RATIONALE:Guidelines recommend amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS) for refractory Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease (MACLD) treatment, alongside other antibiotics. Efficacy of ALIS on microbiological endpoints and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the newly diagnosed MACLD population is unknown. OBJECTIVES:ARISE aimed to validate Quality of Life-Bronchiectasis Respiratory Domain (QOL-B RD) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v1.0-Fatigue 7a (PROMIS F SF-7a) in patients treated for new/recurrent MACLD. We present treatment outcome results, including microbiological endpoints, PROs, and safety. METHODS:Adults with noncavitary MACLD were randomized 1:1 to ALIS (590 mg) or empty liposome control (comparator), plus azithromycin (250 mg) and ethambutol (15 mg/kg) once daily for 6 months, then 1 month off treatment. RESULTS:Of 99 patients, most had Mycobacterium intracellulare (43.4%) and/or M avium (32.3%) infections. Culture conversion with ALIS was achieved by 80.6% by month 6 (comparator, 63.9%) and 78.8% by month 7 (comparator, 47.1%; nominal P = .0010). Among patients achieving culture conversion by month 6, first negative culture defining conversion occurred at month 1 for 74.3% with ALIS (comparator, 46.7%). Mean QOL-B RD score through month 7 improved with ALIS versus plateauing with comparator after month 3; both arms showed improved PROMIS F SF-7a without between-arm difference. Positive correlations between culture conversion and improved QOL-B RD score were observed with ALIS. No ALIS-related serious adverse events or deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS:More patients with newly diagnosed MACLD receiving 6 months of ALIS alongside a macrolide-based regimen achieved culture conversion by month 6 and month 7 numerically more rapidly versus comparator. No new safety signals were identified.Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04677543).

Background:Anaemia is prevalent after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge as a consequence of factors such as blood sampling, concurrent inflammation affecting erythropoiesis, and the use of restrictive ICU red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practice during inpatient stay. ICU survivors experience poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Prevalent symptoms include fatigue and weakness, to which anaemia may contribute. There are no trials exploring the effectiveness of treating anaemia with RBC transfusions post-ICU discharge. Methods and analysis:The ABC post-ICU trial is a multicentre prospective, parallel group, randomised trial, with embedded moderation and mediation analysis. Participants are adult ICU survivors with anaemia (haemoglobin (Hb) ⩽94 g/L) fit for ICU discharge. Patients are randomised to usual care (default Hb transfusion trigger <70 g/L, target 70-90 g/L) or single-unit RBC transfusions to achieve Hb range 100-120 g/L. The intervention is from randomisation to hospital discharge. Primary outcome is the physical component summary score (PCS) of the 36-item short form (SF-36) health survey, which measures HRQoL, assessed 90 days post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes at 90 days include: hospital length of stay, mortality, fatigue score, activities of daily living, and Mental Component Scale score (MCS) SF-36. Outcomes are also measured at 30 and 180 days. Safety outcomes include: new infections, transfusion-related adverse events, and major adverse cardiac events. Analysis includes a moderation analysis based on baseline recalled PCS SF-36, comorbidity burden, mobility, and systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration). A mediation analysis based on 30 days blood samples will explore whether anaemia severity (Hb) or persisting inflammation (CRP) mediates intervention effects. A health-economic analysis over 180 days will be conducted. The sample size is 346, providing 90% power to detect a difference in PCS SF-36 of 5 points, assuming >70% completed SF-36 follow-up. ClinicalTrialsgov:NCT04591574.

The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are now more frequently encountered in the laboratory compared to 20-30 years ago. New media and molecular assays have been introduced for the accurate detection and identification of an increased number of new NTM species. Furthermore, antimicrobial drug resistance genes have been characterized for the detection of macrolide and aminoglycoside resistance. NTM are often involved in nosocomial outbreaks where water sources are often the culprit. The authors of this 3-part publication aimed to provide an update on current clinical diagnostics for NTM as well as information about testing water or environmental samples for NTM, since this is often requested of the clinical laboratory. For an NTM disease to develop, a trifecta of elements/forces are in play: host characteristics, the NTM, and the environment.

