Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Prevalence Of Comorbidities And Survival Analysis Of Covid-19 Patients – An Observational Study From A Tertiary Healthcare Center In North West Romania, Mihaela Simona Popoviciu, Lorena Paduraru, Roxana Adriana Stoica, Anca Pantea Stoian, Claudiu Teodorescu, Simona Cavalu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Objectives. The experience accumulated in the last two years shows that the prevention of COVID-19 in people with comorbidities (protective measures, vaccination, etc.) still remains a public health priority. In this context, the aim of our study was to perform a retrospective, observational study in order to assess the time-to-death and risk factors of mortality among COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 177 patients admitted to Oradea Emergency County Hospital, Bihor, Romania, between October and December 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years positive for COVID-19 in upper respiratory tract samples using real-time PCR test. …

Best Therapeutic Practices In The Management Of Obstetric Sepsis, Gabriel Petre Gorecki, Oana Denisa Balalau, Diana Elena Comandasu, Anca Daniela Stanescu, Dana Rodica Tomescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. Physiological changes that occur during pregnancy make maternal sepsis a difficult condition to diagnose and treat, still having a fairly high mortality rate. Consequently, an early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic management of sepsis can significantly decrease mortality. The purpose of this study is to review literature data that present current practices in the management of obstetric sepsis. Methods. To collect the data required for the study, we performed a search of published articles in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases related to obstetric sepsis. Research paper articles from the period 2012-2022 were included in the analysis. In addition, 145 …

From Covid-19 To Long Covid; The Forms Of The Neurological Manifestations, Sana Ahuja, Sufian Zaheer

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Ever since the SARS-CoV-2 infection was declared a global pandemic in 2020, numerous multisystemic manifestations have been discovered. The COVID-19 is known to cause a wide spectrum of neurological symptoms like fatigue, headache, brain fog, stroke, smell and taste disorders, encephalopathy and neurodegenerative disorders. The neurological manifestations are more prevalent in the post-COVID syndrome or long COVID. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and WHO defined Ongoing Symptomatic COVID as 4-12 weeks post infection and post COVID-19 syndrome as persistence of symptoms beyond 12 weeks. So far there are limited data available regarding the pathophysiology of neurological symptoms …

Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques With Aids Co-Develop Cardiovascular Pathology And Encephalitis, Kevin S. White, Joshua A. Walker, John Wang, Patrick Autissier, Andrew D. Miller, Nadia N. Abuelezan, Rachel Burrack, Qingsheng Li, Woong-Ki Kim, Kenneth C. Williams

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Despite effective antiretroviral therapy, HIV co-morbidities remain where central nervous system (CNS) neurocognitive disorders and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-pathology that are linked with myeloid activation are most prevalent. Comorbidities such as neurocogntive dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain prevalent among people living with HIV. We sought to investigate if cardiac pathology (inflammation, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte damage) and CNS pathology (encephalitis) develop together during simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection and if their co-development is linked with monocyte/ macrophage activation. We used a cohort of SIV-infected rhesus macaques with rapid AIDS and demonstrated that SIV encephalitis (SIVE) and CVD pathology occur together more frequently …

Co-Infection And Co-Localization Of Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus And Epstein-Barr Virus In Hiv-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma: A Case Report, Peter Julius, Guobin Guobin, Stepfanie Siyumbwa, Jane Musumali, For Yue Tso, Owen Ngalamika, Trevor Kaile, Fred Maate, Phyllis Moonga, John T. West, Peter Angeletti, Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a multifocal vascular neoplasm frequently observed in HIVpositive individuals, primarily affects the skin, mucous membranes, visceral organs, and lymph nodes. KS is associated primarily with Kaposi sarcomaassociated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection. In this case report, we present a rare occurrence of co-infection and co-localization of KSHV and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in KS arising from the conjunctiva, which, to our knowledge, has not been reported previously. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and EBV-encoded RNA in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH) were utilized to demonstrate the presence of KSHV and EBV infection in the ocular KS lesion. Nearly all KSHV-positive …

