Back to Authors

Gurram, Pooja

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1211-0907

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 18

Management and Outcome of Left Ventricular Assist Device Infections in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Transplantation
Garrigos, Zerelda Esquer , Almeida, Natalia E. Castillo , Gurram, Pooja , Vijayvargiya, Prakhar , Stulak, John M., Rizza, Stacey A. , Esquer Garrigos, Zerelda , Castillo, Natalia E , Campioli, Cristina Corsini , Baddour, Larry M. , Sohail, M. Rizwan

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | July 20, 2020 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ofid/ofaa303 Get It

Abstract Background Post-operative management of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation with an infected left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is unclear. Methods We retrospectively screened all adults with an LVAD who underwent cardiac transplantation at our institution from 2010 through 2018. We selected all cases of LVAD-specific and LVAD-related infections who were receiving antimicrobial therapy as initial treatment course or chronic suppression at the time of cardiac transplantation. Non-LVAD infections, superficial driveline-infection, or concurrent use of right ventricular assist device or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device were excluded. Results A total of 54 cases met study criteria with 18/54 (33.6%) classified as LVAD- specific or related infections and 36/54 (66.6%) as non-infected. Cases of LVAD-infection had a higher median Charlson Comorbidity Index score at the time of transplantation compared to non-infected cases (P=.005). Of the 18 cases of infection, 13/18 (72.2%) were classified as LVAD-specific and 5/18 (27.8%) as LVAD-related. A total of 9/13 (69.2%) cases had proven LVAD-specific infections. Antimicrobial therapy was extended post-transplant to treat preceding LVAD-specific infection in all nine cases (9/13, 69.2%) with a median duration of 14 days (IQR 14-28). Following LVAD removal, antimicrobial treatment was not continued for preceding LVAD-related infections. Conclusions Patients with an LVAD-specific infection were treated with two weeks of pathogen-directed therapy post heart transplant without any relapses. For those without LVAD-specific infection or uncomplicated LVAD-related bacteremia who had completed antimicrobial therapy pre-transplant, antibiotics were discontinued after standard peri-operative prophylaxis and no relapses were observed.
Prevalence and outcomes of pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with T-cell lymphoma.
Almeida, Natalia Castillo, Gurram, Pooja , Benanni, Nora N, Barreto, Jason N. , Tosh, Pritish K. , Almeida, Natalia E. Castillo , Castillo, Natalia E , Hwang, Steven R. , Wilson, John

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e20057-e20057

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e20057 Get It

e20057 Background: T-cell lymphomas (TCL) are a heterogeneous group of rare, but aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell function plays a vital role in the immunologic response to P.jirovecii infection. Our study aims to define the prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in HIV-uninfected TCL patients. Methods: All patients at Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN diagnosed with TCL and a positive Pneumocystis PCR assay from either bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid or other respiratory specimens were identified from March 2005 until November 2019. Patients with TCL and a diagnosis of PJP made outside of our medical center were identified through Advanced Cohort Explorer, a query building tool. Results: A total of 922 patients with TCL were identified, and only 14 cases (1.5%) had confirmed PJP. In confirmed PJP cases, the median age of TCL diagnosis was 62 years (IQR 51-70 years), 79% were male, and the median number of chemotherapy lines was 1.5 (IQR of 1-3). Half of the cases (6/12) received CHOP as first-line of therapy, followed by CHOEP (25%, 3/12). The median time to PJP diagnosis relative to chemotherapy was 18 days (IQR 14-27 days). Peripheral TCL, not otherwise specified was the most common TCL, followed by angioimmunoblastic TCL, and CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (64%, 29% and 7%, respectively). The primary specimen type sampled for PJP diagnosis was BAL fluid (n = 9, 64%), followed by sputum (n = 3, 22%), induced sputum (n = 1, 7%), and transbronchial lung biopsy (n = 1, 7%). Three patients had a prior autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), and all three cases had relapsed TCL one year after ASCT. 77% of cases received oral prednisone equivalents (median dose of 25 mg, IQR 20-40 mg) 30 days prior to PJP diagnosis. Two patients developed PJP despite anti- Pneumocystis prophylaxis with aerosolized pentamidine. At the time of PJP diagnosis, most patients had lymphopenia (88%, 8/9), and CD4+ T-cells measurement was obtained only in one patient (CD4+ of 100 cells/mL). 71% of the cases were treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). After the initial PJP episode, 36% of the cases were transitioned to TMP/SMX for secondary prophylaxis. All cause 30-day and 90-day mortality was 7% and 29%, respectively. Mortality attributed to PJP was 7% (n = 1). Conclusions: In our TCL cohort, the occurrence of PJP was low. Primary prophylaxis should be individualized in this population.
Diagnostic imaging in infective endocarditis: a contemporary perspective
Almeida, Natalia E. Castillo , Gurram, Pooja , Garrigos, Zerelda Esquer , Mahmood, Maryam , Baddour, Larry M. , Sohail, M. Rizwan , Castillo Almeida, Natalia E, Esquer Garrigos, Zerelda , Baddour, Larry , Castillo, Natalia E , Sohail, M Rizwan , Mahmood, Maryam

Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy | May 22, 2020 | Volume: 18 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 911-925

10.1080/14787210.2020.1773260 Get It

Fishing for a Diagnosis, the Impact of Delayed Diagnosis on the Course of Mycobacterium marinum Infection: 21 Years of Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Almeida, Natalia E. Castillo , Gurram, Pooja , Saleh, Omar Abu , Castillo, Natalia E , Fida, Madiha , Abu Saleh, Omar , Sohail, M. Rizwan

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | January 4, 2020 | Volume: 7 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ofid/ofz550 Get It

AbstractBackgroundMycobacterium marinum is a common but underreported mycobacterial infection. We conducted a large retrospective study to determine risk factors and describe the therapeutic interventions and outcomes in patients with uncomplicated and complicated M. marinum infection.MethodsCulture-confirmed M. marinum infection cases were identified from the Mayo Clinic Clinical Mycology Laboratory from January 1998 to December 2018. Complicated M. marinum infection was defined as the presence of tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, or osteomyelitis. Differences in complicated vs uncomplicated M. marinum infections were analyzed using statistical comparisons.ResultsTwelve cases had a complicated M. marinum infection. Patients with a complicated infection were older (64.3 ± 11.1 vs 55.8 ± 14.5; P = .03), had longer duration of symptoms (5 vs 3 months; P = .011), and had more surgical debridements (1 vs 0; P < .001). Length of treatment and number of drugs used were not statistically significant. Complicated M. marinum cases received more medications (2 vs 1; P = .263) and were treated longer (5.7 vs 3.5 months; P = .067). Antibiotic susceptibilities were performed in 59% of the patients. All isolates were susceptible to clarithromycin. From the tetracyclines, doxycycline had a better susceptibility pattern.ConclusionsM. marinum infection is an important cause of skin and soft tissue infection. Poor water exposure documentation, unusual clinical presentation, and empiric antibiotic treatment before definitive M. marinum diagnosis often contribute to a delayed diagnosis. Complicated M. marinum cases had longer duration of symptoms and more surgical debridements. No difference in the number of drugs used or clinical outcome was observed.
211. Coxiella burnetii: 7 Years of Experience at a Tertiary-Care Center
Gurram, Pooja , Almeida, Natalia E. Castillo , Khalil, Sarwat , Cevallos, Edison Cano , Saleh, Omar Abu , Cano Cevallos, Edison Jose , Castillo, Natalia E , Shweta, Fnu , Mahmood, Maryam

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | October 23, 2019 | Volume: 6 | Issue: Supplement_2 | Pages: S124-S125