ARISE was a global clinical trial designed to generate evidence demonstrating the utility of the patient-reported outcome instruments Quality of Life–Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) [Respiratory Domain (RD) only] and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v1.0-Fatigue 7a (PROMIS F SF-7a) in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease (MACLD). Here, we describe trial conduct, patient characteristics, and patient-reported symptoms at baseline among patients enrolled in ARISE. Adult patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent non-cavitary MACLD who had not initiated antibiotic treatment for their current MAC infection were enrolled; data including comorbidities and prior MACLD history were collected during screening. Symptom burden was assessed using QOL-B, PROMIS F SF-7a, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) questionnaires. Of 99 patients from 12 countries enrolled in ARISE, the median age was 69.0 years; most were white (80.8 People with a disease called Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease (MACLD) experience many symptoms, including cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which can impact their quality of life. It is not clear what symptoms people with new or repeating MACLD may have before they start antibiotic treatment for their disease. This publication describes the design of a study called ARISE, characteristics of people with MACLD who participated, and the symptoms they reported when they started the study. Overall, 99 people with a first, second, or third diagnosis of MACLD, who had not started taking antibiotics, participated in the study. People in the study were on average 69 years old and most were female (78

The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are now more frequently encountered in the laboratory compared to 20-30 years ago. New media and molecular assays have been introduced for the accurate detection and identification of an increased number of new NTM species. Furthermore, antimicrobial drug resistance genes have been characterized for the detection of macrolide and aminoglycoside resistance. NTM are often involved in nosocomial outbreaks where water sources are often the culprit. The authors of this 3-part publication aimed to provide an update on current clinical diagnostics for NTM as well as information about testing water or environmental samples for NTM, since this is often requested of the clinical laboratory. For an NTM disease to develop, a trifecta of elements/forces are in play: host characteristics, the NTM, and the environment.

The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are now more frequently encountered in the laboratory compared to 20–30 years ago. New media and molecular assays have been introduced for the accurate detection and identification of an increased number of new NTM species. Furthermore, antimicrobial drug resistance genes have been characterized for the detection of macrolide and aminoglycoside resistance. NTM are often involved in nosocomial outbreaks where water sources are often the culprit. The authors of this 3-part publication aimed to provide an update on current clinical diagnostics for NTM as well as information about testing water or environmental samples for NTM, since this is often requested of the clinical laboratory. For an NTM disease to develop, a trifecta of elements/forces are in play: host characteristics, the NTM, and the environment.

Abstract Introduction The incidence and prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) are increasing globally. Approximately 80% of NTM-PD cases in Japan and five countries within Europe (Eur5; France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) are caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). This study describes the clinical decision-making process associated with the management of patients with NTM-PD in Japan and the Eur5. Methods We analyzed data from a survey conducted between July 2013 and October 2013 among physicians treating patients with NTM-PD in clinical practice to compare the healthcare settings, clinical presentation, and patient management in Japan and the Eur5. Results Overall, 619 physicians (Japan, 173; Eur5, 446) participated in the survey. Most patients in Japan (85%) and the Eur5 (79%) were diagnosed with MAC-PD. Patients were managed generally in hospital-based outpatient clinics (117/173, 68%) in Japan and research/teaching hospitals affiliated with medical schools (140/446, 31%) in the Eur5. The most common reason for delaying treatment was the patient’s symptoms not being considered serious enough for treatment (55/128, 43%) in Japan and awaiting results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (44/151, 29%) in the Eur5. Culture negativity was less commonly achieved after treatment in patients in Japan versus those in the Eur5 (31% [73/238] vs. 70% [300/426], p < 0.0001). In treatment phases that were either completed or discontinued, the primary goal was symptomatic improvement, followed by achieving culture conversion, in both Japan and the Eur5. Overall, 19% (16/85) of physicians in Japan and 43% (220/511) in the Eur5 were “entirely satisfied” with their patients’ treatment outcomes. Conclusions Similarities and differences exist in the healthcare settings, clinical presentation, and management of patients with NTM-PD in Japan and the Eur5. Insufficient consideration of culture status by physicians, delayed treatment initiation, and symptom-based cessation emphasize the need for educational efforts on the guideline-based strategies.