Epidemiologic Understanding Of The Un Sustainable Development Goals, Zeinab Baba

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

A Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar entitled "Epidemiologic Understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals," presented by Professor Zeinab Baba, Department of Public Health Sciences, West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Risk Factors For Health Impairments In Children After Hospitalization For Acute Covid-19 Or Mis-C., Aline B. Maddux, Cameron C. Young, Suden Kucukak, Laura D. Zambrano, Margaret M. Newhams, Caitlin K. Rollins, Natasha B. Halasa, Shira J. Gertz, Elizabeth H. Mack, Stephanie Schwartz, Michele Kong, Laura L. Loftis, Katherine Irby, Courtney M. Rowan, Keiko M. Tarquinio, Matt S. Zinter, Hillary Crandall, Natalie Z. Cvijanovich, Jennifer E. Schuster, Julie C. Fitzgerald, Mary A. Staat, Charlotte V. Hobbs, Ryan A. Nofziger, Steven Shein, Heidi Flori, Melissa L. Cullimore, Brandon M. Chatani, Emily R. Levy, Katri V. Typpo, Janet R. Hume, Angela P. Campbell, Adrienne G. Randolph, Overcoming Covid-19 Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for persistent impairments after pediatric hospitalization for acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

METHODS: Across 25 U.S. Overcoming COVID-19Network hospitals, we conducted a prospective cohort study of patients

RESULTS: Of 232 children with acute COVID-19, 71 (30.6%) had persistent symptoms and 50 (21.6%) had activity impairments at follow-up; for MIS-C (n = 241), 56 (23.2%) had persistent symptoms and 58 (24.1%) had activity impairments. In adjusted analyses of patients with acute COVID-19, receipt of mechanical ventilation was associated with persistent symptoms [aRR 1.83 …

A Single-Dose Intramuscular Immunization Of Pigs With Lipid Nanoparticle Dna Vaccines Based On The Hemagglutinin Antigen Confers Complete Protection Against Challenge Infection With The Homologous Influenza Virus Strain, The N. Nguyen, Sushmita Kumari, Sarah Vitosh-Sillman, Jayeshbhai Chaudhari, Danh C. Lai, Hiep Vu

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

The Influenza A virus of swine (IAV-S) is highly prevalent and causes significant economic losses to swine producers. Due to the highly variable and rapidly evolving nature of the virus, it is critical to develop a safe and versatile vaccine platform that allows for frequent updates of the vaccine immunogens to cope with the emergence of new viral strains. The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as nanocarriers for delivering DNA plasmid encoding the viral hemagglutinin (HA) gene in pigs. The intramuscular administration of a single dose of the LNP-DNA vaccines …

Acute Aseptic Meningoencephalitis Due To Covid-19 In An Otherwise Healthy Patient: A Case Report, Shyama Appareddy, Norma Moncayo, Ronkino T. Mccoy, Jared Sperling, George Huddleston, Raza L. Kahn

Research Colloquium

Several studies have shown the extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. Although extrapulmonary manifestation to the heart, kidney, blood, and skin are common, neurological and cerebrovascular manifestations are rare with most of these cases being described in patients who also have the pulmonary manifestation of the disease. Here we present the case of an 18 year-old male with no prior history of respiratory symptoms who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status. Neurology was consulted and the patient was started empirical on ceftriaxone, vancomycin, dexamethasone, and acyclovir for meningoencephalitis. Urine drug screen, head CT, …

Antibiotic Stewardship In Skin And Soft Tissue Infections, Shah Z. Ali, Stephen Gore, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are characterized by microbial invasion of the skin layers and are common in various healthcare settings. A study conducted between 2005-2010 in the United States, found a combined total of 2.3 million cases of SSTIs in ambulatory and inpatient settings. This was higher than the rates of pneumonia and urinary tract infections during the same time period. Another study found that between 2000 and 2012, there was a 40% increase (2.4 million to 3.3 million) in cases of SSTIs. Our aim is to study the primary uses of vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam and their …

Rare Case Of Prosthetic Joint Infection Caused By Salmonella Enterica - A Case Report, Carlos Ramos, Shyama Appareddy, Peter J. Gonzalez

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Collectively, over 1 million total knee arthroplasties (TKA) and total hip arthroplasties (THA) are performed in the United States each year. In 2010 it was estimated that 1.58% of the United States general population has received a TKA. Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are the most common indication for a TKA revision1 . In total, S. aureus is responsible for about 50% of all prosthetic joint infections, and about 15% are caused by gram negative pathogens2 .

