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Virk, Abinash

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3437-7159

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 55

1659. Electronic Consultations Combined with a Video Supported Powerpoint-based Pre-Travel Education Is Equivalent to In-Clinic Face-to-Face Pre-Travel Consultations in Appropriately Selected Travelers
Kasten, Mary J. , Virk, Abinash , Mandrekar, Jayawant N. , Springer, Donna J.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | October 23, 2019 | Volume: 6 | Issue: Supplement_2 | Pages: S607-S608

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1523 Get It

Abstract Background Pre-travel consultation involves an in-clinic face-to-face consult (F2F) with a Travel Medicine provider. F2F involves education/counseling which is time-consuming for both patients and providers. Although electronic consultations (synchronous and asynchronous) are well established in many subspecialties, pretravel eConsults are not well known. We compared pretravel education via F2F to an innovative hybrid electronic consultation (HeC) combined with a Video Supported PowerPoint (VSP) for selected travelers. Methods We conducted a prospective trial comparing HeC-VSP to F2F to determine the quality of pretravel education. Study was approved by the Mayo Clinic IRB. Patients were enrolled from May 2014 through May 2015. Patients in both arms were given pretravel and post-travel surveys. Exclusions included age less than 18 years, first trip to Africa, immunocompromised host, non-English-speaking traveler, or travel for longer than 4 weeks. Results 194 patients were enrolled; 100 in HeC-VSP and 94 in F2F arm completed pretravel survey. Post-travel survey was completed in 54.2% (51/94) of the F2F, 67% (67/100) in the HeC-VSP group. The groups are similar in demographics and prior travel experience (Table 1). 36.2% of the F2F group felt that the consultation could have been effectively accomplished through a video-based education, while 33% felt that a F2F was needed; in contrast a majority (63.3%) in the HeC-VSP group would not have preferred a F2F consultation. HeC-VSP-based pretravel education was similar compared with that provided via the F2F consults. There were no statistically significant differences in the responses obtained in both groups to knowledge assessment questions (Table 2) except for one question. A higher proportion (76/100; 76%) in the HeC-VSP group compared with 55.4% (51/94) chose the correct response (P = 0.0018) regarding management of bloody diarrhea with fever. Self-reported change in behaviors to prevent travel-related illnesses was reported overall in 53% of the patients with no statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusion Nonsynchronous eConsultation combined with VSP provides a viable solution to provide pretravel education for a select travel population. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
1728. A Retrospective Analysis of 49 Cases of Histoplasmosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients on Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Antagonists
Harris, Courtney, Jansson‐Knodell, Claire , Walker, Randall C., Enzler, Mark J., Virk, Abinash , Loftus, Edward V.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | October 23, 2019 | Volume: 6 | Issue: Supplement_2 | Pages: S633-S634

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1591 Get It

Abstract Background Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonist therapy has revolutionized the practice of management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, these medications carry a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration for risk of serious infection. We aimed to study the invasive fungal infection, histoplasmosis, in the setting of TNF-α antagonist therapy. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients with IBD receiving TNF-α antagonist therapy who developed histoplasmosis during the time period January 2001–May 2018 at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. The medical records of patients were reviewed for demographics, medications, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes including mortality. IBD was diagnosed by biopsy, radiographic, or endoscopic evidence of disease. Results We identified 49 patients (age range 19–74; median 44 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of histoplasmosis while receiving a TNF-α antagonist. 73.5% of cases were classified as disseminated. Median time from starting TNF-α antagonist to histoplasmosis diagnosis was 2.1 years. Liposomal amphotericin B was given in 17 cases as the initial treatment. Itraconazole was given to all 49 patients. Initial treatment was split evenly between inpatient (49%) and outpatient (51%) locations with 6 patients (12%) requiring ICU-level care. Median length of stay was 9.5 days. The total length of treatment for all antifungals was 38.4 weeks, with 20.4% of patients developing documented antifungal side effects. TNF-α antagonist was continued in 9 patients (18.4%) and another 10 patients resumed TNF-α antagonist. Half of those who resumed TNF-α antagonists were on antifungal therapy. There was one histoplasmosis recurrence while off TNF-α antagonist, and three deaths (6%). Conclusion Histoplasmosis outcomes in IBD patients on TNF-α antagonists were mostly favorable; however, approximately half required hospitalization. Many patients were young with few co-morbidities, and over one-third were able to continue or resume TNF-α antagonists without documented recurrence of histoplasmosis. Practitioners should be vigilant for histoplasmosis infections in this patient population who reside in histoplasma-endemic regions. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
640. Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Clinical Impact of RAPid IDentification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Gram-Negative Bacteremia (RAPIDS-GN)
Banerjee, Ritu , Komarow, Lauren , Virk, Abinash , Rajapakse, Nipunie , Dylla, Brenda L., Earley, Michelle, Lok, Judith J. , Kohner, Peggy C., Ihde, Sherry M., Cole, Nicolynn C., Hines, Lisa B., Reed, Katelyn A. , Chandrasekaran, Sukantha , Maurice, Annabelle M de St., Kanatani, Meganne, Curello, Jennifer, Arias, Rubi, Swearingen, William, Doernberg, Sarah B. , Schuetz, Audrey N. , Garner, Omai B. , Maurice, Annabelle de St. , Patel, Robin

