rifampin and Opportunistic-Infections

Acanthamoeba-related cerebral abscess and encephalitis are rare but usually fatal, being caused by free-living amoebic infections usually occurring in immunocompromised patients. In patients receiving transplants, a literature review showed that the infection is universally fatal. The diagnosis is often missed despite appropriate investigations including lumbar puncture, computerized tomography, and brain biopsy. We present the first reported liver transplant patient with Acanthamoeba cerebral abscess. The diagnosis was made in brain tissue removed at decompressive frontal lobectomy. He was successfully treated with a 3-month course of co-trimoxazole and rifampicin. There was no recurrence of the disease after 11 years of follow-up.

Topics: Acanthamoeba; Adult; Amebiasis; Animals; Antimalarials; Brain Abscess; Combined Modality Therapy; Drug Therapy, Combination; Frontal Lobe; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Immunosuppressive Agents; Liver Transplantation; Male; Opportunistic Infections; Rifampin; Treatment Outcome; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Invasive aspergillosis is generally a life-threatening invasive opportunistic mycosis affecting principally the upper and lower respiratory tract. Therapeutic response rates vary considerably from one host group to another with particularly high mortality rates in bone marrow transplant, liver transplant and patients with aplastic anaemia or AIDS. Only two drugs are useful for therapy, amphotericin and itraconazole. Recent advances in the formulation of amphoterin B (AmBisome and Amphocil) have resulted in intravenous preparations with lower toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity, but it has yet to be shown that they have an increased therapeutic index for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis. Itraconazole can only be used orally and in some particularly high-risk or critically ill patients adequate serum concentrations cannot be achieved. The addition of flucytosine or rifampicin to amphotericin B therapy has, at best, only a marginal benefit. Surgery is essential for some manifestations of invasive aspergillosis. This article reviews therapeutic strategies including criteria for initiation of therapy, combination and sequential therapy, duration of therapy and secondary prophylaxis and indications for surgery in invasive aspergillosis.

Topics: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Amphotericin B; Aspergillosis; Cholesterol Esters; Drug Carriers; Drug Therapy, Combination; Flucytosine; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Infusions, Intravenous; Itraconazole; Liposomes; Opportunistic Infections; Rifampin

We report the first know case of disseminated fungal infection due to Fusarium proliferatum in a bone marrow transplant recipient to our knowledge. Fusarium was cultured from the blood, a paranasal sinus, and necrotic skin lesions. The isolate was sensitive to amphotericin B and on further sensitivity testing, synergy was demonstrated using rifampin in combination with amphotericin B. The patient had this infection while she was receiving alternate-day amphotericin, rifampin, and 5-flucytosine (5-FC) therapy. The infection was documented within 48 h of discontinuing daily granulocyte transfusions, which she had received for 3 weeks. The 5-FC was discontinued when sensitivities showed the organism resistant. After 6 weeks of treatment she showed complete remission of the infection, although neutrophil counts remained below 0.25 X 10(9)/L. From this case and from a review of the literature, it appears that synergic antifungal agents combined with leukocyte transfusions may be beneficial in the successful treatment of fusariosis in the compromised host.

Topics: Amphotericin B; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Aspergillosis; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Child, Preschool; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Fusarium; Humans; Mycoses; Neutropenia; Opportunistic Infections; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Rifampin; Skin; Spider Bites; Staphylococcal Infections

