Bacterial Infections and Mycoses Commons^™

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome In Melanatedskin: A Pediatric Case Report, Aleah Lafrancis-Ream, Hannah Chotiner, Scott Gutovitz

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Bloodstream To Heart Valve: A Case Of Pseudomonas Endocarditis, Jacob Keesee, Brenden Pearce, Mohammed Faris

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Endocarditis Causing Complete Heart Block And Cardiogenic Shock, Ish Patel, Jacob M. Keesee, Brenden Pearce, Sarah Barnhardt, Mohamed Faris

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Cultures For Acid-Fast Bacilli: Are We Being Good Stewards?, Jennifer Hanrahan, Julie D. Sill, Patricia Ver Schneider, Jessica F. Copeland, Elsie Frimpongmaa Amoako-Kissi, Ogochukwu O. Ilobi, Angela J. Toepp

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objective: To describe the use of cultures for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and situations in which AFB cultures are unlikely to be of clinical benefit.

Design: Retrospective descriptive study of AFB cultures submitted to Sentara Health microbiology laboratory from December 1, 2021, to December 1, 2023. Data were collected from the electronic medical record and included patient demographics, the service line that ordered the culture, specimen source, and culture results.

Setting: Sentara Healthcare System.

Patients: All patients who had specimens submitted to the microbiology laboratory during the study period were included.

Results: A total of 13,944 AFB cultures from 8,243 …

Ribosome Hibernation In Mycobacterium Abscessus And Its Effect On Antibiotic Resistance, Ryan Treen

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) represent a diverse repertoire of species, most of which are ubiquitous in the environment. Some NTM species, such as Mycobacterium abscessus, can cause life-threatening infections in people with underlying medical conditions. The clinical incidence of such infections is on the rise, posing an emerging threat to public health. M. abscessus is characterized by intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment strategies. Most chemotherapeutic approaches for M. abscessus infection target the bacterial ribosome, necessitating a better understanding of the physiological processes which confer this resistance. Multiple mycobacterial species respond to zinc-limiting conditions by inducing remodeling and hibernation …

Systemic Antibiotic Selection In Skin And Soft Tissue Infections, Shafira Anindya Purnawan, Windy Keumala Budianti, Sandra Widaty

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Antibiotics are used in daily practice. To properly select antibiotics, it is important to pay attention to the definitive diagnosis, class of antibiotic, dose, interval, route of administration, and exact duration of use.

Discussion: The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes antibiotics into three groups: Access, Watch, and Reserve—known as the AWaRe classification—to help guide appropriate usage and combat antibiotic resistance. The Gyssens flowchart serves as a valuable tool for clinicians to qualitatively evaluate antibiotic utilization. In skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), treatment strategies are tailored according to the characteristics of the infection, including purulence, necrosis, and overall severity. …

Design, Synthesis, And Nmr-Guided Characterization Of A Targeted Covalent Inhibitor-Like Molecule Against Ivyp1 From P. Aeruginosa, Samuel Taylor Moore

Master's Theses

Multi-drug resistance poses a serious threat to future generations and historical antibiotic pipelines; consequently, the medical and economic burdens associated with treating multidrug-resistant bacteria are substantiated. In this context, P. aeruginosa (PA) emerges as one of the most significant healthcare challenges, being a leading cause of resistance-associated mortality worldwide. Despite modern efforts to combat these poor outcomes, drug-resistant cases continue to rise, and the need for novel antibiotic treatment is apparent. To this end, we investigated relevant resistance mechanisms and past antibiotic targets within PA, and in doing so, we identified relationships between peptidoglycan biology and a periplasmic protein, Inhibitor …

Antibiotics For Culture-Negative Neonatal Early-Onset Sepsis: Measuring The Unmeasurable, Dustin D Flannery, Matthew B Green

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

No abstract provided.

Understanding Orthopaedic Infections: A Conceptual Approach, Gregory Laborde, Christopher Bloise, George Karam

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Memorizing mounds of facts without having an effective conceptual framework to store them is often an unsuccessful learning style because memory frequently fails without understanding. To accomplish this goal, we offer a framework of ideas called "concept maps". Of the many strategies for metacognition (that is, thinking about thinking), concept mapping is proven to improve meaningful and independent learning. We used this approach to guide understanding of common orthopaedic infections. This paper is not meant to serve as an approach on how to treat, but rather as a storage system with the ability to assist in understanding orthopaedic infections. …

Cabotegravir Maintains Protective Efficacy In The Setting Of Bacterial Stis: A Secondary Analysis Of Hptn 083, Meredith E. Clement, Brett Hanscom, Daniel Haines, Jose A. Bazan, Nuntisa Chotirosniramit, Ryan Kofron, Sharon Mannheimer, Kenneth H. Mayer, Mayara Secco Torres Silva, Lydia Soto-Torres, Alex R. Rinehart, James F. Rooney, A Jennings, K Gomez-Feliciano, Marybeth Mccauley, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Raphael J. Landovitz, Et Al.