BRII-693 is a next-generation intravenous (IV)-administered synthetic macrocyclic peptide antibiotic for infections caused by drug-resistant gram-negative pathogens. This single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 study investigated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of single and multiple ascending doses of BRII-693 in 104 healthy participants. In single-dose cohorts, 10-400 mg of BRII-693 was evaluated in eight participants (six active; two placebo) per cohort. In the 7-day repeat-dose cohorts, 100-200 mg of BRII-693 was evaluated in eight participants (six active; two placebo) per cohort. In two 14-day repeat-dose cohorts, 150 mg of BRII-693 was evaluated in 12 participants (10 active, two placebo) each of non-Chinese and Chinese descent. No participant reported a severe or serious adverse event (AE) or an AE leading to death. Across all cohorts and for non-Chinese and Chinese participants, most AEs were mild. C max and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) increased in a dose-proportional manner over the dose range of single- and repeat-dosing. Mean t 1/2 was 2.58-4.37 hours and generally similar across single doses. An accumulation of exposure was observed following multiple doses with an accumulation ratio of 1.5 to 1.7 which was within the expected 1.3 to 2.5 range at steady state. Mean total clearance (CL) was similar between single and multiple dose administration, suggesting time-independent pharmacokinetics (PK). PK exposure was statistically equivalent between non-Chinese and Chinese participants. This phase 1 study demonstrates a favorable safety, tolerability, and PK profile of BRII-693 in healthy non-Chinese and Chinese participants.

We present a case of mpox recurrence in a transgender woman with AIDS. Her recurrent lesions required several courses of antiviral therapy over a 5-month period and her monkeypox viral genome was subsequently noted to have tecovirimat resistance mutations. Interestingly, she developed a robust orthopoxvirus-specific T-cell response.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) plays a homeostatic role in attenuating excessive inflammation and augmenting host defense against microbes. We demonstrated previously that AAT binds to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) resulting in significant anti-inflammatory and antimycobacterial consequences in macrophages. Our current investigation aims to uncover AAT-regulated genes that rely on GR in macrophages. We incubated control THP-1 cells (THP-1(control)) and THP-1 cells knocked down for GR (THP-1(GR-KD)) with AAT, performed bulk RNA sequencing, and analyzed the findings. In THP-1(control) cells, AAT significantly upregulated 408 genes and downregulated 376 genes. Comparing THP-1(control) and THP-1(GR-KD) cells, 125 (30.6%) of the AAT-upregulated genes and 154 (41.0%) of the AAT-downregulated genes were significantly dependent on GR. Among the AAT-upregulated, GR-dependent genes, CSF-2 that encodes for granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), known to be host-protective against nontuberculous mycobacteria, was strongly upregulated by AAT and dependent on GR. We further quantified the mRNA and protein of several AAT-upregulated, GR-dependent genes in macrophages and the mRNA of several AAT-downregulated, GR-dependent genes. We also discussed the function(s) of selected AAT-regulated, GR-dependent gene products largely in the context of mycobacterial infections. In conclusion, AAT regulated several genes that are dependent on GR and play roles in host immunity against mycobacteria.

