Erika Zoe Lopatynsky-Reyes

Bio: Erika Zoe Lopatynsky-Reyes is an academic researcher from University of California, San Diego. The author has contributed to research in topics: Meningococcal disease & Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 8 publications receiving 29 citations.

BCG Scar Local Skin Inflammation as a Novel Reaction Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Two International Healthcare Workers

Abstract: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) local scar inflammatory reactions have been mostly associated with Kawasaki disease in children and less commonly with other viral infections (i.e., measles). BCG scar inflammation associated with or following vaccine administration has only been reported with the influenza vaccine. We describe the first reports in the literature of local BCG inflammation following two different available messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) vaccines (mRNA-1273, and BNT162b2) in two young healthy physicians, one from Costa Rica, and another from the United States of America, with normal cell blood counts, flow cytometries, and negative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In both cases, BCG scar inflammation appeared after 24 hours of vaccination of the second dose, without signs of reaction on the injection site, and resolved within four days. Dermoscopic findings in one case showed arborizing and comma-shaped vessels. Pharmacovigilance surveillance of BCG scar reactions following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines should be considered particularly in countries where BCG is part of their national immunization programs.

Meningococcal Neonatal Purulent Conjunctivitis/Sepsis and Asymptomatic Carriage of N. meningitidis in Mother’s Vagina and Both Parents’ Nasopharynx

Abstract: Neonatal conjunctivitis is usually associated with vagina's infection by Chlamydia sp., N. gonorrhoeae, and/or other bacteria during delivery. Meningococcal neonatal conjunctivitis is an extremely rare disease. We report a case of neonatal meningococcal sepsis/conjunctivitis and asymptomatic carriage of N. meningitidis from both parents (vagina and nasopharynx). As part of our active surveillance for meningococcal disease at the Tijuana General Hospital (TGH), Mexico, we identified a 3-day-old newborn with meningococcal conjunctivitis and sepsis. The patient had a one-day history of conjunctivitis and poor feeding. Clinical examination confirmed profuse purulent conjunctival discharge, as well as clinical signs and laboratory findings suggestive of bacteraemia. Gram stain from conjunctival exudate revealed intracellular Gram negative diplococci; we presumed the baby had gonorrheal conjunctivitis; however, serogroup Y, N. meningitidis was isolated both from conjunctival exudate and blood. Additionally, isolation of serogroup Y, N. meningitidis was obtained from mother's vagina and both parents' nasopharynx. The baby was treated with 7 days of IV ceftriaxone and discharged with no sequelae.

Pediatric meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Group B Streptococcus in Tijuana, Mexico: active/prospective surveillance, 2005-2018.

Abstract: Introduction:In Mexico, Neisseria meningitidis is considered to be a rare cause of bacterial meningitis (BM), however, one national publication using active surveillance has suggested the opposite....

12 years active surveillance for pediatric pleural empyema in a Mexican hospital: effectiveness of pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine, and early emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus:

Abstract: Background:Previous publications have proved the effectiveness of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) on pneumococcal pleural empyema (PnPE) in children, with little emergence of o...

Severe mycotic keratoconjunctivitis caused by Fusarium sp. in an immunocompetent child successfully treated with intravenous voriconazole and keratoplasty: case report and short review of the literature.

Abstract: Background:Pediatric mycotic infections in the eye are uncommon. However, ophthalmic infections by several fungal species have been described in immunocompetent subjects. Mycotic keratitis with or ...

Thrombocytosis is a marker of poor outcome in community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract: Background: Thrombocytosis, often considered a marker of normal inflammatory reaction of infections, has recently been associated with increased mortality in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: We evaluated 2,423 hospitalized patients with CAP. We excluded patients with immunosuppression, neoplasm, tuberculosis or haematological disease. The aim was to assess characteristics and outcomes of patients with CAP and thrombocytosis (platelet count ≥4x10 5 /mm 3 ), compared with thrombocytopenia(platelet count 5 /mm 3 ) and normal platelet count. Results: Fifty-three patients (2%) presented thrombocytopenia, 204 (8%) thrombocytosis and 2,166 (90%) a normal platelet count. Patients with thrombocytosis were younger (p Conclusions: Thrombocytosis in CAP is associated with poor outcome, complicated pleural effusion/empyema. Therefore thrombocytosis in CAP should encourage to rule out respiratory complications and could be considered for severity evaluation.

Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines

Abstract: Many patients are receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, which have been associated with a variety of adverse effects. Cutaneous adverse reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations have been progressively reported, but they have not been reviewed according to their morphological clinical patterns. The objective of this review was to summarize the existing data concerning the cutaneous adverse reactions following SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and group them according to common morphological and pathogenetic patterns. We reviewed the English language literature up to 15 August 2021, using predefined keywords to identify the relevant studies evaluating cutaneous adverse reactions associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We search for recurrent morphological patterns sharing clinical signs and symptoms and physio-pathological mechanisms. Timing to onset following the first or booster dose of the vaccine, predisposing conditions, therapeutic management, and outcome were also collected. Among the dermatological manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, we distinguished: (1) new onset reactions and (2) flares of preexisting dermatoses. The most common were injection site reactions, affecting 30–70% and generally mild or moderate. Small case series or single case reports included filler reactions, exanthemas, vascular lesions, urticaria, eczematous dermatitis, autoimmune bullous reactions, and severe cutaneous adverse reactions. In addition, the exacerbation of chronic immuno-mediated dermatoses (mainly psoriasis and atopic dermatitis) and reactivations of herpes infection were reported. The cutaneous reactions were generally mild, self-limiting, and resembled common cutaneous drug eruptions and/or COVID-19 skin manifestations.