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | October 23, 2019 | Volume: 6 | Issue: Supplement_2 | Pages: S296-S297

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.708 Get It

Abstract Background Rapid blood culture diagnostics increase cost and have unclear benefit for patients with Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) bloodstream infections (BSIs). We conducted a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial (RAPIDS-GN), comparing outcomes of patients with GNB BSI who had blood culture testing with standard of care (SOC) culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) vs. rapid organism identification (ID) and phenotypic AST using the Accelerate Pheno System (AXDX). Methods Subjects with blood culture Gram stain showing GNB were randomized to receive SOC testing with antimicrobial stewardship review (AS) or AXDX plus SOC testing with AS, at two academic medical centers between October 2017 and October 2018. SOC testing included rapid MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry ID and agar dilution or broth microdilution AST. In a modified intention to treat analysis, subjects were excluded if: Gram stain was erroneous, culture was positive during off-hours, blood culture in the prior week had GNB, they were deceased/on comfort care, or admitted to a nonparticipating hospital. The primary outcome was time to first antibiotic modification within 72 hours after randomization. Subjects without antibiotic modifications were assigned a time of 72 hours. No censoring was observed. T-tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for statistical analyses. Results Of 500 randomized subjects, 448 were included (226 SOC, 222 AXDX). Groups did not differ in baseline characteristics (Table 1). Median (IQR) hours to first antibiotic modification was faster in the AXDX vs. SOC group [8.6 (2.6, 27.6) vs. 14.9 (3.3, 41.1)], P = 0.02 (Figure 1). Median (IQR) hours to first Gram-negative antibiotic modification (including escalation and de-escalation) was faster in the AXDX than SOC group [17.4 (4.9, 72) vs. 42.1 (10.1, 72)], P < 0.001 (Figure 2). Groups did not differ in clinical outcomes (Table 2). Mean (S.D.) time to results was faster for AXDX than SOC for organism ID [2.7 (1.2) h vs. 15.6 (20.3) h, P < 0.001] and AST [13 (55.7) h vs. 54.6 (45.5) h, P < 0.001]. Conclusion In the largest trial to evaluate the clinical impact of a blood culture diagnostic for GNB BSI, we found that rapid organism ID and phenotypic AST led to faster changes in antibiotic therapy for Gram-negative bacteremia. Disclosures Ritu Banerjee, MD, PhD, Accelerate Diagnostics: Grant/Research Support; BioFire: Research Grant; Biomerieux: Research Grant; Roche: Research Grant Robin Patel, MD, ASM and IDSA: Other Financial or Material Support, Travel reimbursement, editor’s stipends; CD Diagnostics, Merck, Hutchison Biofilm Medical Solutions, Accelerate Diagnostics, ContraFect, TenNor Therapeutics Limited, Shionogi: Grant/Research Support; Curetis, Specific Technologies, NextGen Diagnostics, PathoQuest, Qvella: Consultant; NBME, Up-to-Date, the Infectious Diseases Board Review Course: Honorarium recipient, Other Financial or Material Support; Patent on Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis PCR issued, a patent on a device/method for sonication with royalties paid by Samsung to Mayo Clinic, and a patent on an anti-biofilm substance issued: Other Financial or Material Support, Patents.
Destination Joint Spacers, Reinfection, and Antimicrobial Suppression
Valencia, Jose Carlo, Virk, Abinash , Osmon, Douglas R. , Valencia, Jose Carlo B, Abdel, Matthew P. , Razonable, Raymund R.