Granulomas, organized aggregates of immune cells which form in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), are characteristic but not exclusive of tuberculosis (TB). Despite existing investigations on TB granulomas, the determinants that differentiate host-protective granulomas from granulomas that contribute to TB pathogenesis are often disputed. Thus, the goal of this narrative review is to help clarify the existing literature on such determinants. We adopt the a priori view that TB granulomas are host-protective organelles and discuss the molecular and cellular determinants that induce protective granulomas and those that promote their failure. While reports about protective TB granulomas and their failure may initially seem contradictory, it is increasingly recognized that either deficiencies or excesses of the molecular and cellular components in TB granuloma formation may be detrimental to the host. More specifically, insufficient or excessive expression/representation of the following components have been reported to skew granulomas toward the less protective phenotype: (i) epithelioid macrophages; (ii) type 1 adaptive immune response; (iii) type 2 adaptive immune response; (iv) tumor necrosis factor; (v) interleukin-12; (vi) interleukin-17; (vii) matrix metalloproteinases; (viii) hypoxia in the TB granulomas; (ix) hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha; (x) aerobic glycolysis; (xi) indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity; (xii) heme oxygenase-1 activity; (xiii) immune checkpoint; (xiv) leukotriene A4 hydrolase activity; (xv) nuclear-factor-kappa B; and (xvi) transforming growth factor-beta. Rather, more precise and timely coordinated immune responses appear essential for eradication or containment of Mtb infection. Since there are several animal models of infection with Mtb, other species within the Mtb complex, and the surrogate Mycobacterium marinum – whether natural (cattle, elephants) or experimental (zebrafish, mouse, guinea pig, rabbit, mini pig, goat, non-human primate) infections – we also compared the TB granulomatous response and other pathologic lung lesions in various animals infected with one of these mycobacteria with that of human pulmonary TB. Identifying components that dictate the formation of host-protective granulomas and the circumstances that result in their failure can enhance our understanding of the macrocosm of human TB and facilitate the development of novel remedies – whether they be direct therapeutics or indirect interventions – to efficiently eliminate Mtb infection and prevent its pathologic sequelae.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is increasing in incidence globally and challenging to manage. The 2020 multisociety treatment guideline and the 2022 consensus recommendations provide comprehensive evidence-based guides to manage pulmonary diseases caused by the most common NTM. However, with >190 different NTM species that may require different multidrug regimens for treatment, the breadth and complexity of NTM-PD remain daunting for both patients and clinicians. In this narrative review, we aim to distill this broad, complex field into principles applicable to most NTM species and highlight important nuances, specifically elaborating on the presentation, diagnosis, principles of patient-centered care, principles of pathogen-directed therapy, and prospects of NTM-PD.

Mycobacterium abscessus is an intrinsically drug-resistant, rapidly growing, nontuberculous mycobacterium; extrapulmonary infections have been reported in association with medical tourism (1). During November-December 2022, two Colorado hospitals (hospitals A and B) treated patient A, a Colorado woman aged 30-39 years, for M. abscessus meningitis. In October 2022, she had received intrathecal donor embryonic stem cell injections in Baja California, Mexico to treat multiple sclerosis and subsequently experienced headaches and fevers, consistent with meningitis. Her cerebrospinal fluid revealed neutrophilic pleocytosis and grew M. abscessus in culture at hospital A. Hospital A's physicians consulted hospital B's infectious diseases (ID) physicians to co-manage this patient (2).

ABSTRACT This was a phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending single- and multiple-dose study of oral ceftibuten to describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of cis- ceftibuten (administered form) and trans- ceftibuten (metabolite), and to describe safety and tolerability at higher than licensed doses. Subjects received single 400, 600, or 800 mg doses of ceftibuten on Days 1 and 4, followed by 7 days of twice-daily dosing from Days 4 to 10. Non-compartmental methods were used to describe parent drug and metabolite PK in plasma and urine. Dose proportionality was examined using C max , AUC 0–12 , and AUC 0–INF . Accumulation was calculated as the ratio of AUC 0–12 on Days 4 and 10. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout the study. Following single ascending doses, mean cis - and trans- ceftibuten C max were 17.6, 24.1, and 28.1 mg/L, and 1.1, 1.5, and 2.2 mg/L, respectively; cis -ceftibuten urinary recovery accounted for 64.3%–86.9% of the administered dose over 48 h. Following multiple ascending doses, mean cis - and trans- ceftibuten C max were 21.7, 28.1, and 38.8 mg/L, and 1.4, 1.9, and 2.8 mg/L, respectively; cis -ceftibuten urinary recovery accounted for 72.2%–96.4% of the administered dose at steady state. The exposure of cis- and trans- ceftibuten increased proportionally with increasing doses. Cis - and trans- ceftibuten accumulation factor was 1.14–1.19 and 1.28–1.32. The most common gastrointestinal treatment emergent AEs were mild and resolved without intervention. Ceftibuten was well tolerated. Dose proportionality and accumulation of cis - and trans -ceftibuten were observed. These results support the ongoing development of ceftibuten at doses up to 800 mg twice-daily. (The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT03939429.)

