Abstract:Objective To predict the structure and function of the protein encoded by Mycobacterium tuberculosis gene Rv3529c through bioinformatics software and perform prokaryotic expression of the protein. Methods The secondary and tertiary structure, physicochemical properties, hydrophobicity, signal peptide, transmembrane domain, subcellular localization and immune epitopes of Rv3529c-encoded protein were analyzed and predicted through bioinformatics prediction software such as The UniproKB database, PredictProtein service, AlphaFold system, SWISS-MODEL service, ProtParam protein analysis tool, ProtScale, DeepTMHMM service, SignalP-5.0 service, ProtCompB method, IEDB database and STRING database. Expression plasmid vector pET-32a-Rv3529c was constructed and performed prokaryotic expression by molecular cloning technique. Amino acid sequences were compared by the Blast tool of UniprotKB database, and evolutionary tree was constructed by MEGA 11 software for phylogenetic analysis. Interactions among proteins were analyzed with STRING database. Results Gene Rv3529c was 1 155bp in length and encoded 384 amino acids. Gene Rv3529c encoded a protein with a molecular weight of 43.35 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.04, and its secondary structure was mainly α-helixi, which was a stable hydrophilic protein without transmembrane domain and signal peptide. It was predicted that its subcellular location was in cytoplasm or cell membrane, with multiple antigen-antibody epitopes, and interacted with various proteins. The protein Rv3529c with high concentration and purity was obtained after cloning, expression, identification and purification. Conclusion The protein Rv3529c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is successfully cloned, expressed and purified, and its structure and function is tentatively predicted.