The mainstays of treatment for pulmonary disease caused by opportunist mycobacteria are rifampicin (R) and ethambutol (E). The role of macrolides, quinolones and immunotherapy with Mycobacterium vaccae is not clear. A trial was undertaken to compare clarithromycin (Clari) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) as third drugs added to [corrected] 2 years of treatment with R and E for pulmonary disease caused by M avium-intracellulare (MAC), M malmoense and M xenopi (REClari and RECipro). An optional comparison of immunotherapy with M vaccae vs no immunotherapy was also performed.. Progress was monitored annually during the 2 years of treatment and for 3 years thereafter. If the patient was not improving at 1 year the regimen was supplemented by the addition of the drug not received in the original allocation of treatment.. 371 patients (186 REClari, 185 RECipro) entered the study (170 MAC, 167 M malmoense, 34 M xenopi). All-cause mortality was high for both groups (44% REClari, 43% RECipro); for MAC it was higher with REClari than with RECipro (48% vs 29%) but for M malmoense (42% vs 56%) and M xenopi (29% vs 47%) it was higher with RECipro (p = 0.006). 3% died from their mycobacterial disease (REClari = RECipro). At the end of treatment, 4% of REClari and 10% of RECipro patients still had positive cultures. Among those with negative cultures at the end of treatment, 6% of the REClari group and 4% of the RECipro group had relapsed. At 5 years 30% of the REClari group were known to have completed treatment as allocated and to be alive and cured compared with 21% of the RECipro group (p = 0.04), but this difference was principally due to those with M malmoense (REClari 38%, RECipro 20%). Patients with MAC or M xenopi were more likely to have a poor outcome than those with M malmoense (p = 0.004), with no difference between REClari and RECipro. Overall, 20% in each group were unable to tolerate the regimen allocated, Cipro being associated with more unwanted effects than Clari (16% vs 9%, p = 0.05). No significant differences in outcomes were found between M vaccae-treated patients and those not treated with M vaccae immunotherapy.. Considering all three species together, there were no differences in outcome between the REClari and RECipro groups. Immunotherapy did not improve outcome. New therapies, optimised management of co-morbid conditions and a more holistic approach must be explored in the hope of improving outcome.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Ciprofloxacin; Clarithromycin; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ethambutol; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Male; Middle Aged; Opportunistic Infections; Rifampin; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

The treatment of pulmonary disease caused by opportunist mycobacteria is controversial. It is uncertain whether in vitro sensitivity testing predicts clinical response in the way it does for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The literature suggests that the combination of rifampicin (R) and ethambutol (E) is important whereas isoniazid (H) may not be, but to date there have been no published reports of randomised controlled trials in the treatment of these conditions. The British Thoracic Society has conducted the first such trial, a randomised study of two regimens in HIV negative patients with pulmonary disease caused by M avium intracellulare (MAC), M malmoense, and M xenopi.. When two positive cultures were confirmed by the Mycobacterium Reference Laboratories for England, Wales and Scotland, the coordinating physician invited the patient's physician to enrol the patient. Patients were also recruited from Scandinavia. Randomisation to 2 years of treatment with RE or REH was performed from lists held in the coordinator's office. Clinical, bacteriological, and radiological progress was monitored at set intervals up to 5 years.. From October 1987 to December 1992, 141 physicians entered 223 patients (106 with M malmoense, 75 with MAC, 42 with M xenopi). At entry the RE and REH groups were comparable over a range of demographic and clinical features. For each species there was no significant difference between RE and REH in the number of deaths, but when the three species were combined there were fewer deaths from the mycobacterial disease with RE (1% v 8%, p=0.018, odds ratio 0.10, exact 95% CI 0.00 to 0.76). For M malmoense the failure of treatment/relapse rates did not differ appreciably between the regimens, but for MAC there were fewer failures of treatment/relapses with REH (16% v 41%, p=0.033) With M xenopi there was a non-significant trend in the same direction (5% v 18%, p=0.41) and when all three species were combined there was a significant difference in favour of REH (11% v 22%, p=0.033). There was no correlation between failure of treatment/relapse and in vitro resistance. M xenopi was associated with the greatest mortality (57% at 5 years), MAC was the most difficult to eradicate, and M malmoense had the most favourable outlook (42% known to be alive and cured at 5 years).. The results of susceptibility tests performed by the modal resistance method do not correlate with the patient's response to chemotherapy. RE and REH are tolerated better than previous regimens containing second or third line anti-mycobacterial drugs. Treatment of M malmoense with RE for 2 years is preferable to REH. The addition of H reduces the failure of treatment/relapse rates for MAC and has a tendency to do so also for M xenopi, but there is a suggestion that REH is associated with higher death rates overall. Better regimens are required.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antitubercular Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ethambutol; Female; HIV Seronegativity; Humans; Isoniazid; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium avium; Mycobacterium avium Complex; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Mycobacterium xenopi; Opportunistic Infections; Prospective Studies; Rifampin; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Topics: Adult; Antifungal Agents; Aspergillosis; Azoles; Candidiasis; Cyclosporine; Drug Interactions; Erythromycin; Female; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Legionnaires' Disease; Male; Middle Aged; Opportunistic Infections; Postoperative Complications; Rifampin; Streptococcal Infections; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