Objective: This is a case report which describes the presentation and clinical course of a 59-yearold female with Salmonella enterica septic arthritis of …

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Children (Mis-C): Is There A Relationship To Typhus?, Juliana Hager, Juliana Hager, Jacob Smith

Research Colloquium

The United Kingdom first reported in April 2020 a group of eight previously healthy children with a link to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that presented with systemic inflammation and multi-organ involvement, now named multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported over 1000 cases since the primary discovery as of October 2020 with 20 total deaths. [1] The clinical features of MIS-C have been previously compared to inflammatory syndromes including Kawasaki disease (KD) and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). We describe the clinical presentation and management for 3 pediatric cases with …

Cmv? An Uncommon Etiology For Significant Disease In The Immunocompetent Individual, Ashley Sareen, Cade Call, Sonya Saenz

Research Colloquium

A 51-year-old Hispanic male with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia was admitted from the ED for evaluation of recurrent fevers, multiple joint pains, and tachycardia. Physical exam findings included cachectic appearance and right inguinal lymphadenopathy. Initial laboratory testing was significant for a WBC of 23,300 (80.2% neutrophils, 13.3% lymphocytes), Hb of 11.1, HCT of 33.1, and ESR of 120. Chest x-ray reported no acute findings and x-ray imaging of affected joints were unremarkable. Blood and urine cultures would eventually return negative. Despite acetaminophen and broad-spectrum antibiotic use, the patient continued with fevers and tachycardia, prompting further infectious and rheumatological …

Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia In A Newly Diagnosed Aids Geriatric Patient, Ashley Sareen, Nathan Tanner, James Fahey

Research Colloquium

Background: Approximately 40% of new HIV infections originate from people who are unaware of their diagnosis. Median time from infection to diagnosis was 3 years in 2015. Cases of newly diagnosed HIV in the geriatric population are rare.

Case Presentation: 71 year old Hispanic man with history of diabetes and anemia presenting to the hospital with generalized weakness, presyncopal episodes, shortness of breath, loose stools, and falls for past two weeks. He is a poor historian so wife contacted to provide detailed history. Patient with 100 pound weight loss in 6 months. Intravenous drug use 30 years ago, and blood …

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: Patient Characteristics, Treatment, And Clinical Outcomes In One South Texas Acute Care Hospital, Kimberly A. Ambrosini, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) account for 40 percent of nosocomial infections worldwide. Their elimination is at the forefront of quality improvement in one South Texas acute care hospital.

Methods: Over a period of 6 months, five CA-UTIs occurred in one South Texas acute care hospital. These cases were identified via regular surveillance by Infection Prevention staff and the Laboratory Department of the hospital. This research reviews patient age, sex, length of stay, bacteria contracted, appropriate antibiotic use, patient characteristics, and overall outcomes.

Results: Between the months of July and December 2021, 5 CAUTIs were contracted. Patients ranged in …

A Simple Case Of Viral Myopericarditis Or A Complication Of Monoclonal Antibody Infusion?, Jose A. Rivera, Michael Menowsky

Research Colloquium

Background: Myocarditis has been a rare, but well-documented side effect of the mRNA-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 as well as a complication of viral infections including SARS-CoV-2. However, myopericarditis as a complication of monoclonal antibody infusion or as complication of allergic reaction to antibody infusions might be and underreported.

Case presentation: In this case, we report a 30-year-old man with a previous diagnosis of COVID infection 1 week prior to presentation, unvaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 who was referred from a monoclonal infusion center where he received casirivimab and imdevimab and 15 minutes after infusion began to complain of chills, chest pain, shortness …

Covid-19 As A Second Hit For Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome, Himabindu Kolli, Pooja Maknoor, Celin Rajan, Nevin Varghese

Research Colloquium

Background: Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by venous and arterial thrombosis, usually in setting of underlying autoimmune disorders. Here, we present a case of anti-phospholipid syndrome post covid infection.

Case Presentation: 41-year-old lady presented to the ER with complaints of left sided facial droop for 3-day duration. On further evaluation, she was found to have subacute ischemic stroke and was managed with anticoagulation and supportive treatment. Past medical history is significant for a recent diagnosis of Covid infection and for subsequent development of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She was started on anticoagulation with rivaroxaban for …

Comparison Of Bacterial Culture With Biofire® Filmarray® Multiplex Pcr Screening Of Archived Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimens From Children With Suspected Bacterial Meningitis In Nigeria, S Obaro, F Hassan-Hanga, N Medugu, Rasaq Olaosebikan, G Olanipekun, B Jibir, S Gambo, Theresa Ajose, Carissa Duru, B Ebruke, H D Davies

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of bacterial meningitis remains a challenge in most developing countries due to low yield from bacterial culture, widespread use of non-prescription antibiotics, and weak microbiology laboratories. The objective of this study was to compare the yield from standard bacterial culture with the multiplex nested PCR platform, the BioFire® FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel (BioFire ME Panel), for cases with suspected acute bacterial meningitis.