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.286 Get It

Abstract Background Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. Primary infection can progress to persistent infection irrespective of initial symptomatology. Our aim is to describe the clinical features, treatment, risk of progression, use of prophylaxis, and outcomes of Coxiella burnetii infection at our institution. Methods We did a retrospective review of all adult patients with positive Coxiella burnetii serology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definition and classification were used to group the patients into confirmed and probable acute Q fever, and confirmed and probable chronic/persistent Q fever. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, comorbid conditions, exposure history, risk factors associated with progression, serology, treatment and outcomes were collected. Results We found 266 patients with positive titres of Coxiella IgG or IgM greater than 1:16, of which 49 patients met the CDC case definition for Q fever. Median age at presentation was 62 years. 45/49 (91. 8%) were men, while 4/49 (8%) were women. 20/49 (40. 8%) patients presented with acute Q fever of which 5 (25%) patients progressed to persistent infection. 29/49 (59%) patients presented with persistent Q fever of which 4 patients could recall symptoms suggestive of acute Q fever. The most common presentation of acute Q fever was acute febrile illness (65%). Endocarditis (11/29) was the most common presentation of chronic/persistent Q fever. Of the 5 patients with acute Q fever that progressed to persistent infection, 3/5(60%) progressed despite being on doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine. 8/29 patients with persistent Q fever had serological resolution at last follow-up. 2/4(50%) deaths were attributable to Q fever. Conclusion Minority of the patients tested met the case definition. 25% of patients with acute disease progressed to chronic Q fever out of which 60%(3/5) progressed despite prophylaxis. Endocarditis and vascular infections were the most common chronic cases. Interestingly we found 4 cases of MPGN in association with Q fever. Prosthetic valves are the most important risk factors for progression (P = 0.02). Serological cure often lags behind clinical cure (27% vs. 68% in persistent infection)(Table 4). Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
267. Fungal Culture Diagnostic Stewardship: An Avenue for Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Immunocompromised Host
Gurram, Pooja , Vashistha, Kirtivardhan , Shah, Aditya , O’Horo, John C.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | October 23, 2019 | Volume: 6 | Issue: Supplement_2 | Pages: S148-S148

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.342 Get It

Abstract Background Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a widely used procedure in the diagnosis of pneumonia in critically ill and immunocompromised hosts. Fungal smears and cultures are commonly performed on these samples. We evaluated the yield of various fungi, including but not limited to Candida species, Aspergillus species, Penicillium species, isolated from BAL specimens at our institution to determine the yield of this test and its impact on decision making. Methods We identified adult immunocompromised patients who underwent “Bronchoscopy with Immunocompromised Host Protocol (ICH),” which consists of an exhaustive list of diagnostic tests for various pathogenic organisms, over a one year period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. We reviewed if positive fungal cultures led to a change in management and if this was appropriate. Results 582 patients underwent bronchoscopy with ICH protocol. There were 285/582 (48.9%) positive fungal cultures of which 177 (62%) grew Candida species. The most common species was Candida albicans (142/177, 80%). 53(18%) were Aspergillus species of which Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common (26/53). 16/285 (5.6%) patients underwent intervention based on the results, 14(87.5%) of which were appropriate. 176/177 (99.4%) patients with Candida species in BAL cultures were not treated.10/53 (18. 8%) patients with Aspergillus species in BAL cultures were treated of which 80% were appropriate interventions based on proven/probable invasive fungal infections criteria as were rest of the 6/16 patients with other fungal organisms (Table 4). Patients with Aspergillus species in BAL cultures are 8 times more likely to have an intervention (OR: 8. 7, P = < 0. 0001) while patients with Candida species in BAL cultures are not likely to be intervened upon (OR: 0. 26, P = 0. 0098) (Table 3). Conclusion Although Candida species is commonly isolated in BAL cultures its clinical significance is minimal in the absence of disseminated disease even in immunosuppressed hosts. Evaluating the way that Candida cultures are communicated for respiratory specimens, along with diagnostic stewardship may be a route for antimicrobial stewardship. Consulting ID service early on is essential in assessing the significance of fungal culture data thereby resulting in appropriate changes in management. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
152. Brevibacterium species: Case Series and Literature Review of an Emerging Opportunistic Cause of Bloodstream Infections
Gurram, Pooja , Khalil, Sarwat , Rodino, Kyle G. , Shweta, Fnu , O’Horo, John C.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | October 23, 2019 | Volume: 6 | Issue: Supplement_2 | Pages: S102-S103

