About the Journal:
▸Infectious Medicine is an interdisciplinary open access (OA) English journal supervised by the Ministry of Education, sponsored by Tsinghua University, and published by Tsinghua University Press and Elsevier. In 2020, the journal was selected as a new issue of the 2020 China Science and Technology Journals Excellence Action Plan, and the journal was included in the international database Scopus in November 2022, CABI in April 2023, DOAJ in August 2023, PubMed in December 2023, and ESCI in July 2024.
▸Infectious Medicine publishes new research results in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, exchanges new technologies for monitoring and testing of emerging infectious diseases, discusses clinical cases and treatment effects, reports on the intersection of emerging infectious diseases and zoonotic infectious diseases, and strives to become an integrated One Health platform for the study of human infectious diseases and zoonotic infectious diseases. Essays such as reviews, original research, reviews, short stories, and letters to editors can be published on topics such as:
Ø Clinical research on the surveillance, diagnosis, observation and treatment of infectious diseases;
Epidemiological prevention and control of infectious diseases and nosocomial infections;
o Pathogenesis, microbiology and immunology of infection;
Ø R&D of vaccines for infectious diseases;
Ø Public health policies and epidemic prevention measures for infectious diseases.
Academic Division:
Ø Nosocomial infection
Ø Preservation of pathogenic resources, health policies and regulations
Ø Microbiology diagnosis, bacterial/viral detection
Ø Genomics, proteomics, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics
Ø Vector-borne diseases, veterinary/zoonotic infectious diseases
Ø Clinical Sciences, Pathobiology and Immunology of Infectious Diseases
Ø Microbial ecology, surveillance and early warning of infectious diseases
Ø Vaccine development and evaluation, infectious disease prevention measures
Ø Intersection of immunology and infection
Ø Medical Big Data and Artificial Intelligence
▸Infectious Medicine 采用自由格式投稿模式，减轻作者负担，且 2025年前免收文章出版费（APC）。
▸Infectious Medicine pays attention to the scientificity, rigor and novelty of the article, is committed to reporting emerging infectious diseases, closely follows the international academic hotspots, and focuses on new crown pneumonia, monkeypox, psittacos, etc.
▸Infectious Medicine 主编于学杰，武汉大学公共卫生学院教授，曾任武汉大学健康学院院长、山东大学公共卫生学院院长、美国得克萨斯大学盖尔温斯顿医学院终身教授。 现担任Virologica Sinica 副主编、Plos One 学术编辑（Academic editor），Microbiology Spectrum，China CDC Weekly，Asian Pacific J Trop Biomed，Bio Science Trends，Infect Dis and Translational Med 杂志编委。
He is engaged in the research of emerging infectious diseases, mainly studying the epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases and the pathogenic mechanism of emerging pathogens. He has published more than 200 papers in prestigious medical journals such as New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Lancet Infectious Diseases, and other SCI journals, and the most cited article in a single article has exceeded 1,600 times.
1
Original Article
Epidemiological characteristics of ventilator-associated pneumonia in neurosurgery: A 10-year surveillance study in a Chinese tertiary hospital
● Author:
Zhenghao Yu, Xinlou Li, Chenglong Lv, Yao Tian, Jijiang Suo, Zhongqiang Yan, Yanling Bai, Bowei Liu, Liqun Fang, Mingmei Du, Hongwu Yao, Yunxi Liu
● Abstract:
Background
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant and common health concern. The epidemiological landscape of VAP is poorly understood in neurosurgery patients. This study aimed to explore the epidemiology of VAP in this population and devise targeted surveillance, treatment, and control efforts.
Methods
A 10-year retrospective study spanning 2011 to 2020 was performed in a large Chinese tertiary hospital. Surveillance data was collected from neurosurgical patients and analyzed to map the demographic and clinical characteristics of VAP and describe the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of leading pathogens. Risk factors associated with the presence of VAP were explored using boosted regression tree (BRT) models.
Results
Three hundred ten VAP patients were identified. The 10-year incidence of VAP was 16.21 per 1000 ventilation days. All-cause mortality was 6.1%. The prevalence of gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and gram-positive bacteria among the 357 organisms isolated from VAP patients was 86.0%, 7.6%, and 6.4%, respectively; most were multidrug-resistant organisms. Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common pathogens. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae was high and increased over time in the study period. The BRT models revealed that VAP was associated with number of days of ventilator use (relative contribution, 47.84 ± 7.25), Glasgow Coma Scale score (relative contribution, 24.72 ± 5.67), and tracheotomy (relative contribution, 21.50 ± 2.69).