METHODS: Following Gram stain and bacterial culture on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from children aged less than 5 years with a clinical suspicion of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) as defined by the WHO guidelines, residual CSF specimens …

Factors Associated With Respiratory Pathogen Panel Utilization In Children Hospitalized With Acute Respiratory Illness — New Vaccine Surveillance Network, Kansas City, 2017–2021, Edward Lyon, Brian R. Lee, Benjamin Clopper, Heidi L. Moline, Rangaraj Selvarangan, Jennifer Schuster

Posters

Background: Respiratory pathogen panels (RPP) are multiplex PCR platforms that detect several respiratory viruses from one specimen. For most children hospitalized with acute respiratory illness (ARI), management is supportive, and detection of a specific virus from RPP does not impact clinical care. Therefore, clinical RPP use is not standardized, and ordering is at the discretion of the clinician. We sought to understand factors associated with RPP utilization among pediatric patients hospitalized with ARI. Methods: From October 2017 to September 2021, participants < 18 years hospitalized with ARI were enrolled at a single site in the New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN). Eligible patients were residents of Jackson County, MO, had one or more ARI symptoms (e.g., cough, fever, nasal congestion) lasting < 14 days, and were enrolled within 48 hours of admission. Parent interviews and medical chart reviews were conducted. All participants had a research RPP, but results were not available to the clinical providers. Clinical providers were able to order a clinical RPP (cRPP), for which they received test results. Characteristics of NVSN enrollees hospitalized with ARI with and without a cRPP are described. Lastly, medical complexity was assessed via the pediatric complex chronic conditions classification system (CCC) then analyzed via chi- square test between groups. Findings: During the study period, 1,038 participants were enrolled, and 555 (53.4%) received a cRPP. Most, 299 (53%), cRPPs were ordered in the emergency department or urgent care before admission. Age was a significant factor associated with cRPP use (Table 1). cRPP participants were more likely to have complex chronic conditions, and/or technology dependence. No difference in cRPP use was observed by race/ethnicity, payer status, or sex. More participants were enrolled in 2020-2021, but the overall usage of cRPP is similar between years (Table 2). Conclusions: In this large cohort of children hospitalized with ARI, medical complexity, technological dependence, and age < 2 months were associated with increased utilization of cRPPs. Understanding the impact of cRPP on clinical care requires further investigation to better understand the utility of these tests.

Universal Health Coverage: A Basis For Pandemic Preparedness?, Merline Feero

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Amid extensive research and reporting on the effects of COVID-19 on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) progress, this study explores an often neglected topic: the potential of UHC to contribute to the foundations of pandemic preparedness. Herein, quantitative analysis reveals that countries with higher UHC coverage tend to exhibit greater pandemic preparedness (as determined by the UHC Service Coverage Index and the Global Health Security Index). Complementary qualitative analysis is used to further illustrate and explain the correlation between UHC and pandemic preparedness using four case study countries, integrating literature reviews and relevant expert interviews. Through these methods, a clear tie …

Increasing Vaccination Rates Of 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Among Patients At High-Risk For Invasive Pneumococcal Disease., Edward Lyon, Tracey Wetzel, Ann L. Wirtz, Douglas Swanson, Rachel Moran, Jessica Peters, Christine Symes, Liset Olarte, Rana El Feghaly

Posters

Introduction: Pneumococcal disease causes significant morbidity and mortality in children. Routine childhood immunizations protect for 13 or 15 pneumococcal serotypes via two pneumococcal conjugated vaccines. Patients with immunocompromising and chronic medical conditions are at high risk of invasive pneumococcal disease. A 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is recommended in these patients to protect against more pneumococcal serotypes, but many patients have not received it. Our AIM is to increase PPSV23 vaccination rates among eligible patients in both the inpatient and outpatient infectious diseases (ID) settings from a baseline of 44% to 55% by October 2024. Methods: In collaboration with Children’s …

Should We Use Rifampicin In Periprosthetic Joint Infections Caused By Staphylococci When The Implant Has Been Exchanged? A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study, Tobias Siegfried Kramer, Alex Soriano, Sarah Tedeschi, Antonia F. Chen, Pierre Tattevin, Eric Senneville, Joan Gomez-Junyent, Victoria Birlutiu, Sabine Petersdorf, Vicens Diaz De Brito, Ignacio Sancho Gonzalez, Katherine A. Belden, Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker

Division of Infectious Diseases and Environmental Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrated the efficacy of a rifampicin-based regimen in the treatment of acute staphylococcal periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) treated with surgical debridement. However, evidence is lacking to support the use of rifampicin in cases where the implant is exchanged during revision.

