Rebecca Reece

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Rhode Island Long-Term Care Facilities: Current Standings and Future Opportunities.

Our survey of antimicrobial stewardship practices among Rhode Island long-term care facilities demonstrated opportunities to develop formal programs. Results suggest infection preventionists are largely responsible for ensuring appropriate antibiotic use in long-term care facilities and there is a need for increased interdisciplinary access to individuals with antimicrobial stewardship expertise. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:979-982.

Multiple gaps in care common among newly diagnosed HIV patients

The objective of this study was to identify frequency and predictors of gaps in care in a longitudinal cohort of HIV-infected patients in urban New England. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Providence, RI, of 581 newly diagnosed HIV patients >18 entering into care from 2004 to 2010, and followed their care through the end of 2011. The outcome of interest was gaps in care, defined as an interruption of medical care for >6 months. Time to the first gap was characterized using Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves. Anderson–Gill proportional hazards (AGPH) model was used to identify the risk factors of recurrent gaps in care. During the study period, 368 patients (63%) experienced at least 1 gap in care, 178 (30%) had ≥2 gaps, 84 (14.5%) had ≥3 gaps, and 21 (3.6%) died; 77% of the gaps were followed by a re-linkage with care The KM curves estimate that one-quarter of patients (95% CI = 22–29%) would experience ≥1 gap in care by Year 1; nearly one-half (CI = 45–54%) by Year 2; and 90% (CI = 93–96%) by Year 8. A prior gap was a strong predictor (HR = 2.36; CI = 2.16–2.58) of subsequent gaps; other predictors included age <25 (HR = 1.29; CI = 1.04–1.60), and no prescription of ART in first year of care (HR = 1.23; CI = 1.01–1.50). The results of this study suggest that a significant proportion of newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients will experience multiple gaps in care and yet re-engagement is possible. Interventions should focus on both prevention of gaps as well as re-engaging those lost to follow-up.

Corynebacterium minutissimum vascular graft infection: Case report and review of 281 cases of prosthetic device-related Corynebacterium infection

Abstract Corynebacterium spp. have proven their pathogenic potential in causing infections, particularly in the setting of immunosuppression and prosthetic devices. We conducted a PubMed literature review of all cases of Corynebacterium prosthetic device infections published in the English language through December 2013. The majority of cases involved peritoneal dialysis and central venous catheters, but prosthetic joints and central nervous system shunts/drains were also involved. The management of these cases in terms of retention or removal of the device was not uniform; however, the overall mortality remained the same among both groups. All of these prosthetic device infections pose potential problems in management when the device cannot be removed safely for the patient, especially with the lack of data on the pathogenicity of Corynebacterium species. However with better identification of species and sensitivities, successful treatment is possible even with retention of the device.

Cavernosal Abscess due to Streptococcus Anginosus: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

Corpus cavernosum abscesses are uncommon with only 23 prior reports in the literature. Several precipitating factors for cavernosal infections have been described including injection therapy for erectile dysfunction, trauma, and priapism. Common causal organisms include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococci, and Bacteroides. We report a unique case of a corpus cavernosum abscess due to proctitis with hematological seeding and review the literature on cavernosal abscesses.

Retention in Care of HIV-Positive Postpartum Females in Kumasi, Ghana

Background: Despite the success of prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs, transition to care in the postpartum period is vulnerable to being lost to care. Methods: The authors performed a 2-year retrospective study of postpartum HIV-infected patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. The outcome was classified as optimal follow-up, suboptimal follow-up, and loss to follow-up (LTFU). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with optimal retention. Results: Follow-up was optimal in 66%, suboptimal in 16%, and LTFU in 18% of patients. The rate of LTFU was 22% among women diagnosed at pregnancy and 13% among those with known HIV diagnosis (P = .078). Adherence counseling (odds ratio [OR] 5.0, confidence interval [CI] 1.6-15.7; P = .006) and family planning (FP; OR 2.3, CI 1.0-5.3; P = .041) were predictive of optimal follow-up. Conclusion: At 1 year, only two-thirds of postpartum women remained in care. Investigating barriers to adherence counseling and FP may impact engagement in care among HIV-infected women.

The Effect of Antiretroviral Stock-Outs on Medication Adherence Among Patients Living With HIV in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

&NA; Stock‐outs of medications for antiretroviral therapy have been reported as a significant barrier to HIV care in sub‐Saharan Africa, but patient responses to these shortages have not been fully described. The aim of our study was to employ qualitative methods to examine the role of medication stock‐outs in contributing to treatment interruption among a sample of patients already engaged in care for HIV at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. We found that medication stock‐outs presented a number of challenges to adherence for patients undergoing HIV treatment. Often, patients interrupted treatment until the stock‐out ended. Those who did not interrupt treatment during stock‐outs coped with shortages by stockpiling old medication or experienced clinic‐initiated changes to their treatment regimens. Particularly in areas lacking the resources to monitor viral load or viral genotype, viral resistance could develop due to frequent unstructured treatment interruptions as a result of stock‐outs.