As for all tests, the diagnostic performances of Xpert MTB/RIF might be different in settings with different tuberculosis prevalence. Aim of the study is to evaluate the performances of Xpert MTB/RIF to diagnose tuberculosis in Brazil, where 407 culture-confirmed tuberculosis patients were retrospectively enrolled in Rio Grande do Sul, between 2015 and 2016.. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the test were calculated and a logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the role played by explanatory variables in the occurrence of true positive and negative diagnostic results.. Sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF was 100.0%, specificity 92.8%; positive and negative predictive values were 71.4% and 100.0%, respectively. In the HIV- infected sub-group specificity was 59.3%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, true positivity was associated with increasing age (1.0; p-value: 0.02) while true positivity and negativity were negatively associated with alcohol abuse.. Xpert is sensitive and specific in the Brasilian settings.

Topics: Adult; Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Brazil; Coinfection; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Opportunistic Infections; Predictive Value of Tests; Retrospective Studies; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rifampin; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) in solid-organ transplants (SOTs) is an important opportunistic infection associated with mortality and graft loss. SOT recipients carry a higher risk of contracting active TB than the general population. Clinical and radiographic presentations are non-specific, and sputum smear and culture have low yields. TB patients with SOTs require standard anti-tuberculosis treatment. However, rifampicin (RMP) use is associated with a 30% rate of acute graft rejection (AGR) and a 20% rate of transplant loss.. To determine treatment outcomes in SOT recipients with active TB.. A retrospective study of clinical and microbiological data and TB treatment outcomes.. Among the 2349 transplants assessed, active TB was detected in 31 recipients; 55% had pulmonary TB and 40% were sputum smear-positive. In 32% of the patients, TB was diagnosed 30 days after symptom onset, 77% of the patients were cured and 10% died. AGR occurred in 13%.. TB was diagnosed in <30 days. Anti-tuberculosis treatment without RMP (80% vs. 67%; P = 0.48, OR 0.5, 95%CI 0.07-3.55) and with moxifloxacin yielded higher treatment success rates and a lower risk of AGR.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Colombia; Female; Fluoroquinolones; Graft Rejection; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Moxifloxacin; Opportunistic Infections; Organ Transplantation; Retrospective Studies; Rifampin; Risk Factors; Sputum; Transplant Recipients; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Young Adult

We determined the characteristics of posttransplant tuberculosis and the impact of rifampin-based antituberculosis regimens on outcomes in the current era. Patients comprised 64 transplant recipients with tuberculosis, divided into 2 consecutive cohorts: an earlier cohort (cases occurring from 2003 to 2007) and a later cohort (cases from 2008 to 2011). Patients from the later versus earlier era had tuberculosis develop later after transplant (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; P= .05), were more likely to be liver transplant recipients (odds ratio, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.32-15.53; P= .02), and were more likely to receive tacrolimus-based immunosuppression (odds ratio, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.14-9.19; P= .03). Mortality rate was 10% in the later cohort and 21% in the earlier cohort (P= .20). Rifampin-based treatment was less likely to be used in patients with prior rejection (P= .04). However, neither rejection rate (P= .71) nor mortality (P= .93) after tuberculosis differed between recipients who received rifampin and recipients who did not. Thus, notable changes have occurred in the epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in transplant recipients. Overall mortality rate has improved, with about 90% of the patients now surviving after tuberculosis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antitubercular Agents; Female; Graft Rejection; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Middle Aged; Opportunistic Infections; Organ Transplantation; Rifampin; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis

Topics: Actinomycetales Infections; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteremia; Ciprofloxacin; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Therapy, Combination; Fertilizers; Humans; Imipenem; Immunocompromised Host; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic; Lung Abscess; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Manure; Opportunistic Infections; Rhodococcus equi; Rifampin; Shock, Septic; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Brucellosis; Child; Female; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Liver Transplantation; Opportunistic Infections; Postoperative Complications; Recurrence; Rifampin; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

We present a case of tuberculous peritonitis in a woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treated with adalimumab, and we review the association between anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy and tuberculosis. There have been only 2 case reports of peritoneal tuberculosis associated with anti-TNF and only 1 with adalimumab.

Topics: Adalimumab; Aged; Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Humans; Isoniazid; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Opportunistic Infections; Peritonitis, Tuberculous; Pyrazinamide; Rifampin

Opportunistic infections contribute to morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and treatment for malignancies. Rothia mucilaginosa, a gram-positive bacterium, is responsible for rare, but often fatal meningitis in severely immunocompromised patients. We describe two cases of meningitis from discrete strains of R. mucilaginosa on our pediatric bone marrow transplant unit, summarize the published cases of R. mucilaginosa meningitis in oncology and stem cell transplant patients, and provide updated recommendations regarding the use of antibiotic therapy in this patient population.

Topics: Actinomycetales Infections; Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ceftazidime; Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; Child; Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Leukemia, Megakaryoblastic, Acute; Male; Meningitis, Bacterial; Meropenem; Micrococcaceae; Opportunistic Infections; Postoperative Complications; Rifampin; Sepsis; Thienamycins; Vancomycin

Kahalalide F (1) shows remarkable antitumor activity against different carcinomas and has recently completed phase I clinical trials and is being evaluated in phase II clinical studies. The antifungal activity of this molecule has not been thoroughly investigated. In this report, we focused on acetylation and oxidation of the secondary alcohol of threonine, as well as reductive alkylation of the primary amine of ornithine, and each product was evaluated for improvements in antifungal activity. 1 and analogues do not exhibit antimalarial, antileishmania, or antibacterial activity; however, the antifungal activity against different strains of fungi was particularly significant. This series of compounds was highly active against Fusarium spp., which represents an opportunistic infection in humans and plants. The in vitro cytotoxicity for the new analogues of 1 was evaluated in the NCI 60 cell panel. Analogue 5 exhibited enhanced potency in several human cancer cell lines relative to 1.

Topics: Antifungal Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Antiparasitic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Depsipeptides; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Fusarium; Humans; Lysosomes; Microbiological Techniques; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Opportunistic Infections; Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; Receptor, ErbB-3; Structure-Activity Relationship

We report a case of Legionella pneumonia in a 10-year-old girl with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis who was chronically immunosuppressed and had exposure to a hot tub. Prompt diagnosis with bronchoalveolar lavage and subsequent antimicrobial therapy resulted in full recovery. Legionellosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of the immunosuppressed child with respiratory illness. High risk patients should avoid exposure to hot tubs.

Topics: Child; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hemosiderosis; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infusions, Intravenous; Legionnaires' Disease; Lung Diseases; Ofloxacin; Opportunistic Infections; Radiography, Thoracic; Rifampin; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome

Opportunistic infections, and in particular tuberculosis (TB), carry substantial morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. We report a 39-year-old man who underwent a cadaveric renal transplant. Three months postoperatively, he was diagnosed to have tuberculous infection of his graft kidney manifested as fever and renal impairment. The diagnosis was confirmed by renal biopsy, which showed granuloma formation and positive stain for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). His systemic symptoms responded well to a complete course of anti-tuberculous therapy, but his renal function continued to deteriorate. Graft nephrectomy was performed and the patient underwent a second kidney transplant 1 year later. He remained well and asymptomatic thereafter. No signs of recurrence of tuberculous infection were noted up until the present time. This case illustrates that TB remains an important threat to transplant recipients. Although reactivation of dormant TB is the usual mode of infection, acquisition from the donor graft is also possible. The latter may account for the infection in our case, as our patient had a negative tuberculin skin test and normal chest radiograph prior to transplant. The identification of AFB in the kidney graft less than 3 months postoperatively also suggested that causal relationship. While diagnosing TB in post-transplant recipients is difficult and may require renal biopsy, as in our case, treatment on the other hand is no different from the standard protocols. However, no consensus has been reached on the safety of re-transplantation. Also, the need for graft nephrectomy and chemoprophylaxis remains unclear.