Conclusions
Our findings provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of VAP and its risk factors in neurosurgery patients.
● Keywords:
Mechanical ventilation pneumonia; Epidemiological characteristic; Neurosurgery; Multi-drug resistance; Risk factor
● How to quote:
Z Yu, X Li, C Lv, et al., Epidemiological characteristics of ventilator-associated pneumonia in neurosurgery: a 10-year surveillance study in a Chinese tertiary hospital, Infect. Med. 3 (3) (2024) 100128, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100128.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X2400042X
2
Original Article
Utility of next-generation sequencing for the etiological diagnosis of Orientia tsutsugamushi infection
● Author:
Nannan Xu, Lintao Sai, Gang Wang, Gregory A. Dasch, Marina E. Eremeeva
● Abstract:
Background
Scrub typhus, an acute febrile disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is transmitted to humans through infected chigger mites. We present a case of scrub typhus in a previously healthy man from Shandong Province diagnosed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and PCR and review recent literature on NGS for scrub typhus diagnosis.
Methods
NGS was utilized for testing whole blood collected on admission. Confirmatory testing was done by detecting IgM and IgG antibodies to Orientia in acute and convalescent sera by ELISA. Orientia 47-kDa protein gene TaqMan and standard PCR of the 56-kDa protein gene and Sanger sequencing were performed on eschar scab DNA.
Results
The NGS diagnosis was confirmed by 47-kDa protein gene TaqMan and sequencing of a fragment of the O. tsutsugamushi 56-kDa protein gene from the eschar scab. Analysis of this sequence and the NGS data indicated O. tsutsugamushi strain Cheeloo2020 is a novel genotype. Mapping of the NGS data against the O. tsutsugamushi Gilliam strain genome sequence identified 304 reads with high similarity.
Conclusions
NGS is not only useful for multiplex diagnosis of scrub typhus, but also provides insight into the genetic diversity of O. tsutsugamushi. The common failure to submit sequences to databases makes it difficult to determine the minimal quantity and quality of NGS data being used for the positive identification of Orientia DNA in clinical specimens.
● Keywords:
Orientia tsutsugamushi; Next-generation sequencing; Genotyping; Scrub typhus; Shandong Province; China; Laboratory diagnosis
● How to quote:
N Xu, L Sai, G Wang, et al., Utility of next-generation sequencing for the etiological diagnosis of Orientia tsutsugamushi infection, Infect. Med. 3 (3) (2024) 100116, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100116.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000303
3
Original Article
Lack of correlation between surface water area and infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)
● Author:
John E. Moore, Beverley C. Millar
● Abstract:
Background
People with cystic fibrosis (CF) may develop clinically significant chronic respiratory infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Open water has been suggested to be an important source for continuous or intermittent exposure to these pathogens. To date, there has been a paucity of studies examining the relationship between chronic PA and NTM infection in CF patients and surfaces waters, including blue spaces. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the relationship between chronic pulmonary infection with PA and NTMs in children and adults with CF in European countries and area of surface waters, including blue spaces.
Methods
European CF registry data detailing incidence of chronic PA and NTM infection in adults and children with CF in Europe (n=41,486 in 24 European countries) was correlated with surface water area data from the same countries (approx. 678,278 km2) employing Spearman coefficients.
Results
Correlation of chronic PA infection in children and adults and surface water area were not significant (p=0.0680 and p=0.8448, respectively), as was NTM infection (p=0.7371 and p=0.0712, respectively).
Conclusions
Acquistion of PA and its avoidance in people with CF is a complicated dynamic, not solely driven by close association with surface water, but through the integration of several other factors, including mitigations by people with CF to avoid high risk scenarios with surface water. This study was unable to demonstrate a correlation between PA and NTM infection in people with cystic fibrosis and surface water area at a national level. CF patients should continue to be vigilant about potential infection risks posed by water and take evidence-based decisions regarding their behaviour around water to protect them for acquiring these organisms from these sources.