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been shown to facilitate HIV transmission and acquisition. HPTN 083, a global clinical trial, demonstrated superiority of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) for HIV prevention among transgender women and cisgender men who have sex with men. This analysis assessed whether CAB-LA maintained protective efficacy when bacterial STIs (syphilis, rectal/urethral gonorrhea and chlamydia) were present. METHODS: STI events per 100 person-years (PY) were calculated, including by subgroups (age, race/ethnicity, gender, education, treatment arm, drug use, alcohol use, region/country, condom usage, partner number, marital status, baseline STI). Association between baseline factors …

An Epidemiological Approach To The Rise In Syphilis In The United States Between 2018 And 2022, Ashley Forrest, Erica Rankin, Lahana Maharjan, Cyril Blavo, Jyotsna Chawla

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the recent increase in syphilis rates from 2018 to 2022, utilizing publicly available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Background. Syphilis has seen a dramatic resurgence since 2018, reaching levels not observed since the 1940s. While this increase has prompted significant discourse among healthcare professionals, a comprehensive demographic analysis remains limited. Methods. CDC public datasets from 2018 to 2022 were analyzed descriptively, followed by chi-squared tests and logistic regression modeling conducted using R. The analysis examined syphilis rates across different demographic and behavioral factors, including sex, race/ethnicity, and reported sexual …

To Be Or Not Tb, Gerald Chang, Leidy Huie Martinez Md, Carlos Correa Md, Jose Melendez Md, Brittany Puebla Ms, Yeissen Godinez Md

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an aerosol-transmitted disease that primarily affects the lungs, with active infection presenting as fever, night sweats, weight loss, and productive cough. While it is prevalent worldwide, there may be a lower degree of clinical suspicion in developed countries where it remains uncommon. Therefore, it is important to focus on certain risk factors (travel history, immunosuppression, certain living conditions) in the patient workup. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the presentation and management of a patient with active TB presenting atypically. Case Description: The 47yo male patient with a recent history of pneumonia presented …

Meca In Streptococcus Mutans Is A Multi-Functional Protein, Kassapa Ellepola, Robert C. Shields, Jessica K. Kajfasz, Hua Zhang, Jose A. Lemos, Hui Wu, Zezhang T. Wen

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

UNLABELLED: Our recent studies have shown that deficiency of MecA in Streptococcus mutans significantly affects cell division, growth, and biofilm formation. In this study, an in vitro mixed-species model, proteomics, and affinity pull-down assays were used to further characterize the MecA-mediated regulation in S. mutans. The results showed that compared with the wild type, UA159, the mecA mutant significantly reduced its production of glucans and weakened its ability to facilitate mixed-species biofilm formation. Relative to the wild type, the mecA mutant also displayed unique characteristics, including colony morphology, growth rate, and biofilm formation that did not fully resemble any of …

From Infection To Encapsulation; A Case Report On Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis, Clinical Challenges And Management, Sidra Memon Md, Jacob Seth Psomiadis Md, Syed Uzair Mahmood, Jennifer Hoffman Md

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but deadly sequlae of peritoneal dialysis resulting in intraperitoneal inflammation and fibrosis. The disease itself can present in a variety of ways and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Here we present the case of a man in his 50's with a history of chronic peritoneal aspergillus as well as end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis that had multiple admissions for abdominal fluid collections as well as bowel obstruction. After a multidisciplinary approach, the patient was diagnosed with encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and then started the recommended therapy of tamoxifen and prednisone.