Abstract:Objective To understand the drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) in five drug resistance monitoring sites in Henan Province, and provide reference for formulating the control strategies of tuberculosis epidemic. Methods The strains and clinical information of 1 716 tuberculosis patients were collected from five drug resistance monitoring sites in Henan Province in 2013-2018. M. tuberculosis was tested for the sensitivity to nine anti-tuberculosis drugs by proportional method, changes in their drug resistance was analyzed. Results The total drug resistance rate and multidrug resistance (MDR) rate of tuberculosis patients were 24.07% (413/1 716) and 3.73% (64/1 716) respectively. Drug resistance rates of the first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs from high to low were as follows: streptomycin (SM) 13.34% (n=229), isoniazid (INH) 10.08% (n=173), rifampicin (RIF) 5.19% (n=89), and ethambutol (EMB) 4.49% (n=77). Drug resistance rates of the second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs from high to low were as follows: ofloxacin (OFX) 3.15% (n=54), kanamycin (KAM) 2.51% (n=43), capreomycin (CPM) 2.51% (n=43), p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) 1.98% (n=34), and prothionamide (PTO) 1.46% (n=25). Drug resistance profile showed that 413 strains were distributed among 68 different drug resistance types, mono-drug resistance rate of SM, poly-drug resistance of INH+SM, as well as MDR rates of INH+RIF and INH+RIF+SM were higher. The drug resistance rates and MDR rates of initial treated patients were 20.13% (216/1 073) and 2.80% (30/1 073), respectively. Drug resistance rates and MDR rates of retreated patients were 30.64% (197/643) and 5.29% (34/643), respectively. Drug resistance rates and MDR rates of retreated patients were both higher than those of initial treated patients (both P < 0.05). Patients aged 41 to 60 years had the highest drug resistance rate of 29.25%, and patients aged 2 to 20 years had the lowest drug resistance rate of 13.56%. There was statistically significant difference in drug resistance rates among different age groups (P < 0.05). Drug resistance trend analysis showed that only the MDR rate increased year by year in 2013-2018 (P < 0.05). Conclusion Drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in five drug resistance monitoring sites in Henan Province is still serious, drug resistance profile showed that the types of drug resistance were diverse and complicated, drug resistance rates of patients aged 41-60 years and retreated patients are high, and MDR rate showed a rising trend. Therefore, it is necessary to standardize treatment, carry out screening on drug resistance, reduce the occurrence of drug-resistant patients, strengthen the treatment and management of MDR patients to prevent transmission.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the distribution characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic bacteria isolated from clinical urine specimens from hospitals in Gansu Province in 2021. Methods Pathogenic bacteria antimicrobial resistance monitoring data of clinical urine specimens from member units of the Gansu Province Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network in 2021 were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (2021 edition). Data were analyzed using WHONET 5.6 software. Results In 2021, a total of 13 980 bacterial strains from urine specimens were included in the analysis, with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria accounting for 76.5% (10 692 strains) and 23.5% (3 288 strains), respectively. 40.5% (5 656 strains) and 59.5% (8 324 strains) bacterial strains were isolated from male and female patients, respectively. Isolation rate of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii was relatively high, with a resistance rate of > 30% in male patients. Resistance rates of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis to ampicillin were >75%. Resistance rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to carbapenems was < 10%. Resistance rate of Enterococcus to vancomycin, linezolid and teicoplanin was < 2%. Resistance rates of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium to ampicillin were < 20% and >85%, respectively. Conclusion The distribution and antimicrobial resistance rate of pathogens in urine specimens from different genders are varied. Clinical antimicrobial use can be stan-dardized and rationalized according to the local antimicrobial resistance monitoring data.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the distribution and antimicrobial resistance of clinically isolated bacteria in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Gansu Province, and provide basis for the rational antimicrobial use for ICU patients in this region. Methods Antimicrobial resistance monitoring data of clinically isolated bacteria from ICUs in hospitals of antimicrobial resistance surveillance system in Gansu Province from January 2019 to December 2022 were collected. Antimicrobial resistance were detected by disk diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method and E-test method, and the test results were judged according to the standards of American Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Data were analyzed using WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 26.0 softwares. Results From 2019 to 2022, Gram-negative bacteria were the main clinical isolates in ICUs in Gansu Province, with detection rates of 74.5%, 75.0%, 75.9%, and 75.5%, respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae had the highest detection rate. Among Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus had the highest detection rate, all around 25%. The detection rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were 43.9%, 43.3%, 41.8%, and 42.7%, respectively. The detection rates of methicillin-resistant coagulase negative Staphylococcus (MRCNS) were 83.9%, 82.4%, 81.8%, and 77.5%, respectively. Detection rate of Enterococcus faecalis showed a downward trend (χ²=5.229, P=0.021). The resistance rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to multiple antimicrobial agents was less than 33.9%, and the resistance rates to aminoglycosides and quinolones showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.05). The resistance rates of Acinetobacter baumannii to various antimicrobial agents such as aminoglycosides and carbapenems presented a rising trend (P < 0.05). The detection rates of MRCNS and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumo-niae showed a decreasing trend (both P < 0.05). Conclusion From 2019 to 2022, the main clinically isolated pathogenic bacteria in ICUs in Gansu Province were Gram-negative bacteria. The detection rate of multidrug-resistant organisms has increased and drug resistance was severe, which should be paid attention in clinic. It is necessary to strengthen pathogen monitoring and antimicrobial resistance analysis, use rational antimicrobial agents, as well as strengthen infection prevention and control measures, so as to avoid the emergence of more antimicrobial-resistant bacteria due to healthcare-associated infection and cross transmission of antimicrobial-resistant organisms.

Abstract:Objective To retrospectively analyze the distribution and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in 75 hospitals using the data from Hebei Provincial Bacterial Resistance Monitoring System from 2013 to 2022, and to provide a basis for clinical treatment and rational use of antimicrobial agents. Methods Specimen sources, department distribution, and antimicrobial resistance of L. monocytogenes isolated from clinical cases in 75 hospitals in Hebei Province from January 2013 to June 2022 were analyzed with WHONET software. Results From 2013 to 2022, a total of 187 strains of L. monocytogenes were isolated in Hebei Province. The specimens were mainly blood (129 strains, 69.0%), cerebrospinal fluid (20 strains, 10.7%), gastric fluid (14 strains, 7.5%), and others (18 strains, 9.6%). 70 (37.4%) strains were isolated from males, and 117 (62.6%) were from females. Department of neonatology (42 strains, 22.5%) as well as department of obstetrics and gynecology (41 strains, 21.9%) were the most common sources. In terms of age groups, young adults had the highest isolation rate (74 strains, 39.6%), followed by neonates (39 strains, 20.9%). The susceptibility rates of the strains to penicillin, ampicillin, meropenem, compound sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin were 97.8%, 98.6%, 98.0%, 98.4% and 96.3%, respectively. Conclusion From 2013 to 2022, most L. monocytogenes strains isolated from clinical cases in Hebei Province were from blood specimen, and the infected population were mainly young adults and neonates. Non-susceptible strains to first-line antimicrobials have emerged and continuous attention is needed.