● Keywords:
Bluespaces; Cystic fibrosis; Mycobacterium; Non-tuberculous mycobacteria; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Water
● How to quote:
JE Moore, BC Millar, Lack of correlation between surface water area and infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), Infect. Med. 3 (3) (2024) 100125, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100125.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X2400039X
4
Original Article
Characterization of isoniazid resistance and genetic mutations in isoniazid-resistant and rifampicin-susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China
● Author:
Dongxin Liu, Bing Zhao, Yang Zheng, Xichao Ou, Shengfen Wang, Yang Zhou, Yuanyuan Song, Hui Xia, Qiang Wei, YanLin Zhao
● Abstract:
Background
Patients with tuberculosis resistant to isoniazid but susceptible to rifampicin (Hr-Rs TB) remain a neglected demographic, despite a high disease burden and poor outcomes of these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of isoniazid-resistance-related mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and resistance rates to drugs included in WHO-recommended regimens for Hr-Rs patients.
Methods
Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates (n = 4922) obtained from national tuberculosis drug-resistance surveillance were subjected to whole-genome sequencing to identify Hr-Rs strains. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were established for the Hr-Rs strains to determine the isoniazid resistance levels. We also identified drug-resistance-associated mutations for five drugs (fluoroquinolones, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, streptomycin, and amikacin) in the Hr-Rs strains.
Results
Of the 4922 strains, 384 (7.8 %) were Hr-Rs. The subculture of seven strains failed, so 377 (98.2 %) strains underwent phenotypic MIC testing. Among the 384 genotypic Hr-Rs strains, 242 (63.0 %) contained the katG Ser315Thr substitution; 115 (29.9 %) contained the -15C>T in the promoter region of the fabG1 gene; and 16 (4.2 %) contained Ser315Asn in the katG gene. Of the 239 strains with the Ser315Thr substitution, 229 (95.8 %) had MIC ≥ 2 µg/mL, and of the 114 strains with the -15C>T mutation, 103 (90.4 %) had 0.25 µg/mL ≤ MIC ≤ 1 µg/mL. The genotypic resistance rates were 0.8 % (3/384) for pyrazinamide, 2.3 % (9/384) for ethambutol and fluoroquinolones; 39.6 % (152/384) of the strains were resistant to streptomycin, but only 0.5 % (2/384) of the strains were resistant to amikacin.
Conclusion
Ser315Thr in katG was the predominant mutation conferring the Hr-Rs phenotype, followed by the fabG1 -15C>T mutation. The combination of rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and levofloxacin should be effective in the treatment of patients with Hr-Rs tuberculosis because the resistance rates for these drugs in China are low.
● Keywords:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mono-isoniazid resistance; Whole-genome sequencing; Resistance mutation
● How to quote:
D Liu, B Zhao, Y Zheng, et al., Characterization of isoniazid resistance and genetic mutations in isoniazid-resistant and rifampicin-susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China, Infect. Med. 3 (3) (2024) 100129, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100129.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000431
5
Original Article
Screening a neurotransmitter-receptor-related inhibitor library identifies clomipramine HCl as a potential antiviral compound against Japanese encephalitis virus
● Author:
Yixin Liu, Xugang Wang, Qi Li, Shuo Zhu, Wenjing Zhu, Huanchun Chen, Youhui Si, Bibo Zhu, Shengbo Cao, Zikai Zhao, Jing Ye
● Abstract:
Background
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a leading cause of viral encephalitis worldwide. JEV exhibits significant neuroinvasiveness and neurotoxicity, resulting in considerable damage to the nervous system. Japanese encephalitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate, seriously harming both human health and livestock production. The current lack of specific antiviral drugs means that the development of new therapeutic agents for JEV has become urgent.
Methods
Anti-JEV drugs were screened from 111 inhibitors of neurotransmitter receptor-related molecules by high content technology. The antiviral effects of clomipramine HCl were evaluated through plaque assay, real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence assay and western blotting assay. Bioinformatic tools were utilized to cluster the altered signaling pathway members after clomipramine HCl treatment. Finally, the anti-JEV mechanism was deeply resolved in vivo via such molecular biology and virological detection techniques.
