Infectious Disease Alert – May 1, 2013
May 1, 2013
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Avian H7N9 Flu Emerging in China, U.S. Cases May Be Recent Travelers
A novel avian influenza A virus, H7N9, had caused, as of 18 April 2013, 87 laboratory confirmed cases of human infection, with the first case having an onset of illness on February 19. -
Infections may Play a Role in Cognitive Decline, Dementia
Do latent infections cause dementia? While certain chronic illnesses (e.g. peptic ulcer disease, Burkitt’s lymphoma and cervical cancer) have known infectious etiologies, mainstream research has not elucidated a significant role for microbes in cognitive decline. But emerging data suggest an association between some viruses and bacteria and Alzheimer dementia (AD). -
Coccidioidomycosis — a Growth Industry
There was an 8-fold increase in the incidence of coccidioidomycosis in endemic states from 1998-2011 – with more to come. -
Illness in Returned Travelers 2007-2011
42,173 ill returned travelers were seen between 2007 and 2011 at 53 travel or tropical disease sites. Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were the most common regions where illnesses were acquired. -
Is it Q Fever? High Index of Suspicion may be Needed
Q fever is prevalent in farm animals, which are the prime source of infection. The diagnosis of Q fever generally requires a high index of suspicion and a depth of knowledge of serological and other methods of detection. -
Ampicillin plus Ceftriaxone for Enterococcal Endocarditis
A nonrandomized, observational, comparative multicenter cohort study was conducted at 17 European medical centers. Patients treated with ampicillin+ceftriaxone (AC) were generally more ill at baseline than patients treated with ampicillin+gentamicin (AG). Despite this there was no difference in mortality or treatment failure between the groups. -
Updates
Crossing the border with highly resistant TB; Fecal Transplant Centers are growing in 'poopularity'; Bedbug Detection Squad -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement
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Pharmacology Watch: New Study on Chelation Therapy Proves Controversial
Chelation therapy for cardiovascular disease; statins and kidney injuries; chlorthalidone for hypertension; and FDA actions.