OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children and adolescents in Prague, Czech Republic, between January and July 2024, and to compare the findings with data from the preceding period. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data of paediatric patients at our single tertiary care facility was conducted. Two distinct patient cohorts were subjected to analysis: the first comprising individuals who had been hospitalised between January 2019 and July 2024, and the second consisting of outpatients who had been treated during the periods of January to July 2023 and January to July 2024. RESULTS: A 12.3-fold increase in the number of outpatients diagnosed with MPP was observed between January and July 2024 in comparison to the same period in 2023, with 111 cases reported in 2024 versus 9 cases in 2023. A total of 23 patients were hospitalised with MPP between January 2019 and July 2024, with 15 of these hospitalisations having occurred between January and July 2024. The median age was 12 years, with an age range of 1 to 17 years. The majority of cases presented with a high fever, chest pain, and required oxygen support. A failure of the clarithromycin treatment was observed, resulting in 19.48% of doxycycline prescriptions being issued due to a prior failure of clarithromycin treatment. During the monitoring period, no cases of treatment failure with doxycycline were documented. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates an emerging trend of increased incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in the paediatric population during the initial seven months of 2024 in the Czech Republic. Doxycycline has been demonstrated to be the optimal antibiotic for the treatment of MPP and in accordance with the prevailing practice in other states it should be included in the therapeutic regimen even in children under the age of eight. The authors put forward recommendations for the implementation of measures aimed at reducing the negative impact of MPP on public health.
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky * terapeutické užití MeSH
- centra terciární péče MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- hospitalizace statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- incidence MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae MeSH
- mykoplazmová pneumonie * epidemiologie farmakoterapie MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- retrospektivní studie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
Respiratory viruses represent a significant public health threat. There is the need for robust and coordinated surveillance to guide global health responses. Established in 2012, the Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network (GIHSN) addresses this need by collecting clinical and virological data on persons with acute respiratory illnesses across a network of hospitals worldwide. GIHSN utilizes a standardized patient enrolment and data collection protocol across its study sites. It leverages pre-existing national infrastructures and expert collaborations to facilitate comprehensive data collection. This includes demographic, clinical, epidemiological, and virologic data, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) for a subset of viruses. Sequencing data are shared in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). GIHSN uses financing and governance approaches centered around public-private partnerships. Over time, GIHSN has included more than 100 hospitals across 27 countries and enrolled more than 168,000 hospitalized patients, identifying 27,562 cases of influenza and 44,629 of other respiratory viruses. GIHSN has expanded beyond influenza to include other respiratory viruses, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2023, GIHSN strengthened its global impact through a memorandum of understanding with the World Health Organization, aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts and data sharing for improved health responses. GIHSN exemplifies the value of integrating scientific research with public health initiatives through global collaboration and public-private partnerships governance. Future efforts should enhance the scalability of such models and ensure their sustainability through continued public and private support.
Pressure ulcers (PUs) impose a significant economic burden on healthcare systems, affecting patient quality of life and leading to substantial treatment costs. This study presents a cost-of-illness analysis of PU treatment in hospitalized patients in the Czech Republic, based on real-world clinical data. The analysis was conducted using a comprehensive methodology at a Czech university hospital, involving 304 hospitalizations. The study included all hospitalized patients with PUs. Data were collected employing a bottom-up, person-based approach, which refers to the collection and analysis of cost data at the individual patient level. This method captures detailed resource utilization for each patient. The methodology accounted for both systemic and local costs, including materials, medications, caregiver time, and procedures. The study involved 304 hospitalizations, with a mean length of stay of 13 days. The total cost of PU treatment, excluding pharmacotherapy, had a median of €678, while including pharmacotherapy, the median cost rose to €929. Younger patients incurred higher treatment costs. Significant cost variations were observed among different departments. We developed and applied a novel cost model to quantify the expenses associated with PUs, which accurately highlighted the financial burden in the hospital care setting. We present a rigorous methodology for PU cost-of-illness analysis, providing a valuable tool for future research and clinical practice. This comprehensive approach supports the development of targeted interventions to reduce the incidence and severity of PUs, ultimately improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs.
- MeSH
- dekubity * ekonomika terapie MeSH
- délka pobytu ekonomika statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- hospitalizace ekonomika MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- náklady na zdravotní péči statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- nemocnice univerzitní * ekonomika MeSH
- osobní újma zaviněná nemocí * MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
The opportunistic pathogen Candida parapsilosis is a major causative agent of candidiasis leading to death in immunocompromised individuals. Azoles are the first line of defense in their treatment. The purpose of this study was to characterize eight fluconazole-resistant and sensitive C. parapsilosis hospital isolates through a battery of phenotypic tests that target pathogenicity attributes such as virulence, biofilm formation, stress resistance, and ergosterol content. Whole genome sequencing was carried out to identify mutations in key pathogenicity and resistance genes. Phylogenetic comparison was performed to determine strain relatedness and clonality. Genomic data and phylogenetic analysis revealed that two isolates were C. orthopsilosis and C. metapsilosis misidentified as C. parapsilosis. Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed known and novel mutations in key drug resistance and pathogenicity genes such as ALS6, ALS7, SAPP3, SAP7, SAP9, CDR1, ERG6, ERG11 and UPC2. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high degree of relatedness and clonality within our C. parapsilosis isolates. Our results showed that resistant isolates exhibited an increase in biofilm content compared to the sensitive isolates. In conclusion, our study is the first of its kind in Lebanon to describe phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of nosocomial C. parapsilosis complex isolates having a remarkable ability to form biofilms.