Results
In this study, we screened nine compounds with significant anti-JEV activity, of which clomipramine HCl demonstrated the most potent antiviral effect and exhibited dose-dependent activity. Mechanistically, clomipramine HCl may activate endoplasmic reticulum stress and modulate the unfolded protein response, thus inhibiting the assembly stage of JEV infection.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of clomipramine HCl as a promising approach for JEV infection protection, which may lead to new host-directed antiviral approaches to such mosquito-borne viruses.
● Keywords:
Clomipramine HCl; Japanese encephalitis virus; Endoplasmic reticulum stress; Antiviral
● How to quote:
Y Liu, X Wang, Q Li, et al., Screening a neurotransmitter-receptor-related inhibitor library identifies clomipramine HCl as a potential antiviral compound against Japanese encephalitis virus, Infect. Med. 3 (3) (2024) 100130, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100130.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000443
6
Review
The key mechanisms of multi-system responses triggered by central nervous system damage in hand, foot, and mouth disease severity
● Author:
Wangquan Ji, Peiyu Zhu, Yuexia Wang, Yu Zhang, Zijie Li, Haiyan Yang, Shuaiyin Chen, Yuefei Jin, Guangcai Duan
● Abstract:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a prevalent infectious affliction primarily affecting children, with a small portion of cases progressing to neurological complications. Notably, in a subset of severe HFMD cases, neurological manifestations may result in significant sequelae and pose a risk of mortality. We systematically conducted literature retrieval from the databases PubMed (1957–2023), Embase (1957–2023), and Web of Science (1957–2023), in addition to consulting authoritative guidelines. Subsequently, we rigorously selected the most relevant articles within the scope of this review for comprehensive analysis. It is widely recognized that the severity of HFMD is attributed to a multifaceted array of pathophysiological mechanisms. The implication of multi-system dysfunction appears to be perturbances of the human defense system; therefore, it contributes to the severity of HFMD. In this review, we provide an overview and analysis of recent insights into the molecular mechanisms contributing to the severity of HFMD, with a particular focus on cytokine release syndrome, the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system, regional immunity, endothelial dysfunction, catecholamine storm, viral invasion, and the molecular mechanisms of neurological damage. We speculate that the domino effect of diverse physiological systems, initiated by damage to the central nervous system, serve as the primary mechanisms governing the severity of HFMD. Simultaneously, we emphasize the knowledge gaps and research urgently required to delineate a quick roadmap for ongoing and essential studies on HFMD.
● Keywords:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease; Pathogenic mechanisms; Central nervous system; Catecholamine storm; Multi-system response
● How to quote:
W Ji, P Zhu, Y Wang, et al., The key mechanisms of multi-system responses triggered by central nervous system damage in hand, foot, and mouth disease severity, Infect. Med. 3 (3) (2024) 100124, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100124.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000388
7
Review
Global research landscape of health care-associated infections among immunocompromised people before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic
● Author:
Chidozie Declan Iwu
● Abstract:
Health care-associated infections (HCAIs) pose a substantial threat to immunocompromised individuals and represent a frequent adverse event in health care delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the global research landscape of HCAIs among immunocompromised populations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic search of articles published between 2013 and 2022 in the Web of Science Core Collection database was conducted, and content analytics and integrated science mapping were used for data analysis and interpretation. The review identified 1,473 articles. Only 633 articles authored by 4,151 individuals and published in 366 journals were included. The average citation rate was 14.27 per document, and research production grew annually by 9.07% peaking in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic but declining in 2022. The United States emerged as the most productive country, with 743 publication appearances and 2,485 citations. Keywords such as “epidemiology,” “infection,” “mortality,” and “risk factors” were frequently encountered in the analyzed literature. The main research themes, including “mortality,” “sepsis,” “immunosuppression,” “expression,” and “pneumonia,” underscored the focal points of importance within this domain. This study highlighted the growing interest regarding HCAIs in immunocompromised populations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings underscore the need to advance research efforts to understand different immunocompromised states, develop tailored infection prevention measures, and address health care disparities to mitigate the burden of HCAIs among immunocompromised individuals.
● Keywords:
Health care-associated infections; Immunocompromised individuals; COVID-19; Prevention strategies; Patient outcomes
● How to quote:
CD Iwu, Global research landscape of health care-associated infections among immunocompromised people before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Infect. Med. 3 (3) (2024) 100127, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100127.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000418
8
Short Communication
Evaluating the performance of the Alere PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test with the Vitek 2 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Card System as reference standard in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species
● Author:
Tez Hsien Lo, Michihiko Gott, Kimberly D.P. Hammer
● Abstract:
Background
The Alere PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test is an FDA-cleared in vitro immunochromatographic assay for rapid detection of penicillin-binding protein2a (PBP2a) in Staphylococcus aureus.
