Infectious Disease Alert – February 1, 2021
February 1, 2021
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SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
SARS-CoV-2-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can be severe and life-threatening. New data suggest that the degree of elevation of spike protein receptor-binding domain antibodies could serve as a diagnostic marker of MIS-C as well as point to potential pathogenic processes.
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Early Convalescent Plasma for Treatment of COVID-19 in Elderly Patients with Mild Symptoms
Administration of convalescent plasma obtained from survivors of COVID-19 within 72 hours of onset of mild symptoms in elderly patients with COVID-19 was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of development of severe respiratory disease.
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Healthcare Workers with Antibody to SARS-CoV-2 Have Strong Protection Against Reinfection
A study of healthcare workers demonstrated that the presence of antibody to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein or to nucleocapsid provides strong protection against infection with this virus for up to six months.
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Candidemia in the United States
Candidemia, a common bloodstream infection in the United States, is associated with high mortality. There is concern about increasing resistance to antifungals.
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Malaria and Anemia — Chemoprophylaxis Helps
For young children in Africa who return home after hospitalization for severe anemia, monthly long-acting malaria prophylaxis can reduce the rates of readmission and death during the three months following hospitalization.
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Does the Addition of IV Metronidazole Improve Outcomes of Severe Clostridioides difficile Infection?
These studies indicate that the addition of intravenously administered metronidazole in the treatment of severe Clostridioides difficile infection is unwarranted.
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Neurotropism of COVID-19: What Is New?
SARS-CoV-2 may gain access to the brain via the olfactory epithelium. The olfactory epithelium and bulbs may serve as an entry point for SARS-CoV-2 infection into the central nervous system.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Excess Deaths During COVID-19; Subclinical Influenza Infection in Healthcare Workers; Compression Garments Effective in Reducing Cellulitis