Topics: Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Ethambutol; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Isoniazid; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Opportunistic Infections; Pyrazinamide; Reoperation; Rifampin; Tuberculosis, Renal

Mycobacterial infection is a serious opportunistic infection in renal transplant recipients. The incidence is higher in developing than in developed Western countries. This study is a single-centre retrospective review of the records of 2502 renal transplant recipients in Belgium. Fourteen cases of mycobacterial infection (9 Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 5 atypical mycobacterial infection) were diagnosed. The time interval between transplantation and diagnosis was 64 +/- 80 months (mean +/- SD, range 5-188) for M. tuberculosis and 92 +/- 75 months (range 14-209) for atypical mycobacterial infection. The localisation of M. tuberculosis was pulmonary/pleural in 67% and extrapulmonary in 33%. The atypical mycobacterial infections were located in skin, tendons, and joints. Eight patients received IV prednisolone pulse therapy for acute rejection long before the time of mycobacterial infection. The initial antimycobacterial therapy consisted of a combination of isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol in all patients. In patients with M. tuberculosis infection, a good response to antimycobacterial therapy was obtained. In patients with atypical mycobacterial infection, initial treatment was successful in 3 out of 5 patients, in 1 patient recurrence was diagnosed and in another patient, who is still under treatment at present, the initial treatment was adjusted after identification of the atypical mycobacterium and its antibiogram. The incidence of mycobacterial infection after renal transplantation did not increase with newer immunosuppressive therapy. The major risk factor is the total dose of corticosteroids. All patients responded well without major reductions in immunosuppressive therapy. Chemoprophylaxis for high-risk patients still is recommended.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Belgium; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Isoniazid; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium Infections; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Opportunistic Infections; Retrospective Studies; Rifampin; Treatment Outcome

To evaluate the impact of using central venous catheters (CVCs) impregnated with the combination of minocycline and rifampin on nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs), morbidity, and mortality in cancer patients in the ICU.. Prospective surveillance study consisting of the following two time periods: September 1997 through August 1998 (ie, fiscal year [FY] 1998); and from September 1998 through August 1999 (ie, FY 1999).. ICUs of a tertiary care hospital in Houston, TX.. Cancer patients in the medical ICU (MICU) and surgical ICU (SICU).. ICUs started using CVCs impregnated with the minocycline-rifampin combination at the beginning of FY 1999.. The rates of nosocomial BSIs and other patients' characteristics were compared for the two study periods to determine the impact of using the impregnated catheters in the ICU. Patients' characteristics, including antibiotic use, were comparable for the two study periods in both the MICU and the SICU. The rate of nosocomial BSIs in the MICU unit decreased from 8.3 to 3.5 per 1,000 patient-days (p < 0.01), and decreased in the SICU from 4.8 to 1.3 per 1,000 patient-days (p < 0.01) in FY 1999. Nosocomial vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) bacteremia also decreased significantly (p = 0.004). Length of stay in the MICU and SICU significantly decreased in FY 1999 (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). The duration of hospitalization decreased for MICU and SICU patients (p = 0.06 and p < 0.01, respectively). The rate of catheter-related infections decreased from 3.1 to 0.7 per 1,000 patient-days in FY 1999 (p = 0.02). The decrease in infections resulted in net savings of at least $1,450,000 for FY 1999.. The use of antibiotic-impregnated CVCs in the MICU and SICU was associated with a significant decrease in nosocomial BSIs, including VRE bacteremia, catheter-related infections, and lengths of hospital and ICU stays.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bacteremia; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheters, Indwelling; Cause of Death; Child; Child, Preschool; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Critical Care; Cross Infection; Drug Resistance, Multiple; Drug Therapy, Combination; Enterococcus; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Minocycline; Neoplasms; Opportunistic Infections; Prospective Studies; Rifampin; Survival Rate; Texas; Vancomycin Resistance