Introduction A strong epidemiologic link exists between cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB). Macrophage and murine studies showed that CS and nicotine impair host-protective immune cells against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. While CS and nicotine may activate T regulatory cells (Tregs), little is known about how CS may affect these immunosuppressive cells with MTB infection. Methods We investigated whether CS-exposed Tregs could exacerbate MTB infection in co-culture with human macrophages and in recipient mice that underwent adoptive transfer of Tregs from donor CS-exposed mice. Results We found that exposure of primary human Tregs to CS extract impaired the ability of unexposed human macrophages to control an MTB infection by inhibiting phagosome-lysosome fusion and autophagosome formation. Neutralizing CTLA-4 on the CS extract-exposed Tregs abrogated the impaired control of MTB infection in the macrophage and Treg co-cultures. In Foxp3 + GFP + DTR + (Thy1.2) mice depleted of endogenous Tregs, adoptive transfer of Tregs from donor CS-exposed B6.PL(Thy1.1) mice with subsequent MTB infection of the Thy1.2 mice resulted in a greater burden of MTB in the lungs and spleens than those that received Tregs from air-exposed mice. Mice that received Tregs from donor CS-exposed mice and infected with MTB had modest but significantly reduced numbers of interleukin-12-positive dendritic cells and interferon-gamma-positive CD4 + T cells in the lungs, and an increased number of total programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) positive CD4 + T cells in both the lungs and spleens. Discussion Previous studies demonstrated that CS impairs macrophages and host-protective T effector cells in controlling MTB infection. We now show that CS-exposed Tregs can also impair control of MTB in co-culture with macrophages and in a murine model.

Mycobacterium abscessus infections have been reported as adverse events related to medical tourism. We report M. abscessus meningitis in a patient who traveled from Colorado, USA, to Mexico to receive intrathecal stem cell injections as treatment for multiple sclerosis. We also review the management of this challenging central nervous system infection.

The diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease is based on three criteria: patient's symptoms, radiographic findings, and microbiologic results. The microbiologic criterion is the most complicated because it requires more than one positive sputum acid-fast bacilli culture. Clinicians are challenged to apply the diagnostic criteria in the context of variable patient symptoms, NTM pathogenicity, and host susceptibility. The decision to treat NTM pulmonary disease entails assessment of the risks and benefits of therapy and the patient's wishes and ability to receive treatment.

RationaleMycobacterium avium complex, is the most common nontuberculous mycobacterial respiratory pathogen in humans. Disease mechanisms are poorly understood due to the absence of a reliable animal model for M. avium complex pulmonary disease. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess the susceptibility, immunologic and histopathologic responses of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to M. avium complex pulmonary infection. Methods7 adult female marmosets underwent endobronchial inoculation with 10(8) colony-forming units of M. intracellulare and were monitored for 30 or 60 days. Chest radiograph was assessed at baseline (prior to infection) and at the time of sacrifice (30 days for 3 animals and 60 days for 4 animals), and bronchoalveolar lavage cytokines, histopathology and cultures of the bronchoalveolar lavage, lungs, liver and kidney were assessed at time of sacrifice. Serum cytokines were monitored at baseline and weekly for 30 days for all animals and at 60 days for those alive. Group differences in serum cytokine measurements between those that tested positive versus negative for the M. intracellulare infection were assessed using a series of linear mixed models. Measurements and main resultsFive of seven animals (two at 30 days and three at 60 days of infection) had positive lung cultures for M. intracellulare. Extra-pulmonary cultures were positive in three animals. All animals appeared healthy throughout the study. All five animals with positive lung cultures had radiographic changes consistent with pneumonitis. At 30 days, those with M. intracellulare lung infection showed granulomatous inflammation, while at 60 days there were fewer inflammatory changes but bronchiectasis was noted. The cytokine response in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was uniformly greater in the animals with positive M. intracellulare cultures than those without a productive infection, with greater levels at 30-days compared to 60-days. Similarly, serum cytokines were more elevated in the animals that had positive M. intracellulare cultures compared to those without a productive infection, peaking 14-21 days after inoculation. ConclusionEndobronchial instillation of M. intracellulare resulted in pulmonary mycobacterial infection in marmosets with a differential immune response, radiographic and histopathologic abnormalities, and an indolent course consistent with M. avium complex lung infection in humans.