To the Editor: In the United States, the dissemination of a major clone of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), designated USA300, and outbreaks of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VREF) have been described.^1,2 Community-associated MRSA infections emerged in Colombia in 2005,³ and a total of 15 community-associated MRSA infections were documented in four cities in 2006 and 2007. All the patients presented with severe skin and soft-tissue infections, which were often complicated by necrotizing fasciitis, bacteremia, paraspinal abscess, arthritis, or meningitis, with a mortality rate of 20%. The first known Colombian VREF isolate was recovered in a hospital in Bogotá in . . .

Background: Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast that can cause invasive infections and healthcare-associated outbreaks. Here, we describe 34 cases of pediatric C. auris bloodstream infections (BSIs) identified during July 2014–October 2017 in 2 hospitals in Colombia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of microbiology records for possible C. auris cases in 2 hospitals in Barranquilla and Cartagena. BSIs that occurred in patients aged <18 years confirmed as C. auris were included in this analysis. Results: We identified 34 children with C. auris BSIs. Twenty-two (65%) patients were male, 21% were aged 1 year. Underlying conditions included preterm birth (26%), being malnourished (59%), cancer (12%), solid-organ transplant (3%), and renal disease (3%). Eighty-two percent had a central venous catheter (CVC), 82% were on respiratory support, 56% received total parenteral nutrition (TPN), 15% had a surgical procedure, and 9% received hemodialysis. Preinfection inpatient stay was 22 days (interquartile range, 19–33 days), and in-hospital mortality was 41%. Conclusions: Candida auris affects children with a variety of medical conditions including prematurity and malignancy, as well as children with CVCs and those who receive TPN. Mortality was high, with nearly half of patients dying before discharge. However, unlike most other Candida species, C. auris can be transmitted in healthcare settings, as suggested by the close clustering of cases in time at each of the hospitals. Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast that can cause invasive infections and healthcare-associated outbreaks. This report describes 34 cases of pediatric C. auris bloodstream infections, identified in two hospitals in Colombia, South America.

ResumenEste documento fue preparado por un grupo multidisciplinario de expertos seleccionados por la Asociación Colombiana de Infectología (ACIN) para poner al día las recomendaciones previas dadas por nuestro grupo en cuanto a la inmunización del adolescente, de la población adulta y de aquellos mayores de 60 años de edad. Para este último grupo, hemos decidido, como lo han hecho en otros países, el inmunizar a esta edad (y no después), debido a la carga de enfermedad incrementada por afecciones respiratorias y otros factores propios para América Latina y las condiciones socioeconómicas de nuestro país.Esta edición reescribe ciertos párrafos y actualiza en parte las recomendaciones hechas anteriormente y publicadas en Infectio en mayo de 2012. Las guías están orientadas al uso por aquellos que cuidan de estos pacientes y hacemos énfasis en el anciano, el inmunocomprometido y en aquellos que sufren de varias comorbilidades. Aunque en un momento dado el documento pudiera parecer incompleto, la intención deseada fue la de abarcar los recientes cambios en la administración de nuevas vacunas y otros regímenes en dosificación. Se incluye por primera vez el uso de las vacunas de 4valencias contra la influenza. El uso de la vacuna contra el herpes zóster se discute, y se toma un cuidado especial en cuanto a la redacción del «cuándo y por qué» de la vacunación contra Streptococcus pneumoniae. En la administración de esta vacuna, el tiempo de aplicación y la secuencia asociada con la aplicación de la administración de la vacuna polisacárida de 23 valencias puede variar de acuerdo con la edad del paciente, las comorbilidades y en aquellos previamente vacunados con dicha vacuna. Finalmente, exponemos las nuevas recomendaciones de vacunación contra fiebre amarilla y dengue y le damos la bienvenida a la vacuna nonavalente contra el virus humano del papiloma.AbstractThis document was prepared by a multi-disciplinary panel of experts who have been selected by the Asociación Colombiana de Infectologia (ACIN) to revise and update previous recommendations (by our group) for the immunization of adolescents and adult population and those older than 60 years of age. For the latter group, we have chosen to move forward, like many others, and immunize them at that age because of the particular burden of disease due to respiratory conditions, and other factors strictly related to Latin America and Colombian socio-economic conditions.This edition replaces in part, updates or ads to previous recommendations published in Infectio, May 2012. The guidelines are intended to assist those caring for these patients, and emphasizes on the elderly, the immunocompromissed and on those who suffer from several co-morbidities. The contents of the guidelines could seem incomplete at some point; nevertheless, they were purposefully thought as such to embrace on major changes in new vaccines or new dosing regimens. It is included for the first time the use of cuadri-valent vaccines against influenza. The use of herpes zoster vaccine is discussed and special care is placed in the phrasing for the reader so he (she) understands the «when and why» of vaccine administration against Streptococcus pneumoniae. With pneumococcal vaccines, timing of administration may vary according to age, co-morbidities and in those previously vaccinated with the 23-polyvalent polysaccharide vaccine. There are new recommendations for the vaccination against yellow fever and dengue and we welcome the new nona-valent vaccine against the human papilloma virus

Zika virus (ZV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus. The neurotropic profile of this virus is known since 1952. The main finding related to ZV in America is microcephaly. Two hypotheses are tested on its involvement in the central nervous system: its neurotropic feature and the direct effect of ZV on the placenta. Malformations and clinical findings on fetal development comprise congenital Zika syndrome. RT-PCR and serology (IgM) are useful for definitive diagnosis. However, we should keep in mind first that the viremia in pregnant women can stay for a longer period of time, and second, a positive IgM for Zika should be properly interpreted in an endemic area to other flavivirus. It is suggested to be part of TORCHS-Z complex the ZV infection in endemic areas.