Clinical Infectious Diseases | January 17, 2019 | Volume: 69 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 1056-1059

10.1093/cid/ciz062 Get It

Abstract In this cohort of 51 patients managed with retained “destination spacers” after the resection of infected joint prostheses, the presence of preoperative sinus drainage was significantly associated with reinfection. Chronic antimicrobial suppression after destination-spacer retention did not significantly prevent reinfections.
1243. Comparative Analysis of Antimicrobial-related Adverse Events in the Outpatient Treatment of Staphylococcal Infections
Smith, Bradley L. , Dierkhising, Ross , Estes, Lynn L., Zeuli, John D. , Virk, Abinash , Smith, Bradley, Rivera, Christina G. , O’Horo, John C. , Tande, Aaron J.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | November 26, 2018 | Volume: 5 | Issue: suppl_1 | Pages: S378-S378

10.1093/ofid/ofy210.1076 Get It

Abstract Background Limited data exist to evaluate safety-related outcomes in Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) patients treated with antimicrobial agents for Gram-positive infections. Methods This retrospective, single-center study enrolled Mayo Clinic OPAT patients between 2013 and 2017. The primary objective of the study compared rates of therapy modification due to drug-related toxicity for staphylococcal infections treated with ceftriaxone, cefazolin, nafcillin, oxacillin, vancomycin, daptomycin, ceftaroline, linezolid, or ertapenem. Secondary objectives included determination of the frequency and type of adverse drug events (ADEs) attributed to OPAT and rate of readmission due to ADEs attributed to OPAT. Results One hundred seventy-two patients were identified (cefazolin n = 54, ceftriaxone n = 49, vancomycin n = 30, daptomycin n = 16, nafcillin n = 9, ertapenem n = 6, ceftaroline n = 4, oxacillin n = 3, linezolid n = 1). The overall treatment completion rates were high (153/172, 89.0%). Patients completed an average of 35.3 days (7 to 95) of therapy with their original antibiotic. Fourteen patients required change to a different antibiotic due to antimicrobial toxicity (ceftriaxone=5; vancomycin=2; cefazolin = 2; daptomycin = 2; ceftaroline = 1; nafcillin = 1; oxacillin = 1) and five patients experienced treatment failure required an additional agent (ceftriaxone = 2; nafcillin = 2; linezolid = 1). Adverse drug events (ADEs) were the most common reason for antimicrobial adjustment (14/19, 73.7%). The most common ADEs were hypokalemia (28/172, 16.3%) and diarrhea (25/172, 14.5%). There were only two cases of Clostridium difficile. Thirty-day readmissions due to antimicrobial therapy were low with 11 patients. Conclusion OPAT with Gram-positive agents used for staphylococcal infections is effective, but antimicrobial modifications still occur. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of ADEs and readmissions in OPAT patients. A multidisciplinary approach may enhance management of ADEs and possibly preventing readmissions Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
Answer to August 2018 Photo Quiz
Ramanan, Poornima , Virk, Abinash, Boland, Jennifer M. , Pritt, Bobbi S. , Rizzo, Marco , Wengenack, Nancy L. , Pritt, Bobbi, Pritt, Bobbi S , Virk, Abinash

Journal of Clinical Microbiology | July 25, 2018 | Volume: 56 | Issue: 8 | Pages: No page available

10.1128/jcm.02418-16 Get It

Photo Quiz: It's a Concrete Jungle Out There
Ramanan, Poornima , Virk, Abinash, Boland, Jennifer M. , Pritt, Bobbi S. , Rizzo, Marco , Wengenack, Nancy L. , Pritt, Bobbi, Pritt, Bobbi S , Ramanan, Poornima , Virk, Abinash

