Background Nocardia species can cause localized or disseminated disease in humans. Infection results from direct inoculation or inhalation. In recent years, several new species have been identified via molecular methods. Further speciation is crucial as each organism has its own spectrum of disease and unique antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Immunosuppression, alcoholism, and certain lung diseases are well-established risk factors for nocardiosis. In fact, cases have incremented in association with increasing population of immunocompromised hosts as well as improved methods for detection and identification. Thus, Nocardia species may be considered opportunistic pathogens. Nocardia bejingensis was first isolated in 2001 by Wang et al from sewage soil in China. The first human infections were reported in Asia. Subsequently, cases were reported in Europe and a few cases have been described in the United States but it has been infrequently cited in the literature. Thus, not much is known about its spectrum of disease.MethodsThe primary objective of this study was to determine the risk factors and clinical manifestations of Nocardia bejingensis infection via retrospective chart review of 6 cases identified in Tampa General Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center within a 5-year period. We aimed to evaluate the treatment used and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates.ResultsAll patients were immunocompromised (1/3 HIV/AIDS, 1/3 hematologic malignancy, 1/3 solid-organ transplant). Most were male (67%) and mean age of 48. The majority had lung involvement (67%). Thecal sac infection and femur osteomyelitis (OM) were atypical manifestations. Localized disease predominated. Combination therapy was preferred. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), Ceftriaxone, and carbapenems were mostly used. All isolates were susceptible to TMP-SMX. See Table 1.ConclusionThis case series depicts clinical features, risk factors, and epidemiology of Nocardia bejingensis infections. Our observations suggest that it is a novel pathogen in the United States, affecting mainly immunocompromised hosts. Early detection, appropriate antibiotics, and surgery were keys in successful management. However, further studies are needed to further elucidate its pathogenesis. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
BackgroundAlthough the rate of tuberculosis (TB) has significantly declined in the United States, elimination has plateaued. Florida is one of the states with the greatest number of cases. The majority of cases occur in foreign-born individuals. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also a major contributor. HIV-TB coinfection leads to reciprocal interactions with significant clinical impact. We aim to compare the risk factors, clinical findings, and outcomes among HIV-infected vs. HIV uninfected patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of TB cases over a 5 year period (2012–2017) was conducted. All patients with HIV co-infection with age- and gender-matched HIV negative controls were included. The diagnosis of TB was made via clinical, microbiological, radiological, and/or PCR based methods. SPSS was used for statistical data analysis.ResultsA total of 411 TB cases were identified and 66 patients (33 HIV-infected plus 33 HIV un-infected) were eligible for inclusion. The median age was 49 years (range 22–70). The male to female ratio was 21:12 and 50% of patients had TB symptoms; the rest had abnormal imaging or lab finding. Cases were confirmed via positive sputum smear, culture, or PCR (Figures 1–3). Only 11 patients were lost to follow-up, thus 83.3% completed therapy. A total of 5 persons died (Table 1).ConclusionThe rate of HIV-TB coinfection in the United States was 5.3% in 2018; higher among injection drugs users, homeless persons, inmates, and alcoholics. In our study, the rate of HIV-TB coinfection was slightly higher (8%). The difference was not statistically significant in regards to foreign born, homelessness, and incarceration. Only 3 patients admitted to injection drug use and 9 used alcohol (all HIV negative). Traditionally, HIV-TB coinfected patients have extra-pulmonary TB with higher rates of negative sputum and are at increased risk of death. In our cohort, the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.009) only for cavitary TB (predominated in HIV un-infected) but no difference in outcomes was observed between the two groups. These findings suggest changing trends in HIV-TB coinfection which may be partly related to our setting and demographics but may be attributed to better access to care and antiretroviral therapy at large. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
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