Infectious Disease Alert
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HIV Prevention Strategies in Africa
Several strategies have proven effective in reducing transmission of HIV, including access to confidential testing and counseling, early introduction of HIV medications, and male circumcision. Three new studies show what actually affects the spread of HIV in populations, and results vary between different African settings.
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Mycobacterium chimaera Granulomatous Encephalitis
Lau and colleagues describe a novel infectious problem — diffuse granulomatous encephalitis due to Mycobacterium chimaera infection occurring after cardiac surgery.
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Prophylactic Antibiotics Significantly Reduce the Risk of Infection Following Operative Vaginal Delivery
In a multicenter, randomized clinical trial, researchers found that a single dose of intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanic acid significantly reduced the risk of infection following operative vaginal birth (forceps or vacuum extraction) compared to placebo (180 of 1,619 [11%] vs. 306 of 1,606 [19%], respectively; P < 0.0001).
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No Antibiotic Prescription Required
Acquisition of antibiotics without a prescription can be easy in the United States.
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When Did You Last Take an Antibiotic?
Approximately half of U.S. residents with health insurance filled an antibiotic prescription over a two-year period.
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Reader Survey Available
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Surgeons Really Are Different; Short-Course Atovaquone/Proguanil for Malaria Prophylaxis; The High Cost of Chronic Lyme Treatment
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Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole Plus Clindamycin for Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Endocarditis
A before-and-after intervention study compared 170 patients treated with either oxacillin IV or vancomycin IV for six weeks (plus gentamicin IV given during the first five days) to 171 patients who were treated with TMP/SMZ IV plus clindamycin IV for the first week followed by TMP/SMZ PO (without clindamycin) to complete a six-week course. Mortality and hospital length of stay were significantly less in the TMP/SMZ-treated patients.
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Checkpoint Inhibitors: The First Effective Therapy for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy?
Enhancing the immune response with checkpoint inhibitors may be beneficial in the management of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a viral disease previously recalcitrant to therapy.
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Significance of Pyuria in Children With Neurogenic Bladder
Pyuria is common in asymptomatic children with neurogenic bladders, especially after bladder surgery. The simple presence of pyuria does not necessarily indicate a need for antibiotic treatment.