Open Forum Infectious Diseases

Abstract Background Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen. M. genitalium is often asymptomatic but can cause urethritis, is associated with cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease, and possibly infertility and premature labor. Although multiplex sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing platforms that include M. genitalium are available, screening for asymptomat…

Abstract Background Expanded criteria donors (ECDs) have become an important source of organs, but their association with infection risk remains unclear. This systematic review assessed the impact of ECD versus standard criteria donors (SCD) on infection rates in kidney and liver transplant recipients and analysed the variability of ECD definitions. Methods Three different literature databases we…

Abstract In a retrospective cohort of 549 Enterococcus faecalis bacteremia episodes, the MEFIER score showed poor rule-out performance (negative likelihood ratio of 0.69), misclassifying 60% of IE episodes as low-risk. In contrast, DENOVi score achieved a low negative likelihood ratio (0.07), misclassifying only 5% while limiting unnecessary echocardiography.

Abstract The European Confederation of Medical Mycology Candida III was a pan-European, multicenter observational study of adult patients with blood culture–proven candidemia. Among a total of 632 patients with candidemia across 64 institutions in 20 European countries, a subanalysis of 396 (63%) cases occurring outside the intensive care unit (ICU) was conducted. Compared with ICU patients, non-…

Abstract Background Digital platforms have expanded access to continuing medical education (CME), with podcasts and social media increasingly used as asynchronous learning resources. However, most established digital medical education initiatives operate primarily in English, creating linguistic and contextual barriers for professionals in non-Anglophone settings. Infectious diseases (ID) require…

Abstract Background Approximately one-third of United States (US) individuals develop herpes zoster (HZ). Recent HZ incidence data are lacking, especially in immunocompetent adults 18–49 years-of-age (YoA). Recombinant HZ vaccine is recommended for US adults ≥50YoA and immunocompromised/immunosuppressed adults ≥19YoA. Methods This retrospective cohort study (2015–2022, Merative MarketScan Commerc…

Abstract Background Although CD4 recovery has been widely studied, its long-term temporal dynamics and phase-specific characteristics in the modern ART era remain incompletely characterized. Methods This retrospective cohort study included adults with HIV in Nanjing, China, who initiated ART between 2010 and 2019 and maintained viral suppression. The optimal CD4 recovery trajectory model was iden…

Abstract Background Tuberculous meningitis (TBM), a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, requires sustained therapeutic drug concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS). Linezolid is a promising treatment for TBM due to excellent CNS penetration and bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, co-administration with rifampicin may alter linezolid pharmacokineti…

Abstract The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated from gastric aspirate have demonstrated >85% strain concordance with those from the sputum, suggesting that they originate from the lungs rather than the environment. Gastric aspirate, although not yet internationally recognized, may be a useful supplementary specimen for diagnosing NTM pulmonary disease.

Abstract Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia requires empirical therapy coverage for patients with risk factors, yet MRSA causes <1% of community-acquired and 20-40% of nosocomial pneumonias. MRSA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasal screening offers rapid results with 95-99% negative predictive value. We systematically evaluated clinical outcomes assoc…

Abstract Background Following PCV introduction in El Salvador, data on pneumococcal nasopharyngeal (NP) carriage in children are limited. This study assessed NP carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in healthy Salvadoran children aged 1–4 years to evaluate the impact of different vaccine schedules (PCV10, PCV13, or PCV10 plus PCV13). Methods In this analytical cross-sectional study, 380 fully vacc…

Abstract Background Few treatment options exist for serious infections caused by metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study evaluated imipenem/relebactam (I/R) plus aztreonam (ATM) against Pseudomonas-derived cephalosporinase (PDC)- and MBL-producing P. aeruginosa in a hollow fiber infection model, with ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA) plus ATM as a comparator. Methods Two …

Abstract International Medical Graduates (IMG) in Infectious Disease encounter distinct career and immigration-related barriers during training. We conducted a needs-assessment survey to better understand challenges IMGs face. Results underscore the importance of developing targeted guidance and structured support for IMGs and program leadership.

Abstract Background Avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2 have a major role in the emergence of influenza pandemic. We assessed the risk of AIV H9N2 to the human population and public health. Methods The hemagglutination inhibition method was used to screen for hemagglutinin antibodies. Microneutralization tests were performed to confirm neutralizing antibodies against the AIV H9N2 subtype. Real-time …

Abstract Background Rhinoviruses and enteroviruses (RV/EV) are frequently detected in hospitalized patients with acute respiratory illness, yet their clinical burden remains under-characterized, particularly across diverse populations and age groups. Methods We analyzed Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network data collected from November 2017 through October 2024 across 13 countries repres…

Abstract Background China is a high-burden tuberculosis (TB) country and delays in diagnosis and effective treatment have further exacerbated this situation. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as a reliable approach for drug susceptibility testing (DST) in TB. WGS can improve TB treatment outcomes but also requires significant investments in laboratory infrastructure and trained personnel.…

Abstract Early broad-spectrum antimicrobial administration in sepsis is strongly associated with improved survival. However, widespread implementation of time-based antibiotic mandates has substantially increased antimicrobial utilization, contributing to escalating global antimicrobial resistance. This creates a fundamental tension in sepsis care: aggressive empiric therapy optimizes short-term …

Abstract This retrospective study evaluated diagnostic modalities in 51 culture-confirmed blastomycosis cases over a 10-year period. Urine antigen testing demonstrated variable sensitivity across disease types, whereas antibody testing by enzyme immunoassay, pathology, and fungal culture were essential for diagnosing antigen-negative cases. These findings highlight the importance of a multimodal …

Abstract Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains the most common viral infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).The clinical significance of different CMV DNA forms remains unclear, particularly regarding CMV-specific immune reconstitution. Methods A total of 76 HSCT recipients were enrolled. A quantitative DNase I–resistant CMV-DNA assay was performed to distinguish infect…

Abstract Background Myocarditis is a very rare event following COVID-19 vaccination, with highest risk observed in males aged 12–24 years. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a cardiac-specific biomarker of myocardial injury but is not etiologically specific and may be elevated in the absence of cardiac pathology, including after vigorous physical activity. This study assessed cTnI levels following admi…