Infectious Disease Alert – November 1, 2024
November 1, 2024
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Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda
A rising number of cases of Marburg virus disease, which is caused by one of the most virulent human pathogens, have been reported in Rwanda. Marburg virus infections in humans are rare but can present with a rapidly progressive febrile illness that can lead to multi-organ failure and shock with case-fatality rates of up to 80% to 90%.
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Mucormycosis Remains Highly Lethal
Mucormycosis continues to be associated with a high mortality rate. Polymerase chain reaction may speed diagnosis and allow earlier initiation of therapy. There appears to be no evidence supporting the use of combination as opposed to single agent (liposomal amphotericin B) therapy.
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Diagnostic Uncertainty in Community-Acquired Pneumonia
A national retrospective cohort study from the Veterans Administration found a high rate of diagnostic discordance for patients admitted and discharged for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Improvement in the diagnosis of CAP is needed.
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Pediatric Pneumonia, Diagnostic Uncertainty, and Communication
Community-acquired pneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization among children in resourced countries and is the leading cause of childhood death in lower-income countries. However, the diagnosis of pneumonia is fraught with uncertainty, and management practices vary widely. Clinician behaviors and attributes that engender trust in the face of diagnostic uncertainty have been documented.
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Infectious Disease Updates
ID: An Arbiter of Death? Preventing Recurrent UTI with Probiotics