- MeSH
- antifungální látky * farmakologie MeSH
- biofilmy * růst a vývoj MeSH
- Candida parapsilosis * genetika izolace a purifikace klasifikace MeSH
- fenotyp * MeSH
- flukonazol farmakologie MeSH
- fungální léková rezistence * genetika MeSH
- fylogeneze * MeSH
- genotyp * MeSH
- infekce spojené se zdravotní péčí mikrobiologie MeSH
- kandidóza * mikrobiologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrobiální testy citlivosti * MeSH
- nemocnice MeSH
- sekvenování celého genomu * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Libanon MeSH
Based on 16 months of fieldwork in a Chinese psychiatric hospital from 2017 to 2019, this study applies Myers's concept of moral agency to explore the efforts of three women with mental illness in their pursuits of a better life, examining their actions and interactions with social workers throughout the process. It enriches our understanding of moral agency by demonstrating that its actualization requires not only freedom, intention, and access to their life plans, but also patients' reflections on the relationships between themselves and the others. The study provides an example to comprehend the recovery of moral agency within a family-centered context, where patients' aspirations for a better life may be constrained by cultural expectations. This study also suggests that hospital social workers should establish trusting relationships with patients to accurately assess their genuine understanding of a good life and navigate the institutional constraints with the patients.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- duševní poruchy * psychologie MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mravy * MeSH
- ústavy pro duševně nemocné MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Čína MeSH
BACKGROUND: The longitudinal study was conducted over the initial 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, spanning from June 2020 to December 2022, in healthcare workers (HCWs) of the Thomayer University Hospital. A total of 3892 blood samples were collected and analyzed for total nucleocapsid (N) antibodies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of N antibodies, their relationship to the PCR test, spike (S) antibodies, interferon-gamma, and prediction of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: Blood collections were performed in three rounds, along with questionnaires addressing clinical symptoms of past infection, PCR testing, and vaccination. Antibody measurements included total N antibodies (Roche Diagnostics) and postvaccination S antibodies (Euroimmun). Cellular immunity was tested by interferon-gamma release assay (Euroimmun). RESULTS: At the end of the study, 35.9% of HCWs were positive for N antibodies, and 39.5% of HCWs had either known PCR positivity or N antibodies or both. Ten percent of participants had no knowledge of a COVID-19 infection and 35% of positive individuals exhibited no symptoms. The values of positive antibodies decrease over a period of 6 months to 1 year, depending on the initial value, and their dynamics are highly variable. The study also demonstrated that the highest levels of spike antibodies and interferon-gamma occur during so-called hybrid immunity. CONCLUSION: Nucleocapsid antibodies proved valuable in monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics, and they may detect cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection missed by PCR tests. The study identified distinct patterns in antibody dynamics and protection of hybrid immunity during reinfection.
- MeSH
- biologické markery krev MeSH
- COVID-19 * imunologie krev diagnóza epidemiologie MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- fosfoproteiny MeSH
- glykoprotein S, koronavirus imunologie MeSH
- interferon gama krev MeSH
- koronavirové nukleokapsidové proteiny imunologie MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- longitudinální studie MeSH
- nemocnice univerzitní MeSH
- nukleokapsida imunologie MeSH
- protilátky virové * krev MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * imunologie MeSH
- sérologické testování na COVID-19 metody MeSH
- zdravotnický personál * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- MeSH
- dějiny 18. století MeSH
- dějiny 19. století MeSH
- dějiny 20. století MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemocnice náboženských organizací * dějiny organizace a řízení MeSH
- nemocnice dějiny MeSH
- Check Tag
- dějiny 18. století MeSH
- dějiny 19. století MeSH
- dějiny 20. století MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- MeSH
- centra sekundární péče MeSH
- lékařská onkologie * organizace a řízení MeSH
- lékové předpisy MeSH
- Publikační typ
- rozhovory MeSH
BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) in cardiac surgery significantly impact patient outcomes. This study examines cardiac antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines in Czech and Slovak hospitals, crucial for reducing SSI incidence. METHODS: An electronic survey was conducted across cardiac surgery departments in both countries, focusing on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) protocols, antibiotic choices, dosages, timing and postoperative infection rates. Responses were collected over three months, ensuring a comprehensive overview. FINDINGS: Most surveyed hospitals (79%) implement SAP, but guidelines exhibit notable variability. Cefazolin dominates as the primary prophylactic choice, with varying dosing regimens. Challenges include timing inconsistencies and prolonged prophylaxis durations, particularly in implant-related procedures. Regular guideline revisions are reported in 18% of hospitals within the last year, emphasizing the need for updated practices. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the importance of standardizing SAP practices, aligning them with evolving evidence, and implementing regular guideline revisions. The observed variations highlight opportunities for enhanced SSI prevention strategies in cardiac surgery, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky * terapeutické užití aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- antibiotická profylaxe * normy statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- infekce chirurgické rány * prevence a kontrola MeSH
- kardiochirurgické výkony * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemocnice statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- směrnice pro lékařskou praxi jako téma MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Slovenská republika MeSH
