxcillin) which are generally used for inhibition of bio-synthesis of cell wall become ineffective due to evolution of antibiotic resistance by the bacteria. Antibiotic resistance occurs when an antibiotic has lost its ability to effectively control or kill bacterial growth. As a result, the bacteria becomes “resistant” and continue to multiply for the generation of robust pathogenic bacteria in spite of drug administration. This is due to the release of another type of enzyme by the resistant bacteria which binds with the active antibiotic or drug making it ineffective. Hence, another type of drug (Clauvanic acid) is combined to resist the activity of drug hydrolyzing enzyme so that the initial drug can act effectively. Hence a combination of drug therapy is applied to cure the bacterial diseases successfully. We developed a mathematical model based on the bacterial enzyme and bacterial cell wall proliferation mechanism and showed how we can reduce the bacterial infection in the resistant cases with application of combination drugs (Amoxcillin and Clauvanic acid) to restore normal health. Based on the enzymatic activity and individual drug dynamics we studied the overall system under the single drug and combinational drug administration through our formulated model analysis. We also demonstrated the different dosing time interval and dosing concentration to evaluate the optimized drug administration for arresting the cell wall formation completely. Sensitivity of the different kinetic rate constant also has been performed with subject to drug hydrolyzing enzyme. Our analytical and numerical studies also confirm the efficiency of the combinational drug treatment compared to single drug treatment being more effective in drug resistant cases providing recovery from bacterial disease.

The role of antibiotic therapy and hysteroscopy technique in the prevention of infectious and inflammatory complications

Inflammatory complications are relatively frequent in the hierarchy of complications of hysteroscopy. The article describes two clinical case scenarios of hysteroscopic procedures complicated by pelvioperitonitis. The analysis of contemporary local and international literature is presented, and shows different attitude towards the antibiotic prophylaxis of inflammatory complications related to hysteroscopy. Taking into account that potential spread of infected material from the uterine cavity through the tubes into Douglas space plays role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory complications, it is advisable to consider the value of intra-uterine pressure as one of the main factors responsible for the development of inflammatory complications. It is also prudent to use the technique and values of in-office hysteroscopy to prevent tubal reflux and thus reduce the chance of infectious complications. The possibility of complete abandonment of antibiotic prophylaxis requires additional research and confirmation with clinical studies.

A systematic review of the management of acute pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis (PFT) is an aggressive closed-space infection that can result in severe morbidity. Although surgical treatment of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis has been widely described, the role of antibiotic therapy is inadequately understood. We conducted a literature review of studies reporting on acute pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis management. A total of 28 case series articles were obtained, all of which used surgical intervention with varied use of antibiotics. Inconsistencies among the studies limited summative statistical analysis. Our results showed that use of antibiotics as a component of therapy resulted in improved range of motion outcomes (54% excellent vs. 14% excellent), as did using catheter irrigation rather than open washout (71% excellent vs. 26% excellent). These studies showed benefits of early treatment of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis and of systemic antibiotic use. As broad-spectrum antibiotics have changed the management of other infectious conditions, we must more closely evaluate consistent antibiotic use in pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis management. Therapeutic, Level III.

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy in antibody deficiency syndromes: are we really doing enough?

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy in antibody deficiency syndromes: are we really doing enough?

The role of antibiotic therapy and nasal packing in septoplasty

Both systemic antibiotic therapy and nasal packing are used frequently in septoplasty. Nevertheless, there is still great disagreement among authors around the real advantages with regard to the efficacy of both of these procedures in septal surgery. The aim of the present review was to evaluate the more recent data published on this topic. One appropriate string was run on PubMed to retrieve articles dealing with the topics mentioned above. A double cross-check was performed on citations and full-text articles found using the selected inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, the articles we analyzed indicated the poor utility of routine antibiotic therapy and nasal packing during septoplasty, the latter procedure producing more complications than advantages. In conclusion, on the basis of the recent literature, the use of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis and nasal packing in septal surgery seems to be a non-rational procedure.

A Study of Role of Antibiotics in Cases of Acute Pancreatitis in Western Uttar Pradesh

Acute pancreatitis is a protean disease capable of wide clinical variation, ranging from mild discomfort to apocalyptic prostration. Infectious complications with incidence of 40–70% in severe acute pancreatitis are predominant cause of morbidity and mortality. The role of prophylactic antibiotic therapy in Acute Pancreatitis is still not clear. To assess the frequency of infection & role of antibiotic therapy in Acute Pancreatitis a study was conducted on 24 patients in Department of Surgery, Santosh Medical College & Hospital, Ghaziabad. All the patients underwent all specific investigations and managed with only supportive treatment unless infection was proven. In our study it was observed that frequency of infection in acute pancreatitis is 4.16% and appropriate supportive therapy is the mainstay of management of acute pancreatitis. Antibiotics are required in acute pancreatitis only when there is a definite evidence of infection in terms of positive culture sensitivity or any intervention is done. Appropriate surgical intervention is the treatment of choice in those with infected pancreatitis.

The Role of Antibiotic Therapy in the Management of Acute Appendicitis

Nonsurgical treatment with antibiotics has recently been proposed as the first line of treatment for noncomplicated appendicitis. This has met with considerable interest, illustrated by the number of reviews and meta-analyses, which exceed the number of original reports of the issue. The results in these studies are seriously biased due to inclusion of patients with resolving appendicitis. At a time when we need to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics in the struggle against the increasing rate of antibiotics resistance, there must be strong requirements of a proven effect and an improved cost-benefit ratio before antibiotics treatment is introduced for a new group of patients. These requirements have not yet been met for nonsurgical treatment with antibiotics for assumed uncomplicated appendicitis. Due to the high rate of spontaneous resolution, a randomized placebo-controlled trial is needed that can compare the efficiency of antibiotics treatment and expectant management in this group of patients. Antibiotics treatment, however, remains indicated for treatment of perforated appendicitis with localized abscess or phlegmone and in selected surgical high-risk patients.

