Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

Covid-19, Vaccination, And Heart Transplantation, Forest W. Arnold

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of Covid-19 Vaccination Rates Of The Patients At The Kentucky Racing Health Services Center., Aditya Mehta

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

COVID-19 vaccines have been widely available to the U.S. public since early 2021. However, vaccination rates still vary considerably across geographical areas and different populations. The objective of this study was to research overall vaccination rates against COVID-19 for Latinx patients at the Kentucky Racing Health Services Center (KRHSC). Vaccination and booster data was collected from June to December 2021 for all unique patients visiting the center. It was initially hypothesized that these rates of vaccination and booster doses for the KRHSC patients would be lower than the data reported by Kentucky and Jefferson County. After a retrospective review, the …

Covid-19 Case Complicated With Organizing Pneumonia And Pneumothorax: A Case Report, Tammy E. Phillips, Hammad A. Bhatti, Minh Q. Ho

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Organizing pneumonia can be idiopathic or caused by multiple etiologies, including viral or bacterial pneumonia, drugs, and autoimmune disorders. It can rarely lead to cyst formation and pneumothorax with the exact mechanism remaining unclear. This case presents a previously healthy 50-year-old male who contracted COVID-19 with subsequent development of organizing pneumonia and pneumothorax. Patients presenting with hypoxic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 should be screened for organizing pneumonia upon discharge. This case also illustrates the importance of following such patients radiologically to monitor interstitial lung disease and consider pneumothorax for patients re-presenting with acute symptoms.

Sotrovimab: Neutralizing Antibody To Combat Covid-19, Aya Allam, Steven Lippmann

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Are Antipyretic Medications Compatible With Sars-Cov-2 Vaccines?, Sharanya S E Santhi, Niguma Rayamajhi, Steven B Lippmann

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Leptospirosis Presenting As Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage, Alejandra González, Paola Alvarez, Mariano Fielli, Analia Santos, Neil Gomez Querales, Elkin Rodriguez Arzuaga

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) syndrome has a mortality rate of 30 to 60%. A 15-year-old male patient presented with a seven-day abdominal pain, vomiting, non-dysenteric diarrhea, conjunctival injection, and fever. Chest radiography revealed bilateral interstitial infiltrates predominating in the lower left lobe. The patient’s condition worsened within hours, with the development of massive hemoptysis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), arterial hypotension, and hematocrit decline requiring mechanical ventilation. A chest computed tomography (CT) showed ground-glass opacities with consolidation areas in lower lobes, diffuse tree-in-bud opacities, and centrilobular nodules. A bronchoscopy was conducted without endoluminal lesions and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) consistent with …

Mucormycosis: Covid-19 And Corticosteroids, Mittal Savaliya, Nivedita Jha, Steven B Lippmann

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Pulmonary Post-Acute Sequelae Of Covid-19, Usman Akbar, Shivam Gulati, Johnny Zakhour Md, Alex Glynn, Jose Bordon

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Introduction: Persistent symptoms have been observed in a substantial proportion of survivors of COVID-19 since relatively early in the pandemic. Among these post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), respiratory symptoms appear to be the most prevalent.

Methods: We conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed publications in English on the clinical and epidemiological features of respiratory PASC in cohorts of 100 or more patients with a follow-up of four weeks or more after acute infection. Included studies reported the prevalence of persistent respiratory symptoms and/or the results of follow-up pulmonary function tests.

Results: On our review included 14 studies across eight countries …

Compliance With Guidelines For Treatment Of Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia Is Associated With Decreased Mortality In Patients Hospitalized For Community-Acquired Pneumonia With Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia, Leslie Beavin, Vidyulata Salunkhe, Shashvin Singh, Ahmed Gana, Balaji Sekaran, Mahder A. Tella, Stephen P. Furmanek, Forest W. Arnold