METHODS: We included all consecutive cases of staphylococcal PJIs treated from January 2013 to December 2018 with revision surgery in this international, retrospective, multicenter observational cohort study. PJI was defined according to the European Bone and Joint Infection Society diagnostic criteria. A relapse or reinfection during follow-up, the need for antibiotic suppressive therapy, the need for implant …

Reducing The Rate Of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections; A Quality Improvement Project, David Odada, Hellen Munyi, Japhet Gatuiku, Ruth Thuku, Jared Nyandigisi, Anne Wangui, Emilie Ashihundu, Beatrice Nyakiringa, Jemimah Kimeu, Martin Musumbi, Rodney Adam

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background The burden of central line-associated bloodstream infections is significant and has negative implications for healthcare, increasing morbidity and mortality risks, increasing inpatient hospital stays, and increasing the cost of hospitalization. Efforts to reduce the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections have utilized quality improvement projects that implement, measure, and monitor outcomes. However, variations in location, healthcare organization, patient risks, and practice gaps are key to the success of interventions and approaches. This study aims to evaluate interventions of a quality improvement project on the reduction of central line-associated bloodstream infection rates at a university teaching hospital.

Methods This was …

Existing Evidence For Influenza B Virus Adaptations To Drive Replication In Humans As The Primary Host, Matthew J. Pekarek, Eric A. Weaver

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Influenza B virus (IBV) is one of the two major types of influenza viruses that circulate each year. Unlike influenza A viruses, IBV does not harbor pandemic potential due to its lack of historical circulation in non-human hosts. Many studies and reviews have highlighted important factors for host determination of influenza A viruses. However, much less is known about the factors driving IBV replication in humans. We hypothesize that similar factors influence the host restriction of IBV. Here, we compile and review the current understanding of host factors crucial for the various stages of the IBV viral replication cycle. While …

Manajemen Koinfeksi Malaria Berat Dengan Hiv Belum Mendapat Terapi Antiretrovirus Di Era Pandemi Covid-19: Sebuah Laporan Kasus, Paul Harijanto, Rosye Mawuntu, Novia Rusli, Randy Adiwinata, Agung Nugroho

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Severe malaria is a serious infectious disease that required immediate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Severe malaria may result several organ failures which is similar with other infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2, sepsis, dengue, and HIV infection. Most of those infection have similar symptoms such as fever, myalgia, and headache, therefore physician should have high suspicion regarding co-infection with other infectious agents. The overlapping symptoms of co-infections may become a challenge for physician in diagnosing and delivering prompt therapy. Failure to deliver prompt treatment may lead to fatal outcome such as in severe malaria case. Stigmatization of all patients with fever and …

Pediatric Covid-19 Encephalitis, Nelson D. Gonzalez, Dustin Paul, Ana Almeda, Samuel Serna, Linette Linsangan

Research Symposium

Background: Neurologic complications of COVID-19 in the pediatric population have been reported in a limited number of reports. There have been reports of COVID-19-associated encephalitis in pediatric cases along with neuroimaging findings revealing involvement of some parts of the nervous system. We present the first case of pediatric severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - associated encephalitis targeting the parietal lobes.

Case: A 14-year-old morbidly obese Hispanic male with no past medical history presented to the hospital for new onset seizures. Family reported exposure to his COVID-19 positive mother, a one-week history of fever, and a three-month history of …