Abstract:Objective To understand the factors affecting the quality of life of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with low-level viremia (LLV) in Hunan Province, and provide basis for the formulation of AIDS prevention and control strategies. Methods 44 LLV patients selected through convenient sampling were performed cross-sectional survey by the self-designed questionnaire for general information and World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire for HIV brief version (WHOQOL-HIV BREF). The affecting factors for the quality of life were analyzed by t-test, F-test and multiple linear regression. Results Among the 44 LLV patients, 29 (65.91%) were males, 16 (36.36%) were in the 45-59 years old group, 37 (84.09%) had good medication compliance, while 7 (15.91%) had poor medication compliance with missed medication administration. The overall score of quality of life for LLV patients was (68.58 ± 6.04) on average, and the average score in the physiological field was (10.77±1.49). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in scores in physiological field among patients with different living places, occupations, monthly income levels, and whether they had adverse drug reactions (all P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that different educational levels (B_psychology=0.449, P_psychology=0.048; B_environment=0.851, P_environment=0.028), monthly income level (B_independence=1.072, P_independence=0.006; B_environment=0.989, P_environment=0.026), and whether there were adverse drug reactions (B_physiology=-1.665, P_physiology=0.002) were important factors affecting various fields of patients' quality of life. Conclusion LLV patients have lower quality of life scores, and more attention should be paid to patients with low educational level, low income, and adverse drug reactions, so as to improve their quality of life.

Abstract:Objective To explore the difference of pathogenic bacteria distribution, clinical characteristics and prognosis between severe purulent meningitis and moderate purulent meningitis in neonates, provide evidences for the early identification, timely treatment and prognosis evaluation of severe purulent meningitis. Methods 135 cases of neonatal purulent meningitis admitted in a hospital from October 2019 to October 2022 were selected and divided into the severe group and the moderate group based on the severity condition. Clinical data were collected retrospectively. Differences in clinical symptoms, auxiliary examinations, and prognosis between the two groups of neonates were analyzed. Results Among 135 cases of neonatal purulent meningitis, 60 cases were in the severe group and 75 cases in the moderate group. Compared with the moderate group, the proportions of premature infants, low birth weight infants, birth asphyxia history, and the incidence of premature rupture of membranes in the severe group were all higher (all P < 0.05); the incidence of poor responsiveness, convulsion, abnormal consciousness, tachypnea, tachycardia, hypoxemia, thrombocytopenia, liver function damage, and kidney function damage in the severe group were all significantly higher (all P < 0.05). Compared with the moderate group, the white blood cell count and protein concentration of cerebrospinal fluid in the severe group were higher, glucose concentration of cerebrospinal fluid were lower, and the incidence of complications was higher (all P < 0.05). Poor response, liver function damage, hypoxemia, the increase of cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration and the decrease of glucose concentration of cerebrospinal fluid were independent risk factors for neonatal severe purulent meningitis. Conclusion There are differences in clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations and complications between patients with severe purulent meningitis and moderate purulent meningitis. Early identification and active treatment of neonatal severe purulent meningitis can be achieved through clinical symptoms and laboratory examinations, enabling timely recognition and intervention.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) and central nervous system (CNS) Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) infection, and improve early clinical diagnosis level. Methods Clinical data of 5 AIDS patients who were co-infected with T. marneffei confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and admitted to the Fourth Peoples' Hospital of Nanning City from 2014 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Among the 5 AIDS patients complicated with CNS T. marneffei infection, 4 were male, with an average age of 35.2 years. The average time for isolating T. marneffei in CSF was 8 days. CSF changes mainly manifested as an increase in white blood cell count and protein, as well as a decrease in glucose and chloride levels. The main manifestation of cranial imaging examination was intracranial infection. Five patients all died, 2 of whom were misdiagnosed as central nervous Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, 2 critically ill patients died within 1 week after admission, and 1 patient received effective antifungal treatment but ultimately died due to septic shock. Three patients previously received standardized anti-human immunodeficiency virus treatment. Conclusion AIDS complicated with CNS T. marneffei infection lacks specific clinical manifestations. Early diagnosis is difficult, misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis during clinical practice occur often, and it is with high mortality. Clinicians should attach great importance to it.