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.227 Get It

Abstract Background Brevibacterium species are non-motile, catalase-positive, obligate aerobic gram-positive bacilli. Colonies are yellow to gray-white, non-hemolytic, smooth, 6.5% sodium chloride tolerant. B. fermentans post neurosurgical meningitis was first described in 1969 in an infant. B. casei remains the most commonly isolated species (Table 4). The most commonly reported syndromes are bloodstream infections (BSIs) and endocarditis. Despite these reports, this organism continues to be listed on CDC’s NHSN commensal database. Methods Isolates of Brevibacterium from clinical samples at Mayo Clinic, Rochester from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018 were identified. Charts were reviewed to determine patient demographics, immune status, source of culture, comorbidities, antibiotic susceptibility test (AST), length of stay (LOS) in hospital and intensive care unit (ICU), and mortality. Likelihood ratio (L-R) and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) of nominal data were calculated using the Chi-square test and Fischer exact test (FET). We defined statistical significance as P ≤ 0.05. Results We identified 48 isolates from 45 unique patients, 46% were females. Distribution of age, hospital and ICU LOS, and time to culture growth, and AST data are shown in Table 1. 15.5% patients received allogeneic or autologous stem cell (SCT), or solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients. 89% cultures were from sterile sources and 68.75% were blood cultures. Of these, 63.64% were monomicrobial. 62% of isolates identified to species level were B. casei. 5 patients were treated; an additional 10 received active antibiotics for other indications. Statistically significant variables are reported in Tables 2 and 3. Thirty-day mortality was 13%. This was higher in patients with bacteremia (L-R: 5.3 [P = 0.02]) but FET was not statistically significance (P = 0.15). Conclusion Accurate diagnosis of Brevibacterium may require molecular techniques. At our center, SCT or SOT recipient status and recent chemotherapy were associated with bacteremia. In these patients, this organism could represent an opportunistic cause of BSI. AST data suggest that Vancomycin offers a reasonable empiric treatment option. Additional data are needed to further define host populations in whom this organism presents pathogenicity. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
1384. Mycobacterium marinum Infection: 21 Years of Experience at a Tertiary-Care Hospital
Almeida, Natalia E. Castillo , Gurram, Pooja , Saleh, Omar Abu , Castillo, Natalia E

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | October 23, 2019 | Volume: 6 | Issue: Supplement_2 | Pages: S502-S503

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1248 Get It

Abstract Background Mycobacterium marinum is a slow-growing, non-tuberculous mycobacterium responsible for skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs), tenosynovitis, and osteomyelitis (OM). We conducted a retrospective study describing the risk, clinical course, and outcome of M. marinum infection. Methods Adult patients with culture-confirmed M. marinum infections were identified from the mycology laboratory at Mayo Clinic, Rochester from January 1998 to December 2018. M. marinum infection was defined as uncomplicated (limited to SST) and complicated (tenosynovitis, OM, or disseminated). Results Forty-six cases of culture-confirmed infection with M. marinum were included (Table 1). Only 16 cases (35%) reported a water exposure and 22 (48%) involved finger and/or hand trauma. The median time to diagnosis was 3.6 months. Most patients (76%) presented with uncomplicated M. marinum infection with skin lesions mainly localized in the upper limb (Table 2). QuantiFERON and PPD were positive in 4 (8%) and 2 (4%) cases, respectively. Granulomatous inflammation and positive special stains were noted in 34 (74%) and 11 (24%) cases, respectively. Cases with complicated M. marinum infection had a longer duration of symptoms and length of treatment (P < 0.05) (Table 3). Prior to diagnosis, 63% of patients received at least one antibiotic for bacterial SSTIs. More than 50% of the patients diagnosed with M. marinum received a one drug regimen and 8% did not initiate therapy. Median treatment duration was 4.4 months. Twenty-six cases (56%) had susceptibilities performed and treatment modifications were made in 10 cases (38%). From the patients that started therapy, 73% completed therapy and 33% were lost to follow up. Cured was achieved in 87% of cases that completed therapy, 2 cases (6%) had a recurrence, and only one patient with active malignancy had a positive blood culture and died. Twelve (44%) and 10 cases (37%) were cured with one and two-drug regimens, respectively. Conclusion Most patients with M. marinum infection present as an uncomplicated infection in the upper limb. Classical exposure was only suspected in a third of the cases. Patients with complicated M. marinum infection had a prolonged duration of symptoms and lengthy treatment. Most patients were successfully treated with a one and two-drug regimen. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.