Infectious Disease Alert – October 1, 2019
October 1, 2019
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Vaping and Severe Acute Pneumonitis
As of Aug. 27, 2019, 215 cases of severe pulmonary disease possibly related to vaping have been reported to the CDC. Evidence to date suggests the illness is a form of acute lipoid pneumonia likely related to inhalation of lipid materials. -
Urinary Tract Infection With Bacteremia in Young Infants: Duration of Parenteral Therapy
The duration of parenteral antimicrobial therapy for bacteremic urinary tract infection in young infants varies between practitioners and centers. A retrospective review suggests that extending parenteral treatment beyond seven days does not alter outcomes.
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Febrile Urinary Tract Infection in Young Infants — Value of Spinal Fluid Analysis
Practices vary significantly as clinicians evaluate and manage febrile infants younger than 2 months of age. A retrospective review suggests that meningitis is extremely unlikely in well-appearing babies with initial laboratory results suggestive of urinary tract infection, and that cerebrospinal fluid analysis may not be necessary.
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Spotted Fever Rickettsioses and Meningoencephalitis
Researchers reviewed 19 cases of meningoencephalitis associated with spotted fever rickettsioses. Fever was present in all cases. Rash was present in 100% of pediatric patients but in only 50% of adult patients. Cerebrospinal fluide pleocytosis was present in 88% of patients. Ninety percent of patients required ICU admission, and only 46% of patients recovered completely.
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Cigarette Smoke Increases the Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus
In an experimental study, investigators found cigarette smoke increases the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus strains through several mechanisms, including augmented biofilm formation, increased invasion ability, and persistence within bronchial alveolar cells.
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Acute Kidney Injury With Combination Antibiotics in the Critically Ill
In this retrospective study, a short course (24 to < 72 hours) of combination antibiotic therapy with piperacillin-tazobactam and vancomycin was not associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury among critically ill patients when compared with other β-lactam and vancomycin combinations.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Think You Don’t Smell? One-Fifth of Adults Have a Food Allergy