Abstract:Objective To explore the clinical significance of CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy (CT-GPLB) in the diagnosis of pulmonary infectious diseases (PIDs). Methods CT-GPLB pathogenic diagnostic results of 109 patients with clinically suspected PIDs from March 2018 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and compared with conventional pathogenic diagnostic results such as sputum, blood, and bronchoscopy. Results Among 109 cases of PIDs, 47 cases (43.1%) had identified pathogens. Among them, there were 24 cases of fungal infections (including 1 case of mixed infection with Gram-negative bacillus), 9 cases of bacterial infections, 12 cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections, 1 case of viral infection, and 1 case of fast-growing Mycobacterium fortuitum infection. The pathogenic diagnosis rate of CT-GPLB was 42.2%, with one case showing positive acid-fast staining in sputum smear but negative in other examinations. The positive rates of CT-GPLB tissue culture, pathology exa-mination, and lung tissue smear were 21.1%, 28.4%, and 7.3%, respectively. The overall pathogenic diagnostic rate of CT-GPLB lung tissue was 42.2% (46/109), which was higher than that of sputum specimen examination (4.1% [3/73]), blood examination (3.1% [1/32]) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (9.8% [8/82]). The positive rate of CT-GPLB tissue culture was 21.1% (23/109), which was higher than that of sputum culture (2.7% [2/73]) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture (7.3% [6/82]). Conclusion CT-GPLB tissue examination is of high clinical value in identifying the pathogens of PIDs, with a higher diagnostic rate compared to conventional pathogenic examination methods.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment of Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) pneumonia. Methods Clinical data of 43 patients with C. psittaci pneumonia confirmed by metagenomic next-genera- tion sequencing (mNGS) in a hospital from March 2018 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The mean age of the 43 patients was 55.80 years, with 23 males and 20 females. 18 patients had a clear history of contacting with birds or poultry. The onset months were mostly winter and spring. The most common clinical manifesta- tion was fever, which can be accompanied by symptoms such as cough, muscle soreness, and chills. Blood routine test showed that 28 (65.12%) patients had normal white blood cell count, 21 had an increase in neutrophil count, and 32 had a decrease in lymphocyte count. 43 patients had elevated C-reactive protein level, 26 had elevated alanine transaminase, 32 had elevated aspartate aminotransferase, and 33 had elevated lactate dehydrogenase. 15 patients had respiratory failure, 9 patients progressed to severe pneumonia. Chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed consolidation in the unilateral lower lobe of the lung, more in the right lung, and 13 patients complicated with pleural effusion. The main manifestation under bronchoscope was alveolitis with little secretion. In 43 patients, mNGS detected C. psittaci sequence numbers ranging from 1 to 21 269. Quinolone treatment was applied to 40 patients, which was adjusted to doxycycline, minocycline and tigecycline after the pathogen was identified. The median hospitalization time of 43 patients was 13.00 days. All patients showed improvement and were discharged, without reported cases of mortality. Conclusion Most patients with C. psittaci pneumonia are characte-rized by an onset with high fever, lung involvement, and a history of poultry exposure. mNGS enables rapid and accurate pathogen detection. Doxycycline is the preferred choice for treatment, and quinolones are also effective. Some patients can progress to severe cases, but the overall prognosis is good.

