A rapidly emerging global outbreak of monkeypox virus infection (MPXV) in over 50 non-endemic countries was identified in May 2022. We report the case and images of a patient with MPXV presenting with genital lesions later complicated by superimposed cellulitis in Colorado, USA. MPXV lesions are susceptible to bacterial superinfection, and with the advent of new cases, the early identification of skin lesions and their evolution during MPXV are imperative for treating clinicians. Clinicians should consider MPXV in differential diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases presenting with genital lesions.

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Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a Gram-positive biofilm-forming rod implicated in acne vulgaris, is increasingly recognized for its role in implant-associated infections. The diagnosis of C. acnes implant-associated infections remains challenging. The optimal treatment is a combination of both surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the different types of implant-associated infections caused by C. acnes. We also highlight the clinical manifestations pertaining to the various sites of infection, and identify several risk factors previously reported in the literature. We then cover the diagnostic laboratory markers, such as IL-6 and AD-1, optimizing C. acnes recovery in culture, and the specific molecular techniques. Finally, we examine the various effective antibiotic regimens and identify some preventive methods against C. acnes infections. Expert commentary: Biomarkers such as IL-6 and AD-1 should be further investigated for the diagnosis of C. acnes implant-associated infections. The use of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and other molecular techniques should be further explored in this setting. Longer incubation periods should be requested whenever C. acnes infection is suspected. If the clinical suspicion is high, sonication of the excised implant should be encouraged. Research should focus on developing effective anti-biofilm agents. Finally, preventive methods such as hair removal prior to surgery should be further explored.

Objectives:To compare characteristics and clinical manifestations of monkeypox (MPX) between people with and without HIV in the United States.Design:Retrospective cohort study using TriNetX, a federated research network.Methods:Patients 18 years and older with MPX were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnosis code B04 and divided into two groups: people with HIV (PWH) and people without HIV. Differences in baseline characteristics, clinical manifestations, and all-cause healthcare utilization were examined between groups. Outcomes were reported before and after propensity score matching.Results:Of 322 cases of MPX included, 29% (n = 93) were PWH. Baseline characteristics were similar, but PWH were more likely to identify as Black or African American persons (24% vs. 11%, P = 0.0303) or as Hispanic or Latino persons (24% vs. 11%, P = 0.0345) and more likely to report lifestyle factors affecting health status. Rash and rectal pain were more common in PWH (25% vs. 11%, P < 0.01, and 25% vs. 10%, P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, PWH had higher rates of anal or rectal abscesses (11% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001), phimosis (11% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001), and pneumonia (11% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001). More PWH required urgent care visits (53% vs. 29%, P < 0.0001) and hospitalizations (11% vs. 4%, P = 0.0314), but not emergency department visits (42% vs. 58%, P = 0.0085).Conclusion:PWH had higher rates of clinical manifestations and required greater utilization of healthcare resources for any reason compared with those without HIV.

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IntroductionIt is widely assumed that sepsis is a life-threatening systemic inflammation caused by a dysregulated host response to infection mediated by an increase in multiple proinflammatory cytokines. The levels of key proinflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-1β and interferon γ are poorly characterised during sepsis. We believe this project will produce a ‘gold-standard’ document to which other reports on cytokine levels will be compared. The objective of this systematic review will be to identify key cytokine circulating levels in patients with sepsis and assess the association between these levels and morbidity and mortality outcomes related to sepsis.Methods and analysisWe would include reports of any design except for case reports. Sepsis patients will comprise those with a diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock. The primary exposure is levels of three proinflammatory cytokines. The primary outcome is mortality at 28 or 30 days. Study subjects can be of any age, sex or ethnicity. Studies will be restricted to the English language. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science Core Collection will be searched for eligible studies. A database search will include studies from 1985 to May 2020. Two reviewers will independently screen and select studies, assess methodological quality and extract data. A meta-analysis will be performed, if possible, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation Summary of Findings presented.Ethics and disseminationFormal ethical approval is not required as data will be extracted from existing literature. This systematic review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and at conference meetings.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020179800.