Effectiveness Of Maternal Mrna Covid-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy Against Covid-19-Associated Hospitalizations In Infants Aged <6 Months During Sars-Cov-2 Omicron Predominance - 20 States, March 9, 2022-May 31, 2023., Regina M. Simeone, Laura D. Zambrano, Natasha B. Halasa, Katherine E. Fleming-Dutra, Margaret M. Newhams, Michael J. Wu, Amber O. Orzel-Lockwood, Satoshi Kamidani, Pia S. Pannaraj, Katherine Irby, Aline B. Maddux, Charlotte V. Hobbs, Melissa A. Cameron, Julie A. Boom, Leila C. Sahni, Michele Kong, Ryan A. Nofziger, Jennifer E. Schuster, Hillary Crandall, Janet R. Hume, Mary A. Staat, Elizabeth H. Mack, Tamara T. Bradford, Sabrina M. Heidemann, Emily R. Levy, Shira J. Gertz, Samina S. Bhumbra, Tracie C. Walker, Katherine E. Bline, Kelly N. Michelson, Matt S. Zinter, Heidi R. Flori, Angela P. Campbell, Adrienne G. Randolph, Overcoming Covid-19 Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Infants aged < 6 months are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination during pregnancy has been associated with protection against infant COVID-19-related hospitalization. The Overcoming COVID-19 Network conducted a case-control study during March 9, 2022-May 31, 2023, to evaluate the effectiveness of maternal receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine dose (vaccine effectiveness [VE]) during pregnancy against COVID-19-related hospitalization in infants aged < 6 months and a subset of infants aged < 3 months. VE was calculated as (1 - adjusted odds ratio) x 100% among all infants aged < 6 months and < 3 months. Case-patients (infants hospitalized for COVID-19 outside of birth hospitalization and who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result) and control patients (infants hospitalized for COVID-19-like illness with a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result) were compared. Odds ratios were determined using multivariable logistic regression, comparing the odds of receipt of a maternal COVID-19 vaccine dose (completion of a 2-dose vaccination series or a third or higher dose) during pregnancy with maternal nonvaccination between case- and control patients. VE of maternal vaccination during pregnancy against COVID-19-related hospitalization was 35% (95% CI = 15%-51%) among infants aged < 6 months and 54% (95% CI = 32%-68%) among infants aged < 3 months. Intensive care unit admissions occurred in 23% of all case-patients, and invasive mechanical ventilation was more common among infants of unvaccinated (9%) compared with vaccinated mothers (1%) (p = 0.02). Maternal vaccination during pregnancy provides some protection against COVID-19-related hospitalizations among infants, particularly those aged < 3 months. Expectant mothers should remain current with COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves and their infants from hospitalization and severe outcomes associated with COVID-19.

Patchy Alopecia In A Young Adult With A Generalized Rash, Oscar Rodrigo Zamudio Herrera, Nevin Varghese

Research Symposium

Background: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that has been increasing in the United States. The prevalence of syphilis rose by 6.8% during 2019-to 2020. Secondary syphilis typically presents with a generalized maculopapular rash on palms and soles, however, can also have subtle dermatological findings such as alopecia. Syphilitic alopecia is an atypical manifestation of secondary syphilis, seen in 2.9 to 7% of the cases.

Case presentation: An 18-year-old Hispanic male presented to the clinic after noticing patchy loss of hair on the scalp for 2 weeks and one week of generalized non pruritic rash. His past medical history was …

A Case Report Of A Primary Cerebral Abscess Due To Nocardia Asteroides In An Immunocompetent Patient, Ileana Elita Mendez, Nicole Marie Barreto, Alan Lanurias, Luis Alberto Rosas

Research Symposium

Background: Brain abscesses caused by Nocardia are rarely reported and have high mortality. It usually affects patients who are immunocompromised and initiates as a lung infection that disseminates hematogenously, though it can also affect those immunocompetent. Cerebral nocardiosis imitates brain tumors, which can delay the initiation of the appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Case Description: We present a case of a 64-year-old immunocompetent male with multiple cerebral abscesses who presented with headaches, left-sided weakness, and ataxia. Upon imaging, multiple brain lesions were revealed. The patient underwent craniotomy and drainage of the mass. He was initially empirically treated, though cultures later grew Nocardia …

Oral Dosages Of The Nsaid Aspirin Decreased The Growth Rate Of Species Found In The Human Gut Microbiome Including Akkermansia Muciniphila, Bacteroides Fragilis, Clostridium Sordellii, And Clostridium Difficile, Wyatt H. Greenbaum, Garrett J. Greenbaum, Anna Spiezio

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Over past few decades, new insight has been revealed in the scientific community about the importance of the human gut microbiome relating to general health. It is known that imbalances in the species that reside in the human gut can cause organism-wide problems in humans. When prescribing or injecting oral medications, the thought of the downstream effects on the gut microbiome are not always considered. By exposing known healthy members of the gut; Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium sordellii, and Clostridium difficile to the Aspirin, this study attempted to provide insight into the effects of the drug on bacterial growth. …