Bacterial Infections
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More Reports of Severe Group A Streptococcal Infection
Around the world, rates of severe illness caused by group A Streptococcus are rising. Possible explanations for the increase include immunity-altering, post-pandemic changes in exposure to respiratory pathogens and the emergence of new pathogenic M strains of Streptococcus.
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The Degree of Pyuria Can Help Determine Urinary Tract Infection in Elderly Women
Elderly women with a urinary tract infection recorded a higher median number of urinary leukocytes compared to uninfected controls, including those with asymptomatic bacteriuria. For 264 leukocytes/µL, the sensitivity and specificity of microscopy were 88%. Using the standard pyuria threshold of 10 leukocytes/µL gave a specificity of 36% and a sensitivity of 100%.
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MRSA Carriers Linked to Outbreaks Can Be Decolonized Successfully
The authors of a new consensus document recommend screening healthcare personnel for infection or colonization if they are epidemiologically linked to a cluster of such infections.
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The Degree of Pyuria Can Help Determine Urinary Tract Infection in Elderly Women
Elderly women with a urinary tract infection had a higher median number of urinary leukocytes compared to uninfected controls, including those with asymptomatic bacteriuria. For 264 leukocytes/µL, the sensitivity and specificity of microscopy were 88%. Using the standard pyuria threshold of 10 leukocytes/µL gave a specificity of 36% and a sensitivity of 100%.
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What Is the Optimal Duration of Antibiotics for a Complicated UTI with Bacteremia?
An observational study of adults hospitalized with a complicated urinary tract infection and bacteremia revealed seven days of therapy was enough for most cases when they received antibiotics with comparable intravenous and oral bioavailability.
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Syphilis RPR May Fluctuate Before Treatment
The more time between testing and treatment, the more likely the change in the titer. Since patients often are called back for treatment, these data suggest clinicians should obtain a repeat rapid plasma reagin at the time these patients return for treatment, effectively establishing a new baseline.
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APIC 2023 Keynote: IPs Must Reclaim Their Power
The 2023 APIC keynote speaker called for infection preventionists to reclaim their narrative, to tell people what they do in no uncertain terms, and to empower others to do likewise.
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What Is the Optimal Duration of Antibiotics for a Complicated UTI with Bacteremia?
An observational study of adults hospitalized with a complicated urinary tract infection and bacteremia found seven days of therapy was enough for the majority of cases when they received antibiotics with comparable intravenous and oral bioavailability.
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Scientists Use Artificial Intelligence While Searching for ‘Superbug’ Solutions
Researchers enlisted the help of technology to find an antibiotic that could fight multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Skin and soft tissue infections represent a large portion of infections treated in the emergency department. Early diagnosis and treatment of severe infections decrease morbidity and mortality in addition to healthcare costs. It is important for the emergency provider to understand the pathophysiology associated with the development of these infections and the recommendations for the specific treatment based on clinical presentation.