Methods
We investigated the performance of the PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test with 78 coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) isolates from different body sites, with the Vitek 2 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) as a reference standard.
Results
The CoNS species were 62 S. epidermidis; 6 S. lugdenensis; 3 S. hominis; 2 S. capitis; 2 S. haemolyticus; and 1 each of S. simulans, S. auricularis, and S. warneri. Of the 78 CoNS isolates, 68 showed concordance in the PBP2a IC assay and Vitek 2 AST. Discordance was seen for 10 S. epidermidis isolates, which showed negative in the PBP2a assay, despite oxacillin-resistance detection using the Vitek 2 AST (66.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity). All non-S. epidermidis CoNS were identified with 100% concordance using the PBP2a IC assay and Vitek 2 AST.
Conclusion
We demonstrated that, while the PBP2a IC assay has low sensitivity in determining the susceptibility of S. epidermidis to oxacillin, it highly accurately predicted the susceptibility of non-S. epidermidis CoNS to oxacillin. The diagnostic accuracy for non-S. epidermidis CoNS needs further assessment with more isolates to confirm our findings.
● Keywords:
PBP2a IC assay; Staphylococcus epidermidis; Non-epidermidis coagulase-negative Staphylococcus
● How to quote:
TS Lo, M Goto, KDP Hammer, Evaluating the performance of the Alere PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test with the Vitek 2 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Card System as reference standard in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species, Infect. Med. 3 (3) (2024) 100126, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100126.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000406
9
Case Report
Ocular tuberculosis associated with Epstein-Barr virus myelitis: A case report
● Author:
Fakhri Alahyari, Rahaleh Halebian, Jawad Hosseini Nezad
● Abstract:
Ocular tuberculosis (OTB) is a chronic eye infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Some cases of myelitis are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), with 1-5% of EBV infections leading to neurologic complications. We describe a 34-year-old Iranian woman with OTB and EBV coinfection. Despite initial success with anti-TB agents, the disease progressed, necessitating enucleation. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected by a tuberculin coagulation test, and EBV was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction. MRI showed plaques in the spinal cord and brain. The patient was treated with anti-TB and antiretroviral agents. Recognizing TB in the differential diagnosis of EBV myelitis is crucial.
● Keywords:
Epstein-Barr virus; Mycobacterial infection; Myelitis; Ocular tuberculosis
● How to quote:
F Alahyari, R Halabian, JH Nejad, Ocular tuberculosis associated with Epstein-Barr virus myelitis: A case report, Infect. Med. 3 (3) 2024 100132, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100132.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000467
10
Case Report
Infectious intracranial aneurysm associated with Lactococcus garvieae: A case report and literature review
● Author:
Chung-Ho Lee, Peter Yat-Ming Woo, Calvin Ka-Lam Leung, Ronald Li, Jenny Kwan-Tsz Chan, Kwan-Shun Ng, Cindy Wing-Sze Tse
● Abstract:
Lactococcus garvieae is a known fish pathogen associated with numerous aquacultural outbreaks. In humans, L. garvieae primarily causes infective endocarditis, but infections involving other organs have also been reported. We report the first case of ruptured infectious intracranial aneurysm associated with L. garvieae bacteraemia without concomitant infective endocarditis. The diagnosis of a left distal posterior cerebral artery mycotic aneurysm was based on a computed tomography angiogram, catheter angiogram and histopathological examination of the resected aneurysm. Here, we review the literature on human L. garvieae infections and describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors, management and outcomes of the cases identified to date.
● Keywords:
Lactococcus garvieae; Bacteraemia; Infectious intracranial aneurysm; Mycotic aneurysm; Subarachnoid haemorrhage
● How to quote:
CH Lee, PY Woo, CK Leung, et al., Infectious intracranial aneurysm associated with Lactococcus garvieae: a case report and literature review, Infect. Med. 3 (3) (2024) 100123, doi:10.1016/j.imj.2024.100123.
● Original link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000376