临床传染病：开放获取

Zoonotic infections, also known as zoonoses, are diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. These infections can be caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Zoonotic infections can occur through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated animal products, or exposure to vectors that carry the disease.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a viral illness that has gained global attention due to its association with severe neurological complications and adverse effects on pregnancy. First identified in the Zika Forest of Uganda in 1947, the virus remained relatively obscure until recent outbreaks sparked concerns worldwide. In this article, we delve into the key aspects of Zika virus infection, including its transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and prevention.

Antibiotic-resistant infections have become a significant public health concern worldwide. These infections occur when bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens evolve and develop mechanisms to resist the effects of antibiotics, rendering these drugs ineffective in treating the infections they cause. The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance are primarily driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare settings, agriculture, and the community.

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the field of medicine, particularly in the treatment of cancer. However, its potential in combating infectious diseases is now being increasingly recognized. Immunotherapeutic approaches harness the power of the immune system to target and eliminate pathogens, providing a promising alternative or complement to traditional antimicrobial therapies. This article explores various immunotherapeutic approaches that are being developed and utilized in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases have been a constant threat to human health throughout history. While advancements in medicine and public health have significantly reduced the burden of many infections, there remain challenging infectious diseases that continue to pose significant risks. Clinical trials and therapeutic interventions play a vital role in the development of effective treatments and preventive measures for these complex and formidable diseases. This article explores the importance of clinical trials and the innovative therapeutic interventions being pursued to combat these challenging infectious diseases.

Background: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most important hospital associated pathogens whose emergence has created clinical difficulties for nosocomial infections. The extent of nasal colonization during hospitalization, however, has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in inpatient wards at an Ethiopian teaching hospital offering tertiary care for the prevention and control of its transmission.

Methods: A hospital based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 388 admitted patients at Jimma medical center in Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia, from October 1 to December 30, 2020. Proportional stratification and systematic random sampling were employed to get a proportional number of participants and to recruit study participants from each ward. Socio-demographic data and data on associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Two nasal swab samples were taken from each patient, the first within 48 hours of admission and the second at the time of discharge. The specimens were then inoculated on Mannitol salt agar and yellowish colonies were sub-cultured on nutrient agar. The isolate was further identified using gram reaction, catalase, and coagulase tests. The Cefoxitin disk was used for the detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Multivariate logistic regression was employed for factors associated with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization. A P-value <0.05 was defined as statistically significant for all results.

Results: The overall prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization was 29.9%. The prevalence of MRSA at the time of admission was 23.7%. From the total (116) MRSA isolated, 20.69% of patients were newly colonized. The isolates showed the highest resistance to penicillin (97.9%). History of hospitalization, chronic wound infection, and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with MRSA nasal colonization.

Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA was 29.9%. The isolated S. aureus showed the highest resistance to penicillin (97.9%) and the majority of the isolates were multidrug resistant. Having a history of hospitalization, chronic wound infection, and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with MRSA nasal colonization. MRSA transmission in the hospital can be reduced by screening patients during their admission.

One of the most well-known human pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, causes infections ranging from life-threatening conditions including sepsis, necrotizing pneumonia and, endocarditis to benign superficial skin infections. It was formerly thought to be an extracellular bacterium. However, it has been demonstrated that this pathogen can live and dwell inside cells. These features allow the pathogen to survive periods of antibiotic treatment or pressure from the immune system of the host and further enable it to start the infection once again after the environmental stress declines. Such characteristics are considered properties of Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants. Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants are often difficult to recognize due to the fact that they are endowed with unusual metabolic, physiological, and morphological characteristics that will cause difficulties for the routine diagnostic laboratory. As a result, they are associated with persistent infections.