Journal of Clinical Microbiology | July 25, 2018 | Volume: 56 | Issue: 8 | Pages: No page available

10.1128/jcm.02417-16 Get It

Diagnostic Approach for Classic Compared With Localized Whipple Disease
Crews, Nicholas R. , Pritt, Bobbi S. , Patel, Robin , Virk, Abinash, Patel, Robin , Pritt, Bobbi S , Cawcutt, Kelly , Virk, Abinash

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | June 12, 2018 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 7 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ofid/ofy136 Get It

Abstract Background Whipple disease (WD), a rare systemic infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei, can be a diagnostic challenge due to its variable presentation. The role of T. whipplei polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is unclear as small bowel biopsy with Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining remains the diagnostic gold standard. Individualized diagnostic approaches based on variable clinical manifestations are underutilized. We investigated the methodologies employed at our institution to diagnose WD. Methods We retrospectively collected all cases of WD diagnosed from 1994 to 2016. Microbiology laboratory and anatomic pathology databases were queried. Case characteristics and disease clinical phenotypes (classical, localized WD arthritis, and localized central nervous system [CNS] disease) were described. The diagnostic approach and testing yield were analyzed and reported. Results Thirty-three cases of WD were diagnosed (18 classic WD [CWD], 9 localized WD arthritis [LWD], 6 CNS WD). Misdiagnosis and delay in diagnosis were frequent. Diagnostic approach and test yield differed by classical vs localized WD involvement. Small bowel tissue biopsy PAS stain/PCR was overwhelmingly positive (86%/92%) in CWD, yet seldom positive (12%/42%) in LWD (P &lt; .001). Affected joint synovial fluid PCR was frequently positive in both CWD (100%, 3/3) and LWD (85%, 6/7). Conclusions These results support the role of small bowel biopsy PAS stain/PCR in the diagnosis of CW, though this approach may be of limited utility in LWD or CNS WD without gastrointestinal symptoms. Affected joint synovial fluid or cerebrospinal fluid PCR was frequently positive in both CWD and LWD, supporting its diagnostic usefulness.
Coxiella burnetii Multilevel Disk Space Infection, Epidural Abscess, and Vertebral Osteomyelitis Secondary to Contiguous Spread From Infected Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or Graft: Report of 4 Cases Acquired in the US and Review of the Literature
Virk, Abinash , Mahmood, Maryam , Kalra, Manju , Bower, Thomas C., Osmon, Douglas R. , Berbari, Elie F. , Raoult, Didier , Mahmood, Maryam

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | October 17, 2017 | Volume: 4 | Issue: 4 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ofid/ofx192 Get It

Abstract Background Chronic Coxiella burnetii infections such as vertebral osteomyelitis caused by contiguous spread from an infected abdominal aortic graft or aneurysm have been rarely reported and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Methods We present the first four reported US acquired cases of Coxiella burnetii vertebral osteomyelitis caused by contiguous spread from an infected abdominal aortic graft or aneurysm. Results Presenting symptoms included progressive back pain, malaise, and weight loss with recent or remote animal exposure. Typical imaging findings demonstrated a peri-aortic collection with extension to the paraspinal muscles and vertebrae. Antibiotic regimens included doxycycline with either hydroxychloroquine or a quinolone for at least 2 years or as chronic suppression. Conclusions C. burnetii vertebral osteomyelitis is rare and can occur by contiguous spread from an abdominal aneurysm or vascular graft infection. It should be suspected in patients where pre-antibiotic cultures are negative with animal/farming exposure.
Impact of a Care Process Model on Management of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infections
Anderson, Brenda, Linderbaum, Jane A. , Ziel, Thomas De, Cha, Yong‐Mei , Loomis, Erica, Espinosa, Raúl E. , Friedman, Paul A. , Greason, Kevin L. , Schiller, Henry J., Virk, Abinash , Wilson, Walter R. , Steckelberg, James M., Tan, Eugene M. , Nagpal, Avish , DeSimone, Daniel C. , Li, Zhuo , Sohail, M. Rizwan , Baddour, Larry M.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases | February 3, 2017 | Volume: 3 | Issue: suppl_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ofid/ofw172.811 Get It