Fungal meningitis in U.S. Patients who Received Epidural Anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico.

Background: Fungal meningitis outbreaks are rare and entail high mortality rates. Beginning May 2023, we investigated fungal meningitis caused by Fusarium solani species complex occurring in U.S.

COVID-19-associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Mechanically Ventilated Patients at 7 US Hospitals: Epidemiology and Estimated Likelihood of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis-Results of the Prospective MSG-017 Study.

Background: There is no prospective, US multicenter study of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). CAPA definitions do not differentiate invasive aspergillosis (IPA) from colonization. Validity of single mycologic test results is unclear.

Invasive Fungal Disease in Solid Organ and Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients, United States.

Background: Updated benchmark data on invasive fungal disease (IFD) in solid organ transplantation (SOT) and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients are necessary to increase clinical recognition and inform treatment and prevention strategies. We estimated IFD incidence and potential risk factors in transplant recipients in a large US commercial health insurance database.

Methods: We observed patients who received SOT or HCT during 2018-2022 until IFD development, disenrollment, or database end date (July 31, 2023).

Olorofim for the treatment of invasive fungal diseases in patients with few or no therapeutic options: a single-arm, open-label, phase 2b study.

Background: Only a small number of antifungal therapies for invasive fungal disease (IFD) are currently available, and many pathogens are resistant to one or more of these therapies. Olorofim, the first orotomide antifungal agent to be developed, is active against fungi that are resistant to registered therapies. It impairs fungal pyrimidine biosynthesis, leading to cell death.

Using Machine Learning Algorithms to Identify Key Predictors of Invasive Mold Infection Surveillance.

Background: Invasive mold infections (IMI) can lead to severe morbidity and mortality, but routine public health surveillance is lacking. Although extensive evaluation is needed for clinical diagnosis, case classification prediction models may inform surveillance efforts, which are essential to better characterize epidemiologic trends and assess the value of a more inclusive IMI case definition.

Methods: We modeled medical record data of potential IMI cases from 4 medical centers in Houston, Texas, during September 2016 to August 2018.

Diagnosis and management of Candida endophthalmitis and chorioretinitis.

Background: Candida endophthalmitis (CE) and chorioretinitis are uncommon but potentially devastating complications of candidemia, associated with significant risks of vision loss and long-term morbidity. Effective management relies on timely diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy. However, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are hindered by inconsistent guidelines, limited evidence, and variations in clinical practice.

Broad-Spectrum Activity and Mechanisms of Action of SQ109 on a Variety of Fungi.

We investigated the activity of the tuberculosis drug SQ109 against 16 fungal pathogens: , , , , , , , , , , spp., spp., spp.

Rezafungin for suppressive therapy of in a patient with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Introduction: Invasive candidiasis is a common healthcare-associated infection with significant morbidity and mortality. in particular has emerged as a problematic and challenging healthcare-associated infection, especially with regards to infections involving left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). There is a paucity of evidence on the best management of these particular types of infections.

Fungal Infections in People Who Use Drugs.

Illicit drug use in the United States continues to rise, alongside an increasing number of severe infections associated with drug use. Surveillance studies report that 28%-34% of candidemia cases are linked to intravenous drug use, with being the most commonly isolated species, followed by and . Marijuana use is associated with lung infections caused by and the , showing a 3.

Development, delivery, and evaluation of the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute pilot infection control lecture series.

Introduction: The Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI) aims to keep Texans healthy and the economy strong by preparing for the next infectious disease outbreak. TEPHI's Small Rural Healthcare Preparedness core developed, delivered, and evaluated a pilot infection prevention and control webinar series called for rural-serving health professionals and organizations based on infection prevention and control field best practices.

Methods: Data from the first year of the Infection Control series was collected through attendee registration forms, attendance records, knowledge, and post-lecture evaluation surveys using Qualtrics.

Correction: Ellsworth, M.; Ostrosky-Zeichner, L. Isavuconazole: Mechanism of Action, Clinical Efficacy, and Resistance. 2020, , 324.

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Broad-Spectrum Activity and Mechanisms of Action of SQ109 on a Variety of Fungi.

We investigated the activity of the tuberculosis drug SQ109 against sixteen fungal pathogens: , , , , , , , , , spp., spp., spp.

Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of candidiasis: an initiative of the ECMM in cooperation with ISHAM and ASM.

Candida species are the predominant cause of fungal infections in patients treated in hospital, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. Candidaemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis primarily affect patients who are immunocompromised or critically ill. In contrast, mucocutaneous forms of candidiasis, such as oral thrush and vulvovaginal candidiasis, can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

Evaluation of Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc Certification in Infection Control (CIC) examination rates.

Background: Infection prevention professionals develop through training and certification practices, with the Certified in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) exam being the industry standard for infection prevention and control expertise.

Methods: This study conducted a secondary analysis of Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc exam scores from 2013 to 2022. Reliability coefficients, Spearman-Brown coefficients, and Standard Error Measurement averages were calculated for the CIC exam's eight objective areas from 2016 to 2022.

Nomenclature for human and animal fungal pathogens and diseases: a proposal for standardized terminology.

Medically important pathogenic fungi invade vertebrate tissue and are considered primary when part of their nature life cycle is associated with an animal host and are usually able to infect immunocompetent hosts. Opportunistic fungal pathogens complete their life cycle in environmental habitats or occur as commensals within or on the vertebrate body, but under certain conditions can thrive upon infecting humans. The extent of host damage in opportunistic infections largely depends on the portal and modality of entry as well as on the host's immune and metabolic status.

Outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients receiving organs from a donor with Fusarium solani species complex meningitis.

Background: Five organs (heart, right lung, liver, right, and left kidneys) from a deceased patient were transplanted into five recipients in four US states; the deceased patient was identified as part of a healthcare-associated fungal meningitis outbreak among patients who underwent epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico.

Methods: After transplant surgeries occurred, Fusarium solani species complex, a fungal pathogen with a high case-mortality rate, was identified in cerebrospinal fluid from the organ donor by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and fungal-specific polymerase chain reaction and in plasma by mNGS.

Results: Four of five transplant recipients received recommended voriconazole prophylaxis; four were monitored weekly by serum (1-3)-β-d-glucan testing.

COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake, Infection Rates, and Seropositivity Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness in the United States.

Background: People experiencing homelessness are at greater risk of exposure and poor health outcomes from COVID-19. However, little data exist on the prevalence and correlates of COVID-19 among homeless populations. To mitigate the spread and severity, uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is needed.