Varicella in the prison setting: A report of three outbreaks in Rhode Island and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND The prison setting carries unique risks for varicella outbreaks and the disease in adults, particularly those who are immunocompromised, can be life-threatening. In 2016-17, there were three outbreaks of varicella at three different correctional facilities in Rhode Island. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend post-exposure vaccination within three to five days for affected populations however the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) notes the logistical challenges of vaccinating exposed incarcerated individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS A descriptive analysis was performed for each outbreak along with an overview of the response. Varicella serologies were obtained from the exposed population at each facility and the results compiled for comparative analysis. A literature review was then performed to identify and analyze other reported varicella outbreaks in incarcerated populations. RESULTS In each outbreak, the sentinel event was an inmate with herpes zoster. In prison A, there were 432 inmates exposed to the virus leading to 5 cases of varicella, while the outbreak in Prison B exposed 46 inmates and led to 3 cases. In Prison C, there was one case of primary varicella and 97 inmates were exposed. DISCUSSION It is remarkable that there were 3 unrelated outbreaks in a short time and, although corroborating data would be necessary to establish a trend, it may signal an increased risk of varicella transmission within this population. Correctional facilities should remain vigilant and have plans for managing the disease including isolation protocols, serology testing and post-exposure vaccination when indicated. While the BOP does not provide clear recommendations on the use of post-exposure prophylaxis during an outbreak response in this population, the experience in Rhode Island and the review of the literate demonstrate steps that can be taken to facilitate a response including post-exposure vaccination in line with CDC recommendations.

Accumulated pre-switch resistance to more recently introduced one-pill-once-a-day antiretroviral regimens impacts HIV-1 virologic outcome

BACKGROUND One-pill-once-a-day regimens (OPODs) appeal to providers and patients. The impact of resistance to OPODs in routine clinical care is important yet unclear, particularly in treatment-experienced patients. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that resistance to any OPOD component impacts treatment success and that historical, vs. most recent, resistance better predicts it. STUDY DESIGN In the largest RI HIV Center, we identified all patients starting/switching to Complera/Stribild, evaluated their 12-month viral load (VL) suppression, and examined the impact of demographic, clinical and laboratory data on it, focusing on recent-only vs. accumulated significant resistance, defined as low-, intermediate- or high-level predicted resistance to any OPOD component. Associations with outcomes were evaluated using Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Hypotheses were tested using logistic regression. RESULTS Of 1624 patients, 224 started/switched to Complera or Stribild, mean age 44 years, 8 years post-diagnosis, CD4 468 cells/μL; 183 treatment-experienced (140 with genotypes; 61% suppressed at switch). Significant OPOD-associated resistance was in 30% by recent-only genotypes, and 38% by all genotypes. 12-month VL suppression was in 83% of treatment-experienced participants: 96% of suppressed at switch, associated with older age, higher CD4, fewer prior genotypes, less accumulated resistance, and better adherence; and 61% of unsuppressed at switch, associated with better adherence. Accumulated resistance independently predicted 12-month failure, better than most-recent resistance only. CONCLUSION 12-month VL suppression with Complera/Stribild was high, suggesting that OPODs remain options even for experienced patients. Clinicians should consider resistance history before switching to OPODs and continue to focus on improving adherence.

First confirmed case of Powassan neuroinvasive disease in Rhode Island

The Powassan Virus is the arthropod-borne vector responsible for Powassan neuroinvasive disease. The virus was first isolated in 1958 and has been responsible for approximately 100 cases of neuroinvasive disease. Rates of infection have been on the rise over the past decade with numerous states reporting their first confirmed case; New Jersey, New Hampshire and Connecticut all reported their first case within the last five years. We present here the first confirmed case of Powassan neuroinvasive disease in the nearby state of Rhode Island. A previously healthy 81-year-old female with known tick exposure presented with fever, altered sensorium, seizures and focal neurological deficits. After an extensive work-up that was largely unrevealing Powassan encephalitis was suspected. The diagnosis was confirmed with serological testing consisting of Powassan IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Powassan plaque reduction neutralization testing. The case study provides evidence for the increasing spread of Powassan neuroinvasive disease and reinforces the importance of requesting focused testing for Powassan Virus in patients from an endemic area with a clinically compatible syndrome.

Delayed entry to care by men with HIV infection in Kumasi, Ghana.

Introduction In resource-limited settings, men may face considerable barriers to accessing HIV care as early interventions tend to focus on antenatal care settings. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of all adult patients referred to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital HIV clinic in Kumasi, Ghana in 2011 to identify the differences in clinical and demographic variables by gender at presentation to care using two-sample t tests with adjusted variance and Wilcox rank sum tests for continuous variables and Pearson chi-squared tests for categorical variables. We also compared differences in clinical and demographic variables among men stratified by CD4 count at initiation of care in order to identify variables associated with later entry to care. Results Demographically, men were more likely to be older (men age 42 vs. 37, p<0.01), have a greater number of dependent children (1.8 v. 1.5, p = 0.04), to be living with or married to their partner (65.4% vs. 49.0%, p<0.01), and to have a higher level of education (tertiary education, 45.8% vs. 25.4%, p<0.01) than women. Clinically, men were more likely to have a lower CD4 count at entry to care (260 v. 311 cells/µL, p<0.01), to report clinical symptoms to the nurse during intake (p<0.01), and to have any history of alcohol use (p<0.01). Conclusion Men in Ghana are accessing treatment at a later stage of their disease than women. Efforts to test and link men to care early should be intensified.