Topics: Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Ethambutol; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Mycobacterium Infections; Opportunistic Infections; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Rifampin; United Kingdom

It is generally accepted that qualitative drug susceptibility tests established and validated for Mycobacterium tuberculosis are not applicable to opportunist (non-tuberculous) mycobacteria. Previous studies have shown that in vitro antimicrobial susceptibilities for opportunist mycobacteria, performed by the method of modal resistance (MR), correlate poorly with clinical response. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination may provide better correlation with predicted clinical response than the conventional MR results.. To determine the relationship between quantitative in vitro sensitivity results for opportunist mycobacteria and their in vivo response to treatment.. MICs were performed radiometrically with the Bactec TB-460 system; 35 M. avium complex isolates, 29 isolates of M. malmoense and 16 isolates of M. xenopi were tested.. Susceptibility results were analysed in comparison with therapeutic outcome by Fisher's exact probability test. Only one significant association was found; in vitro resistance to ethambutol correlated with treatment failure for M. malmoense infections (P = 0.027). There were no other significant correlations between in vitro results and treatment outcome.. Prediction of treatment outcome from in vitro susceptibility tests continues to be a problem in infections with opportunist mycobacteria.

Topics: Antitubercular Agents; Ethambutol; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Lung Diseases; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium Infections; Opportunistic Infections; Predictive Value of Tests; Rifampin; Treatment Outcome

To analyse the impact of intensified prophylaxis with ofloxacin plus rifampin (O+R) in neutropenic patients we used this combination in 40 consecutive cycles of ifosfamide, cytarabine, prednisolone and etoposide (IAPVP-16). This salvage chemotherapy regimen for lymphoma usually produces four to six days of severe neutropenia without significant extrahematologic toxicities. We compared the infectious morbidity during neutropenia under O+R with 58 consecutives cycles using either norfloxacin or no prophylaxis (control group). Fifty-three percent of control group patients and 20% of the O+R group developed febrile neutropenia that required hospital admission (p<0.001, 95% CI for the difference between both proportions of 16% to 51%). Bacteremia was documented in two patients in the O+R group and six in the control group (p=0.08). Gram-positive cocci (GPC) accounted for all six bacteremias in the control group, while both cases in O+R group were due to a quinolone-resistant gram-negative bacteria (GNB) (p<0.01 for GPC). Five patients (13%) who received O+R and 23 (40%) in control group developed fever of unknown origin, p<0.001, while the total duration of hospitalization due to febril neutropenia was 42 days and 158 days, respectively (p<0.001). In conclusion, intensified prophylaxis with O+R appears to reduce the rate of febrile neutropenia and GPC bacteremia in patients with short and severe neutropenia, which translates into a reduction in the need for hospitalization.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bacteremia; Carmustine; Cyclophosphamide; Etoposide; Female; Fever; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Length of Stay; Lymphoma; Male; Middle Aged; Neutropenia; Ofloxacin; Opportunistic Infections; Rifampin; Salvage Therapy

Tuberculosis is a serious opportunistic infection in transplant recipients. On the basis of the compilation of published reports in the literature, the incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in organ transplant recipients worldwide ranged from 0.35% to 15%. Nonrenal transplantation (P = .004), rejection within 6 months before the onset of tuberculosis (P = .02) and type of primary immunosuppressive regimen (P = .007) were predictors of M. tuberculosis infection occurring within 12 months after transplantation. Thirty-three percent (155) of 476 transplant patients with tuberculosis had disseminated infection; receipt of OKT3 or anti-T cell antibodies (P = .005) was a significant predictor of disseminated tuberculosis. Overall, the mortality rate among 499 patients was 29%; disseminated infection (P = .0003), prior rejection (P = .006), and receipt of OKT3 or anti-T cell antibodies (P = .0013) were significant predictors of mortality in patients with tuberculosis. Clinically significant hepatotoxicity due to isoniazid occurred in 2.5%, 4.5%, and 41% of renal, heart and lung, and liver transplant recipients, respectively. The diagnosis and effective management of tuberculosis after transplantation warrant recognition of the unique epidemiological and clinical characteristics of tuberculosis in transplant recipients.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antitubercular Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Isoniazid; Liver; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Opportunistic Infections; Organ Transplantation; Retrospective Studies; Rifampin; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis

Pyrolysis mass spectrometry (Py-MS) yields data reflecting overall cell composition. The changes in composition induced by treatment with rifampicin and ethambutol, alone and in combination, were investigated for a collection of seven strains of Mycobacterium malmoense from pulmonary infections. Two strains, both from patients that had responded to therapy with this combination, showed large changes in composition from control, untreated cultures. The difference was particularly marked for the ethambutol treated cultures. Four strains, all from patients who had failed to respond to therapy with this combination, showed minimal changes in composition for all treatments. The remaining strain also showed minimal treatment-induced change, but, for this patient, therapy with the combination had proved successful. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined radiometrically. All strains showed MICs < 0.5 microgram/mL for rifampicin (sensitive) and of 8 micrograms/mL for ethambutol (resistant). MIC results did not correlate with clinical response, whereas the Py-MS results correlated with clinical response for six of the seven isolates. Py-MS may have a role in predicting effective therapy for this problem group.

Topics: Ethambutol; Humans; Lung Diseases; Mass Spectrometry; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium Infections; Opportunistic Infections; Rifampin

A patient with Hodgkin's disease (HD) underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). Six months later while receiving interleukin (IL)-2 and alpha-interferon immunotherapy, he developed a painful lesion in his oral cavity with a fistula in the buccal area. Excision biopsy disclosed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with acid-fast bacillus. The patient received a 9-month course of isoniazide, rifampin and pyrazinamide, and recovered. The possible pathophysiological mechanism is discussed.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Combined Modality Therapy; Disease Susceptibility; Drug Therapy, Combination; Fistula; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Interferon-alpha; Interleukin-2; Isoniazid; Male; Opportunistic Infections; Oral Ulcer; Pyrazinamide; Recombinant Proteins; Rifampin; Risk Factors; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Autologous; Tuberculosis, Oral

Topics: 4-Quinolones; Actinomycetales Infections; Adult; Anti-Infective Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; HIV Infections; Humans; Malacoplakia; Male; Opportunistic Infections; Rhodococcus equi; Rifampin

The in vitro susceptibility of nine Rhodococcus equi strains (seven isolates from immunocompromised patients mainly HIV positive and two reference strains) to twenty various antibiotics were assessed for bacteriostatic effects by an agar dilution method. Imipenem and ceftriaxone were the most effective of the beta-lactams studied. The lowest MIC were noted with vancomycin, teicoplanin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin, gentamicin and doxycycline. A longitudinal survey, including three strains isolated from the same patient, showed the emergence of rifampicin resistance and a marked increase of the MIC to imipenem.

Topics: Actinomycetales Infections; Aminoglycosides; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Doxycycline; Drug Resistance, Microbial; HIV Infections; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Lactams; Macrolides; Opportunistic Infections; Quinolones; Rhodococcus; Rifampin