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia has a minimum treatment duration of two weeks, while S. aureus community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) treatment is at least five days. Treatment failure, persistent bacteremia, and recurrence are common among patients with community-acquired S. aureus bacteremia. There is conflicting information in the current Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for the treatment of S.aureus bacteremia patients with CAP. Therefore, the appropriate treatment duration and modality for S. aureus CAP with bacteremia is unclear. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes among patients with S. aureus CAP and bacteremia treated in compliance versus non-compliance with …

Clinical Outcomes For Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia Are Worse In Those With A History Of Stroke, Pradeepthi Badugu, Dilip Kc, Bibodh Jung Karki, Mahder A. Tella, Vidyulata Salunkhe

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: Stroke is one of the most prevalent neurological diseases in the United States. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of infections in survivors of stroke. There is limited research evaluating the clinical outcomes of CAP in patients with stroke. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized patients with CAP and a history of stroke.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the University of Louisville Pneumonia Study database. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of a history of stroke. Clinical outcomes were length of …

Implementation Of A Drive-Through Covid-19 Mass Vaccination Site: Experiences From Louvax–Broadbent In Louisville, Kentucky, Ruth Carrico, Sarah Beth Hartlage, Valenchia Brown Msn, Aprn, Fnp-C, Sarah M. Bishop, Luanne Didelot, William Hayden, Beverly Williams Coleman, Sarah Tan, Delanor Manson, Kellie Kane, Dawn Balcom, Paul Kern

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: Response to the COVID-19 pandemic has required innovative approaches to vaccination, including methods to rapidly and safely immunize communities. A major challenge to such a response involved access to untapped healthcare worker resources. The Louisville, Kentucky, response involved the use of a large volunteer workforce to supplement local public health employees in planning and implementing a large-scale drive-through vaccination event. The objective of this manuscript was to outline processes involved in training a mass immunization workforce and implementating a large-scale COVID-19 community vaccination.

Approach: Competency-based and standardized training was provided for every volunteer before working their shift. Volunteers worked …

Impact Of Pooling Samples On Analytic Sensitivity Of A Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Pcr Assay For Sars Cov-2, Subathra Marimuthu, Stephen P. Furmanek, Holly Aliesky, Leslie A. Wolf

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

During the COVID-19 pandemic, laboratories experienced periods of shortages for certain critical materials required to meet the high demand for SARS-CoV-2 testing. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration provided a template for molecular diagnostic testing, including guidance for a specimen pooling process in order to evaluate performance of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification assay. This study aimed to evaluate the testing of pooled specimens consisting of four nasopharyngeal swab specimens using the Luminex ARIES^® nucleic acid amplification platform. Results indicated that there was a loss of analytic sensitivity with pooled nasopharyngeal swab samples, demonstrating that this approach should be …

Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry During Covid-19, Robert Frierson, Steven B Lippmann

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Consultation/liaison psychiatrists care for people with co-existing medical and psychologic difficulties. The coronavirus pandemic is stressful for patients and their psychiatric caregivers. Patients have lost support systems and harbor fears about exposing family to the virus. COVID-19 sometimes exacerbates previous psychiatric conditions, while diminishing intimacy with physicians. Everyone is oversaturated with COVID-19-related news focusing on rising concerns about the illness and about jobs, school, and housing insecurities.

The psychiatrist maintains a hospital presence despite fear of contracting the disease. Challenges include addressing staff morale, evidencing empathy despite telecommunication devices, and treating anxiety, depression, sleep phobias, post intubation flashbacks, COVID-19-induced cognitive …

A Research Framework For Evaluating Next Generation Sequencing In Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Ashley M. Wilde, Elena Swingler, Sarah E. Moore Pharmd, Brian C. Bohn Pharmd, Matthew Song Pharmd, Bcidp, Ruth Carrico, Julio A. Ramirez

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Covid-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Case Report From The Covid-19 Surveillance Program., Mohamad Belal Aldaas, Dylan Goldsmith, Forest W. Arnold

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

A 72-year-old male was brought to the hospital following a motorcycle crash and was admitted for multiple trauma management. His initial course of hospitalization was complicated by mild hypoxemia and altered mental status. Respiratory workup and imaging were consistent with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. He completed a five-day course of remdesivir and a ten-day course of dexamethasone. Twenty days later, he developed a low-grade fever. His chest computerized tomography (CT) showed gas and fluid containing parenchymal collection in the anteromedial right middle lobe measuring up to 4.8 cm, most consistent with a pulmonary abscess. Antimicrobial treatment was started.