Role of Antibiotic Therapy in Mild Acute Calculus Cholecystitis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Current recommendations for treating acute calculus cholecystitis include the use of intravenous antibiotics, although these recommendations were never tested scientifically. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of intravenous antibiotic therapy in patients with mild acute calculus cholecystitis. In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 84 patients with a diagnosis of mild acute calculus cholecystitis were randomly assigned to supportive treatment only or supportive treatment with intravenous antibiotic treatment (42 patients in each arm). Patients were followed through their index admission and until delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. The two study groups did not differ in their demographic data or in the clinical presentation and disease severity. Analysis was conducted on the intent-to-treat basis. Patients in the intravenous antibiotics arm resumed a liquid diet earlier (1.7 vs. 2.2 days, p = 0.02) but did not significantly differ in resumption of regular diet (2.8 vs. 3.2 days, p = 0.16) or hospital length of stay (LOS) (3.9 vs. 3.8 days, p = 0.89). Patients in the intravenous antibiotics arm had rates of percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement (12 vs. 5 %, p = 0.43), readmissions (19 vs. 13 %, p = 0.73), and perioperative course similar to those not receiving antibiotics. The overall hospital LOS, including initial hospitalization and subsequent cholecystectomy, was similar for both groups (5.6 vs. 5.1 days, p = 0.29). Eight (19 %) patients in the supportive arm were crossed over to the intravenous antibiotic arm during the index admission. Intravenous antibiotic treatment does not improve the hospital course or early outcome in most of the patients with mild acute calculus cholecystitis.

Infections and Ischemic Stroke Outcome

Background. Infections increase the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) and may worsen IS prognosis. Adverse effects of in-hospital infections on stroke outcome were also reported. We aimed to study the prevalence of pre- and poststroke infections and their impact on IS outcome. Methods. We analysed clinical data of 2066 IS patients to assess the effect of pre-stroke and post-stroke infections on IS severity, as well as short-term (up to 30 days) and long-term (90 days) outcome. The independent impact of infections on poor outcome (death, death/dependency) was investigated by use of logistic regression analysis. The effect of antibiotic therapy during hospitalization on the outcome was also assessed. Results. Pre-stroke infections independently predicted worse short-term outcome. In-hospital infections were associated with worse short-term and long-term IS prognosis. Antibacterial treatment during hospitalization did not improve patients' outcome. Conclusions. Prevention of infections may improve IS prognosis. The role of antibiotic therapy after IS requires further investigations.

Effectiveness of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium in the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Children

The role of antibiotic therapy in managing acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in children is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of high-dose amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate in the treatment of children diagnosed with ABS. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Children 1 to 10 years of age with a clinical presentation compatible with ABS were eligible for participation. Patients were stratified according to age (<6 or >or=6 years) and clinical severity and randomly assigned to receive either amoxicillin (90 mg/kg) with potassium clavulanate (6.4 mg/kg) or placebo. A symptom survey was performed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, and 30. Patients were examined on day 14. Children's conditions were rated as cured, improved, or failed according to scoring rules. Two thousand one hundred thirty-five children with respiratory complaints were screened for enrollment; 139 (6.5%) had ABS. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled, and 56 were randomly assigned. The mean age was 66 +/- 30 months. Fifty (89%) patients presented with persistent symptoms, and 6 (11%) presented with nonpersistent symptoms. In 24 (43%) children, the illness was classified as mild, whereas in the remaining 32 (57%) children it was severe. Of the 28 children who received the antibiotic, 14 (50%) were cured, 4 (14%) were improved, 4 (14%) experienced treatment failure, and 6 (21%) withdrew. Of the 28 children who received placebo, 4 (14%) were cured, 5 (18%) improved, and 19 (68%) experienced treatment failure. Children receiving the antibiotic were more likely to be cured (50% vs 14%) and less likely to have treatment failure (14% vs 68%) than children receiving the placebo. ABS is a common complication of viral upper respiratory infections. Amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate results in significantly more cures and fewer failures than placebo, according to parental report of time to resolution of clinical symptoms.

Wound infections due to Bacteroides fragilis following intestinal surgery

Ninety-six wound infections due to Bacteroides fragilis occurring after intestinal surgery are described. Most infections followed appendicectomy or colectomy for diverticulitis. B. fragilis was isolated in pure growth from 47 per cent of infections, and in mixed culture the other common bacteria were Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp. Fifty-three per cent of the infections responded rapidly to either non-specific measures or antibiotic therapy, but 47 per cent of patients developed complications, usually abscess formation. The successful isolation of bacteroides from clinical material requires special precautions. The specimen for bacteriological examination must be sent to the laboratory in a transport medium which maintains an anaerobic environment and the culture techniques must include a selective agar for the isolation of anaerobic bacteria. The role of antibiotic therapy in preventing postoperative wound infection after intestinal surgery is discussed. Bacteroides has an unusualy pattern of antibiotic susceptibility and it is essential that an effective antibiotic such as lincomycin is included in the treatment of infection originating from the intestinal tract.