Physicians at a district general hospital in London, England admitted a 26 year old pregnant political refugee from Uganda complaining of shortness of breath, fever, and a productive cough for 1 week. She was at 10 weeks gestation and had not yet sought prenatal care. 6 years earlier she had a child and her pregnancy and delivery were normal. They diagnosed an interstitial pneumonia based on an X ray, arterial gases, and quick breathing and administered intravenous (IV) ampicillin and erythromycin for 3 days. Her condition deteriorated nevertheless, so they had her blood tested for HIV. She tested positive and suspected pneumocystosis (later confirmed) and began treatment with IV Septrin and hydrocortisone. She worsened, and by the 10th day of this treatment she was receiving 60% oxygen. They changed her treatment to IV pentamidine and oral rifampicin and isoniazid. By this time, her white blood cell count was 28.7x109/1 and hemoglobin concentration 8.2g/dl. Her condition would not allow her to undergo general anesthesia so an abortion requested by the patient was not performed. Additional treatment included continuous infusion of eflornithine, but she died despite it. This case poses 2 questions. Could she have lived if there had not been a delay in HIV diagnosis? Research shows that CD4 lymphocytes cell counts fall considerably during pregnancy in HIV positive women. So some advocate prophylaxis earlier in these women than other immunocompromised patients. Was it indeed her pregnancy that contributed to the severity of her illness and its inability to respond to treatment? Some researchers find pregnancy accelerates the progress of HIV infection, but researchers do not yet know if it also accelerates the progress of opportunistic infections. If so, terminating pregnancy may be considered.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Eflornithine; Female; Humans; Isoniazid; Opportunistic Infections; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prognosis; Rifampin

Morphine and its derivatives are metabolized by the liver microsomal enzyme system with a high first-pass effect after oral application. In four of 44 HIV-infected i.v. drug abusers who participated in a levomethadon maintenance program, we observed sustained symptoms of under-dosage and loss of effect of there to fore well-tolerated substitution therapy during rifampin treatment or therapy with zidovudine or fucidic acid. As a pharmacological model substance for cytochrome p 450 enzymes, measurement of antipyrine in serum by high pressure liquid chromatography revealed induction of cytochrome p 450 isoenzymes. The half-life of antipyrine decreased (patient 1 from 11.3 to 8.4 h and patient 2 from 10.7 to 7.6 h after rifampin, patient 3 from 12.2 to 8.6 h after fucidic acid, and patient 4 from 10.6 to 8.6 h after zidovudine). In i.v. drug abusers on levomethadon maintenance programs, adjustment of the levomethadon dosage may be necessary when specific therapy for HIV infection and associated diseases requires the use of drugs known to be potent inducers of the liver microsomal enzyme system.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Fusidic Acid; Humans; Male; Methadone; Opioid-Related Disorders; Opportunistic Infections; Prospective Studies; Rifampin; Stereoisomerism; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; Zidovudine

The AIDS epidemic has made previously uncommon infectious diseases and tumors commonplace in HIV-infected individuals. In this article we discuss specific cases of various infections and tumors of the sinonasal tract. Several of these diseases may be the presenting signs of HIV-seropositivity and AIDS. As a result, the clinician first to see such patients must be aware of the diagnosis of these diseases and tumors so that proper testing and treatment may ensue.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Amphotericin B; Anti-Bacterial Agents; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Ketoconazole; Nasopharyngeal Diseases; Opportunistic Infections; Paranasal Sinus Diseases; Rifampin; Therapeutic Irrigation

Topics: Abscess; Adrenal Gland Diseases; Amphotericin B; Aspergillosis; Aspergillus fumigatus; Diagnosis, Differential; Drainage; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Ketoconazole; Male; Middle Aged; Opportunistic Infections; Rifampin; Sarcoidosis

This study assessed the potential pharmacokinetic interaction between rifampicin and ketoconazole, two drugs used to treat the increasingly common combination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans infection in AIDS patients. The peak plasma rifampicin concentrations in six healthy male subjects were not altered when taken in conjunction with ketoconazole. However, the peak plasma ketoconazole levels were significantly diminished when taken in conjunction with rifampicin, compared to when taken alone (P less than 0.015). The mean area under the curve (AUC) for ketoconazole was significantly diminished when taken with oral or intravenous rifampicin (P less than 0.001).

Topics: Drug Interactions; Humans; Ketoconazole; Male; Opportunistic Infections; Rifampin

Topics: Erythromycin; Female; Humans; Legionella; Legionnaires' Disease; Middle Aged; Opportunistic Infections; Rifampin; Sputum