Abstract:Objective To develop a precise diagnosis and treatment system for pulmonary and critical care medicine, explore the value of the system in promoting the rational antimicrobial use, and promote the rational use of antimicrobial agents from the source. Methods Patients discharged from the department of pulmonary and critical care medicine of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from 2012 to 2021 were taken as the research objects. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) was integrated into the precise diagnosis and treatment system for pulmonary and critical care medicine, and antimicrobial use before and after the implementation of the system were compared. Results A total of 2 947 discharged patients were included, 1 105 of whom were pre-implementation cases and 1 842 were post-implementation cases. Among the discharged diagnosis, 2 643 were infection cases (89.7%), including 963 pre-implementation cases (87.1%) and 1 680 post-implementation cases (91.2%). Despite an increase in the proportion of infected cases after implementation, antimicrobial use decreased by 2.9% compared to before implementation cases (97.0% vs 94.2%, P < 0.001). Compared to the pre-implementation period, the intensity of antimicrobial use decreased by 12.4% (244.4 DDDs vs 214.1 DDDs) and the intensity of special-use antimicrobial agents decreased by 14.4% (131.0 DDDs vs 112.2 DDDs), both shifting from high fluctuations to linear declines (P < 0.001). Conclusion The precise diagnosis and treatment system for pulmonary and critical care medicine effectively promotes the rational and precise use of antimicrobial agents, with the clinical treatment team as the core of the system, and emerging diagnostic and treatment technologies playing an important role.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the implementation of gargling before oral diagnosis and treatment, and explore the measures for improving prevention and control of aerosol contamination. Methods A tertiary stomatological specialty hospital was selected, with a baseline survey period from July to December 2020 and project intervention period from January to June 2021 (comprehensive intervention was adopted). The implementation rate of gargling and per capita consumption of hydrogen peroxide gargling solution in each department before diagnosis and treatment were monitored, effectiveness and differences among different departments before and after intervention were compared respectively. Results After implementing targeted monitoring on gargling and comprehensive intervention measures before diagnosis and treatment, the implementation rates of gargling in all departments increased, the overall implementation rate increased from 39.28% before the intervention to 55.30% after intervention (all P < 0.05). Except for the department of prosthodontics, per capita consumption of hydrogen peroxide solution in other departments after intervention all improved compared with before intervention (all P < 0.05). The consumption of hydrogenperoxide solution was high in departments of periodontics, endodontics, and dental implant, which were (52.605±12.293), (22.495±1.943), and (23.879±1.673) mL/person/time, respectively. Conclusion The implementation of gargling before oral diagnosis and treatment as a targeted monitoring index for stomatological specialty hospital can determine the key aspects and key departments for oral infection prevention and control, and provide reference for formulating targeted oral infection prevention and control strategies.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of "3-step rubbing method" adopted by health care workers (HCWs) during the process of removing protective equipment in COVID-19 isolation ward. Methods 35 front-line clinical HCWs who supported the isolation ward of a tertiary first-class hospital in Shanghai from April to June 2022 were selected. Before removing protective equipment, each HCW conducted hygienic hand disinfection with the "3-step rubbing method" and the "6-step rubbing method" once, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results of the front, back and finger side of the outermost gloves before and after conducting two hygienic hand disinfection me-thods were compared. Results SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results of the surface of outermost glove before and after disinfected by two hygienic hand disinfection methods were statistically different (both P < 0.05). Positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test of the surface of the outermost gloves after "6-step rubbing method" and "3-step rubbing method" hygienic hand disinfection were 4.76% (5/105) and 5.71% (6/105), respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Standard rate of hand hygiene was higher when using the "3-step rubbing method" than the "6-step rubbing method" (91.43% vs 77.14%, P=0.02). Conclusion The "3-step rubbing method" can achieve the same disinfection effect as the "6-step rubbing method" during the process of HCWs' removing protective equipment in COVID-19 isolation ward, but the standard rate of "3-step rubbing method" for hand hygiene of HCWs is higher, therefore, the "3-step rubbing method" is helpful for ensuring the occupational safety of HCWs, and is easy to be promoted and accepted in clinical practice.

Abstract:Aureobasidium pullulans (A. pullulans) is a dark, yeast-like fungus, which is widespread in nature. As an opportunistic pathogen, A. pullulans extremely rare infects patient with normal immunity. This article reports a young immunocompetent woman infected with A. pullulans. The patient had normal immune function and presented with atypical clinical manifestations. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of alveolar lavage fluid revealed the growth of A. pullulans. After antifungal treatment with voriconazole, patient improved significantly. Literature review revealed limited global report of such infection, including a total of 31 cases, with 20 male and 11 female patients aged from 4 months to 79 years old. Two patients had normal immunity without any known high-risk factors for infection, while others had a history of underlying diseases, secondary immune suppression, trauma, transplantation, and other diseases. The clinical manifestations were nonspecific and mainly related to the affected system. After antifungal treatment, 24 cases improved and recovered, while 7 cases died. In recent years, fungal infections have become increasingly common. Fungal infection caused by A. pullulans can affect various parts of the body, even in immunocompetent individuals. mNGS examination can effectively detect pathogens, thus enables timely diagnosis, shorter disease duration, and effective treatment.

