Xpert MTB/RIF is recommended for rapid microbiological testing of lymph node specimens, but its positivity in cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis may depend on lesion characteristics and specimen composition. We investigated clinical and sonographic factors associated with positive Xpert MTB/RIF results in ultrasound-guided biopsy specimens. This single-center retrospective study included 334 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided lymph node sampling between January 15, 2020, and February 24, 2025 and were clinically diagnosed with cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis. Patients were classified as Xpert-positive or Xpert-negative. Clinical variables, sonographic features, and specimen type were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Xpert MTB/RIF was positive in 231 of 334 patients (69.2
Congenital syphilis (CS) remains a major public health challenge despite the availability of effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. In Brazil, increasing rates of gestational and CS suggest persistent gaps in prevention. We evaluated the CS prevention cascade in Brazil and examined individual and contextual factors associated with cascade completion. We conducted a nationwide observational study using publicly available data from the Brazilian Information System on Live Births and the Notifiable Diseases Information System from 2015 to 2023. The prevention cascade included live births, antenatal care utilization, gestational syphilis diagnosis, treatment adequacy, partner treatment, and congenital syphilis outcomes. Descriptive analyses estimated cascade indicators and temporal trends. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated factors associated with timely diagnosis, compatible treatment regimen, potentially correct treatment, and partner treatment among notified gestational syphilis cases. Between 2015 and 2023, Brazil registered 25,099,825 live births, 558,951 gestational syphilis cases, and 221,120 congenital syphilis cases. Antenatal care coverage was high, with 98.2
Brain death induces gut barrier disruption, bacterial translocation, and systemic inflammation in organ donors, potentially predisposing transplant recipients to postoperative infections. Selective digestive decontamination (SDD) reduces pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract and has demonstrated efficacy in preventing nosocomial infections in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. However, the impact of donor SDD on infection outcomes in simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant recipients remains unknown. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 276 consecutive SPK transplant recipients whose organs were procured from brain-dead donors (DBD) between January 2016 and June 30, 2025. Donors were classified as SDD (n = 118; complete protocol: oropharyngeal paste and enteral suspension of polymyxin E, tobramycin, and amphotericin B, plus intravenous cefotaxime for 4 days) or non-SDD (n = 158; standard care without SDD). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed at 1:1 using donor and recipient covariates. The primary endpoint was a 90-day composite of surgical site infection (SSI), bacteremia, intra-abdominal infection, and pneumonia. Secondary endpoints included individual infection types, graft survival, and length of hospital stay. After PSM, 106 matched pairs were included. The composite infection endpoint at 90 days occurred in 27 patients (25.5
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a life-threatening fungal infection that disproportionately affects non-HIV immunocompromised patients, for whom epidemiological and outcome data remain scarce, particularly from the Eastern Mediterranean region. This study aimed to evaluate diagnostic methods for PJP, describe the molecular epidemiology of P. jirovecii, investigate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance-associated mutations, and explore clinical correlates of disease severity and mortality in a Turkish tertiary care center. A total of 102 specimens from 73 patients were evaluated; 21 patients positive by real-time quantitative PCR (Rt-qPCR) were involved in the study prospectively. Diagnostic performance was assessed using a composite reference standard (≥ 2 methods positive), with inter-method agreement evaluated using Cohen’s kappa. Genotypes were determined by MLST, and DHPS resistance mutations were analysed by RFLP. Clinical data and 30-day mortality were retrieved from hospital records. Against the composite reference, Giemsa staining showed 66.7
COVID‑19, caused by SARS‑CoV‑2 has imposed global and national burden and strained health systems. Ethiopia particularly Addis Ababa experienced the large share of the country’s cases, and most infections have been managed through home‑based isolation and care (HBIC). Although HBIC is promoted to reduce community transmission and relieve facilities, evidence on recovery trajectories and predictors from sub‑Saharan Africa is limited. To determine time to recovery and its predictors among COVID‑19 patients receiving home‑based isolation and care service in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In our study, retrospective cohort study design was implemented. Sample size was calculated using Schoenfeld formula. Biomedical, behavioral and nutritional variables were evaluated to determine recovery time predictors. Analyses comprised Kaplan–Meier estimation, log‑rank tests, Bivariable and multivariable Cox regression. Model adequacy was evaluated using Schoenfeld residuals, Cox–Snell residuals and Harrell’s C‑index. Overall cumulative recovery rate was 88.6
