VEXAS syndrome is a recently identified autoinflammatory disorder resulting from somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene, leading to a complex spectrum of severe inflammatory and hematologic manifestations. The absence of established treatment guidelines and the variability in clinical presentation make its management particularly challenging. Current therapeutic approaches are often based on limited evidence, and their effectiveness remains inconsistent. This review seeks to consolidate the existing knowledge on therapeutic strategies for VEXAS syndrome, offering a critical evaluation of their efficacy and addressing the gaps in the current literature. As the clinical recognition of VEXAS grows, there is an urgent need to explore more targeted, effective treatments that can address both the inflammatory and hematologic aspects of the disease. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the current therapeutic landscape, this review aims to guide clinicians and researchers toward developing more effective, long-term management strategies for this life-threatening condition.
Background and Objectives: Despite extensive research on the sources and transmission pathways of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs), the role of cleaning staff as potential vectors has been under-explored. This study addresses the gap by examining the cleaning staff’s role in nosocomial infection transmission, focusing on pathogenic bacteria and fungi colonization. Identifying potential pathogens harbored by cleaning staff that carry the risk of causing HAIs, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterobacteriaceae. Materials and Methods: This current cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 cleaning staff at King Fahad Hospital of the University and Family and Community Medicine-Centre, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Sample collection targeted hands and nostrils using cotton swabs, followed by laboratory testing, including MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for bacterial identification, and the cefoxitin disc diffusion test for the screening of MRSA. Results: In total, the occurrence of MRSA colonization was 9.4% while Enterobacteriaceae colonization was 15.6%. No significant correlation was found for MRSA among departments or between day and night shifts. Alternatively, individuals working in the ICU and the operating room showed higher chances of being colonized by Enterobacteriaceae, and a notable connection was identified between Enterobacteriaceae and day shifts. Ultimately, the frequency of handwashing reduced the chances of being colonized by MRSA and Enterobacteriaceae, underscoring the significance of good hygiene practices. Conclusions: The study highlights the potential role of cleaning staff in transmitting HAIs, indicating a need for further research and consideration of enhanced hygiene protocols in hospital settings.