The patient became hypoxic …

University Of Louisville International Travel Clinic: Pivoting During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Dawn Balcom, Subathra Marimuthu, Leslie A Wolf, Luanne Didelot, Sarah Tan, Daniel Hall, Ruth Carrico

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Association Of Lung Cancer With Pneumonia And Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection, Johnny Zakhour Md, Daniel Muller, Alex Glynn, Jose Bordon

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Introduction: The degree of association and type of causal versus non-causal relationship between pneumonia and lung cancer (LC) are evolving discussions. We reviewed English publications on the degree of association between pneumonia and subsequent LC.

Methods: We searched the PubMed database using key words for pneumonia, LC, and chlamydia infection. We selected peer-reviewed studies of patients with pneumonia and LC. Case reports and other literature reviews were excluded from this review.

Results: Five studies examined the incidence and/or risk of LC for a total of 415,750 patients, and four studies examined cases with Chlamydia pneumoniae chronic infection at the time …

Pulmonary Inflammation And Injury Triggered By Spine Surgery In Recovered Covid-19 Patients Demand Consideration, Luciano Rodrigo Lopes, Silvana Kertzer Kasinski

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Why Should People Use Face Masks In The Time Of Covid? The Jri Position, Jose Bordon, Alex Glynn, Forest W. Arnold

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

No Difference In Clinical Outcomes For African American And White Patients Hospitalized With Sars-Cov-2 Pneumonia In Louisville, Kentucky, Julio A. Ramirez, Stephen P. Furmanek, Thomas Chandler, Stephen S. Hanson, Dawn Balcom, Subathra Marimuthu, Sathya Krishnasamy, Jose Bordon, Rodrigo Cavallazzi, Amr Aboelnasr, Mahder A. Tella, William A. Mattingly, Ashley M. Wilde, Daisy Sangroula, Demetra Antimisiaris, Donghoon Chung, Guillermo Cabral, Gabino R Fernandez-Botran, Jiapeng Huang, Martin Gnoni, Ozan Akca, Paul Schulz, Phillip F. Bressoud, Priya Krishnan, Sally Suliman, William P. Mckinney, Bryan Moffett, Leslie A Wolf, Mark Burns, Alex Glynn, Ruth Carrico, Forest W. Arnold

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Introduction: Current literature indicates that African American individuals are at increased risk of becoming infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and suffer higher SARS-CoV-2-related mortality rates. However, there is a lack of consensus as to how the clinical outcomes of African American patients differ from those of other groups. The objective of this study was to define the clinical outcomes of African American and White hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Louisville, Kentucky.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 CAP at eight hospitals in Louisville, Kentucky. Severity of CAP at time of hospitalization …

Strongyloides Stercoralis Hyperinfection And Disseminated Tuberculosis, Hernan Terroba, Alejandra González, Diana Vera Gonzalez, Roxana Mariela Godoy, Analia Santos, Marisol Arrojo

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

The Increasing Role Of Pragmatic Clinical Trials And Real-World Data In Healthcare Research, Julio A. Ramirez, Ruth Carrico

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Improvement Cycles In Medical Education: From Quality Improvement To Patient Care And Clinical Research, Julio A. Ramirez

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Exploring Opportunities For Prevention Of Child Sexual Abuse In A Diverse American Muslim Community., Rishtya Meena Kakar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recognizing the significant mental, emotional, developmental and health consequences for victims of child sexual abuse (CSA) and sociopolitical consequences for families and communities in every cultural, ethnic, and religious group around the world, this study sought to determine key opportunities for prevention of CSA in a diverse American Muslim community using a public health socioecological lens, rooted in aspects of critical theory. While there is considerable research on situational and individual-level risk factors related to CSA cases, there is less research on the societal and community-level processes related to the primary prevention of CSA, especially among minoritized communities. Responding to …