Abstract:To understand the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of acute endophthalmitis caused by Rhizobium radiobacter (R. radiobacter) after cataract surgery. Clinical data of a patient with acute endophthalmitis caused by R. radiobacter after cataract surgery were collected retrospectively. Combined with relevant domestic and foreign literatures, analysis of the data was conducted. Four days after cataract surgery, the patient was admitted to the hospital again due to "acute suppurative endophthalmitis in the right eye". On the day of admission, vitrectomy combined with intraocular lens removal and posterior capsulotomy was performed in the right eye. Vitreous fluid was collected during the operation and cultured. R. radiobacter was identified. The infection might come from the contact with the conjunctiva after touching soil on vegetable roots. Sensitive antimicrobial agents of ceftazidime (systemic medication) and levofloxacin (local eye drops) were used for treatment. Symptoms of the eye remained stable 21 days after surgery, with a corrected vision of 20/133. Eye infection was cured, and the patient was discharged from the hospital. This is the first case of acute endophthalmitis caused by R. radiobacter after cataract surgery in China.Clinical attention should be paid to eye infection caused by this pathogen. After cataract surgery or intravitreal injection of drugs, contact with soil should be avoided. Pathogenic culture should be performed in time once symptoms occur, and precise treatment should be given based on antimicrobial susceptibility test results.

Abstract:Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) pneumonia with headache as the initial symptom is very rare. This paper reports a patient, whose initial symptom was headache, successively presented clinical manifestations such as high fever, cough, expectoration and dyspnea. Chest CT showed lung infection. C. psittaci pneumonia was diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology combined with avian exposure history. After treated with doxycycline and moxifloxacin, patient's condition improved. Based on literature review, this study explores the clinical characteristics, auxiliary examinations, as well as diagnosis and treatment plans of C. psittaci pneumonia. It aims to improve clinicians' understanding on C. psittaci pneumonia with headache as the initial symptom, so as to conduct early diagnosis and treatment, as well as to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Abstract:Currently, many urgent issues in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) need to be solved. The effectiveness of the prevention and control of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), the effective removal of biofilms, the identification, prevention and control of water-borne pathogens, and the persis-tence of surface disinfection of environmental objects all pose higher requirements for the prevention and control of HAI. Bacteriophages are viruses that invade bacteria, and can also transmit genetic materials that confer biological traits on the host bacteria. The specificity and effectiveness of bacteriophages in reducing MDROs and clearing biofilms make them potentially a new approach to HAI prevention and control. This review summarizes researches related to the application of bacteriophages in HAI prevention and control, including their advantages in combating MDROs and clearing biofilms, as well as their applications in the identification of HAI cases, environmental cle a-ning and disinfection, prevention and control of water-borne transmission, and comprehensive hospital management.

Abstract:Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a common infectious pathogen globally. The misuse of antimicrobial agents has made the prevention and treatment of SA infection more difficult. Seeking new and effective alternatives to antimicrobial agents is important and is a hot topic in current and future research. Numerous studies have reported that interleukin-17 (IL-17) is essential for the clearance and prevention of SA. The IL-17 family is diverse and the mechanism is complex. Although the connection between human IL-17 and SA-carriage has not been widely studied, most animal experimental results have brought hope for overcoming SA infection. The advantages of the IL-17 signaling pathway have also prompted more and more researchers to focus on its role in immunity, with the potential to become a key target of anti-SA vaccine preparation. This paper reviews research progress of IL-17 and its signaling pathway, as well as the molecular mechanism of SA infection.

Abstract:Anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies cause adult immune deficiency, leading to opportunistic bacterial infection, which is a recent medical issue. Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is the most common infection in patients with positive anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies, and NTM infection relevant to anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies has been increasing in recent years. This article reviews the pathogenic mechanism, NTM species, clinical manifestations and immunoregulation adjuvant therapy of anti-IFN-γ autoantibody-associated NTM infection, aiming to help clinicians better understand this disease, avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, as well as conduct rational treatment. Methods Results Conclusion