Candida auris is a newly emerging yeast, which is raising public health concerns due to its outbreak potential, lack of protocols for decontamination and isolation of patients or contacts, increased resistance to common antifungals, and associated high mortality. This research aimed to describe the challenges related to identifying the outbreak, limiting further contamination, and treating affected individuals. We retrospectively analyzed all cases of C. auris detected between October 2022 and August 2023, but our investigation focused on a three-month-long outbreak in the department of cardio-vascular surgery and the related intensive care unit. Along with isolated cases in different wards, we identified 13 patients who became infected or colonized in the same area and time, even though the epidemiological link could only be traced in 10 patients, according to the epidemiologic investigation. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the substantial challenge encountered in clinical practice when attempting to diagnose and limit the spread of an outbreak. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly apply contact precaution measures and appropriate environmental cleaning, from the first positive case detected.

Background: The presence of a wound can be anywhere from non-problematic to life-threatening on a severity spectrum, with bacterial infection and resistance playing a major role in the development of chronicity, delaying wound healing. Wound colonization with multiple organisms and the limited number of effective antibiotics place a heavy burden on the healthcare system, with patients going through multiple surgeries during a prolonged hospitalization time. By analyzing the resistance patterns of pluri-bacterial populations and the approach used in managing complex cases, we aim to improve the protocols applied in caring for chronic wounds in our practice and share our experiences and observations. Methods: We designed a retrospective study on 212 diabetic and non-diabetic patients, aiming to evaluate the course of chronic wound treatment in our practice. We focused on the impact that MDR bacteria and diabetes have on surgical outcomes and their role in the healing process. Results: Patients who received empiric antibiotic therapy before being admitted eventually presented with multiple MDR bacteria compared to those who did not receive antibiotics (p = 0.014). The presence of at least one MDR bacteria in the wound bed was associated with ulcers reaching bone (p = 0.02) and was positively correlated with the number of surgeries performed (p < 0.001). Diabetes played a significant role in surgery-related complications (p = 0.02) and hospitalization time (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Proper management of chronic wounds requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach and a thorough understanding of antibiotic usage. To address this need, we have developed and implemented a chronic wound treatment protocol in our clinic, with the goal of discharging patients once their ulcers have been treated and closed. A key summary of the protocol presented is to reduce the incidence of MDR bacteria and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Background and Objectives: This research investigated the morphometric dimensions of the optic foramen (OF), superior orbital fissure (SOF) and inferior orbital fissure (IOF), using indirect measurement techniques such as laser scanning, making it likely the first study of its kind. This study aimed to identify the morphometric variability of the main orbit communications and to highlight the differences between genders. Materials and Methods: The anthropometric study was conducted on sixty dry skulls (120 orbits) of adults aged between 20 and 70 years. Measurements of orbital communications were made using the RS6 laser scanner. The orbital parameters that were investigated are as follows: length and width of the SOF and IOF, and height and width of the OF. Results: In males, the average height of the OF was 8.27 mm and 8.13 mm in females, while the average width of the OF was 6.34 mm in males and 5.83 mm in females. The SOF average length was 21.09 mm in males and 17.58 mm in females. The widths of the SOF in the three thirds (anterior, middle and posterior) in males were 5.14/4.77/7.11 mm and 2.28/3.48/5.80 mm in females. The average length of the IOF was 33.05 mm in males and 32.30 mm in females. The widths of the IOF in the three thirds (anterior, middle and posterior) were 5.61/3.92/4.70 mm in males and 7.24/4.68/4.08 mm in females. Conclusions: The OF height and width were higher in males compared to females. The SOF length and width were higher in males compared to females. The IOF length was higher in males for the right orbit and higher in females for the left orbit. The IOF width for both orbits was higher in females in the anterior and middle third, and higher for males in the posterior third. Evaluation of dry skulls using laser scanning is reliable and recommended for data accuracy. Laser scanning can become a usable method for all indented and hard-to-reach regions of the cranial skeleton.