Post-Acute Sequelae Of Covid-19 And Polypharmacy: If You Think There’S Too Much Polypharmacy Now, Just Wait, Demetra Antimisiaris

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

The intersection of increased chronic disease burden worldwide with the COVID-19 pandemic was called the “perfect storm”. This article discusses yet another perfect storm: Post COVID-19 (acute and non-acute) syndrome, high chronic disease burdens, advanced age, and polypharmacy. The expected hyper polypharmacy that should result from the added disease and symptom burden due to post COVID-19 syndrome is discussed, as well as the importance of studying the incidence and characteristics to be able to address avoidable medication-related problems.

Student Loans And Health-Related Financial Hardship, Sophia T. Anong, Robin Henager

Journal of Student Financial Aid

Research has shown that student loan borrowers in repayment exhibit physical and mental health problems. These can be exacerbated by and contribute to health-related financial hardship. We use the 2015 U.S. National Financial Capability Study to examine the likelihood of having past due medical bills and of avoiding health care services by not purchasing prescribed medication, skipping tests or follow-up with a doctor or not seeking care for a medical problem. Borrowers on income-driven repayment plans and those who made late payments are found to be more likely to have unpaid medical bills and to have avoided required medical attention. …

Comparing The Health And Welfare Of Refugees And Non-Refugees At The Outset Of The Covid-19 Pandemic: The Results Of A Community Needs Assessment., Matthew J. Lyons, Mary Helen O'Connor, Iris Feinberg, Daniel J. Whitaker, Michael Eriksen, Ashli Owen-Smith, Saiza Jivani, Mohammad Tamer, Esther Kim, Ganaro Makor

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Refugees are a vulnerable population who experience significant health disparities. They may also be at disproportionately high risk of adverse outcomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper presents the results of a community needs assessment to investigate the impact of the pandemic on health and welfare in a refugee relocation community in the United States. A multilingual data collection team made up of refugees surveyed 179 participants (128 refugees vs. 51 non-refugees). Only 55.9% of refugee respondents said they would be able to provide enough food for their family this week, compared with 84.0% of non-refugees (p < 0.01), and this difference was even greater for food next week …

The Population Affected By The Syndemic Of Covid-19 And Poverty Is More Likely To Be Hospitalized With Sars-Cov-2 Pneumonia, Julio A. Ramirez, Stephen P. Furmanek, Meredith Cahill, Stephen S. Hanson, Ruth Carrico, Forest W. Arnold

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background

Lockdown measures to control COVID-19 have exacerbated the poverty epidemic. We hypothesized that the synergistic interaction of COVID-19 and poverty epidemics favors the development of more severe forms of COVID-19 in the population living in poverty. To test this hypothesis, we assessed whether an ecological association exists between the geographic distribution of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and markers of poverty in the city of Louisville, KY.

Methods

Using the geomasked home addresses of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in the city of Louisville, a kernel density heatmap was created. Kuldorff’s spatial scan statistic was used to calculate areas …

Bridging The Inequality Gap Among Marginalized Populations In Africa Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Call For Responsible Cooperation, Aanuoluwapo A. Afolabi, Olayinka S. Ilesanmi Dr., Titilope A. Afolabi

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Streptococcus Anginosus Lung Infection And Empyema: A Case Report And Review Of The Literature, Nishita Tripathi, Kuldeep Ghosh, Anupama Raghuram

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) also referred to as the Streptococcus anginosus group. These are Gram-positive, variable hemolysis, catalase negative, microaerophilic, non-motile facultative anaerobes which have been known to cause abscesses in humans. We report a case of empyema caused by Streptococcus anginosus in a patient with an unresolved pneumonia for over a month. In early October 2018, the patient presented to an emergency room with the complaints of shortness of air, productive cough, chills, subjective fever and weight loss for 4 weeks. A chest X-ray revealed a left lower lobe pneumonia. He was treated with 250 mg of azithromycin for …