Micro Life, David Burton

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Painting is what I do to slow my brain and relax my body after a busy day at the hospital. Nothing puts me directly into a flow state like slowly moving acrylic paint across a canvas. This piece titled “Micro Life” depicts the diversity of life constantly surrounding us at the microbiological level everywhere we go. As a strong believer in nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, I know how important our microbiome is to healthy digestion and a properly functioning immune system. On the other side, I have witnessed the devastating effects dangerous microorganisms can have on our already compromised …

Specialized Contact Sites Regulate The Fusion Of Chlamydial Inclusion Membranes, Christine Linton, Jordan Wesolowski, Anna Lobley, Toshiyuki Yamaji, Kentaro Hanada, Fabienne Paumet

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis replicates within a membrane-bound compartment called the inclusion. Upon infection with several chlamydiae, each bacterium creates its own inclusion, resulting in multiple inclusions within each host cell. Ultimately, these inclusions fuse together in a process that requires the chlamydial protein IncA. Here, we show that inclusions form unique contact sites (inclusion contact sites, ICSs) prior to fusion, that serve as fusogenic platforms in which specific lipids and chlamydial proteins concentrate. Fusion depends on IncA clustering within ICSs and is regulated by PI(3,4)P₂ and sphingolipids. As IncA concentrates within ICSs, its C-terminus likely interacts …

Evaluation Of The Clinical Performance Of A Multistep Algorithm For The Diagnosis Of Clostridioides Difficile Infection And Patient Characteristics In A Clinical Setting, Mayuree Khantipong, Ajcharaporn Sawatpanich, Kanphai Wongjarit, Somying Tumwasorn, Pattama Torvorapanit, Suwatchareeporn Rotcheewaphan Dr.

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis. The diagnosis of CDI relies on clinical presentations confirmed by laboratory investigations.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of current diagnostic tests and examine the characteristics of patients associated with CDI in a real hospital setting.

Methods: A total of 299 unformed stool specimens were collected and analyzed using the C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE and PCR assays. Patient data were retrospectively reviewed from medical records.

Results: The C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE and PCR assays detected toxigenic C. difficile …

Molecular Architecture Of Chitin And Chitosan-Dominated Cell Walls In Zygomycetous Fungal Pathogens By Solid-State Nmr, Qinghui Cheng, Malitha C. Dickwella Widanage, Jayasubba Reddy Yarava, Ankur Ankur, Jean Paul Latgé, Ping Wang, Tuo Wang

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Zygomycetous fungal infections pose an emerging medical threat among individuals with compromised immunity and metabolic abnormalities. Our pathophysiological understanding of these infections, particularly the role of fungal cell walls in growth and immune response, remains limited. Here we conducted multidimensional solid-state NMR analysis to examine cell walls in five Mucorales species, including key mucormycosis causative agents like Rhizopus and Mucor species. We show that the rigid core of the cell wall primarily comprises highly polymorphic chitin and chitosan, with minimal quantities of β-glucans linked to a specific chitin subtype. Chitosan emerges as a pivotal molecule preserving hydration and dynamics. Some …

Houston, We Have A Problem: Diagnostic Difficulties In The Aids Patient With Tuberculosis Infection, Hector D. Preciado, Maria E. Torres, Muhammad A. Siddiqui, Liza Salloum, Lee Gelpi, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of infectious death worldwide with 1.5 million deaths annually and nearly 1/4th of the world’s population (1.7 billion) infected with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in 2014. Its diagnosis conventionally relies on tuberculin skin testing (TST), and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) which relies on the production of Interferon Gamma (IFN-y) in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) specific antigens. IGRA is a useful tool for detecting latent TB disease, and can be used as an adjunct for the diagnosis of active TB cases. Increases in IFN-y levels might support the diagnosis of a new TB …

Prognostic Utility Of The Lactate/Pyruvate Ratio For Mortality In Patients With Sepsis: An Observational Study, Edgar G. Dorsey-Trevino, Olga G. Cantu-Rodriguez, Jose A. Hawing-Zarate, Grecia A. Gonzalez-Cantu, David Gomez-Almaguer, Cesar H. Gutierrez-Aguirre

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Measurement of serum lactate remains pivotal in sepsis evaluation as it is closely related to tissue hypoxia and mortality.^{1, 2} Serum lactate, however, can be elevated due to a myriad of reasons beyond hypoperfusion.³ A proposed alternative to control for serum lactate’s inherent variability is to measure pyruvate concomitantly to calculate the lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratio.^{4, 5} As pyruvate transforms into lactate in anaerobic conditions, its value decreases in serum, increasing the L/P ratio, hence indicating an actual tissue-perfusion mismatch.⁶ Despite its clinical utility, there is a paucity of evidence evaluating the role of the L/P …