Infectious Disease Alert
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Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and COVID-19
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to immune-mediated inflammation and thrombosis. Donor neutrophils were stimulated with plasma from patients hospitalized with COVID-19. R406 (metabolically active component of fostamatinib) abrogated release of NETs in vitro.
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Children Hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2
Two recently published studies give a clear, consistent finding: About three-fourths of children hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 do not have severe COVID-19-related illness but are merely identified as infected when subjected to screening tests. Surveys reporting the number or incidence of SARS-CoV-2-infected hospitalized children likely overestimate the actual burden of disease.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Sepsis Bundle Erodes Gains in Stewardship; Asymptomatic Transmission of COVID-19 in Households; When Is Hand Hygiene Personally Protective? -
Quinacrine for Refractory Giardiasis
Quinacrine is highly effective in the treatment of giardiasis that is recalcitrant to initial therapy with other agents, but patients must be warned about neuropsychiatric effects. -
The Use of Proton-Pump Inhibitors and the Risk of Acquiring Community-Associated Clostridioides difficile Infection
A nationwide cohort study of adults in Denmark found that proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use was associated with a moderately increased risk of community-associated Clostridioides difficile infection, and the risk remained elevated up to one year after PPI treatment had stopped. -
Amebic Meningoencephalitis
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis is a rarely diagnosed worldwide disease associated with exposure to fresh water that causes highly lethal, rapidly progressive central nervous system infection but may be treatable in some cases, necessitating maintenance of a high index of suspicion in appropriate cases. -
Clostridioides difficile Infection: Guideline Update
Fidaxomicin is preferred over vancomycin for both initial and recurrent cases. Bezlotoxumab is recommended in many cases of recurrent infection and initial infection in patients at high risk of recurrence. -
COVID-19 Vaccination: The Heart of the Matter
The occurrence of myocarditis after receipt of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines is most frequent in young males and generally is benign, with rapid resolution with only supportive care. Careful analysis indicates that the benefit of vaccination outweighs the risk in all groups for whom the vaccine is recommended — including young males. -
MIS-C: Steroids and/or IVIG?
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can be a devastating post-COVID-19 complication, but treatment seems effective. High-dose steroids and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) are commonly used, although new studies give conflicting findings as to whether it is best to use both treatments together. -
Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Sexual Distancing vs. Access to Care During COVID; Zoonosis in Federal Service Dogs; Echinococcus in Saskatchewan