Infectious Disease Alert
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Infection After Placement of Antibiotic Spacers in Prosthetic Joints
Researchers reviewed a case series of 51 patients who received retained “destination spacers” after resection of infected joint prostheses. The researchers noted a significant association between the presence of preoperative sinus drainage and re-infection. Longterm antimicrobial suppression after retention of a destination spacer did not result in significant prevention of re-infections.
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The Downsides of High Vancomycin Troughs: No Longer ‘Mississippi Mud,’ but Still Hazardous
A retrospective cohort study from a large healthcare system found that elevated vancomycin troughs were common and associated with a higher body mass index and reduced baseline renal function, and led to more acute kidney injury and a longer hospital length of stay.
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Pediatric Pneumonia — Evolving Diagnosis and Management
Tachypnea has long been considered to identify which children with acute fever and cough might benefit from antibiotic treatment, especially in resource-limited parts of the world. Now, with declining rates of vaccine-preventable infections with Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococcus, new data suggest that approximately 90% of febrile, tachypneic, coughing (but still well enough for outpatient treatment) preschoolers do fine without antibiotics.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
The Great Leveler; Increased Cancer Risk in HIV (Even With Long-Term Suppression)
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Playing Opossum: A New Model of Antibiotic and Immune Resistance
Researchers observed nongrowing cells of Salmonella that remained persistent, resisted antibiotics, and retained infectivity.
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Rifamycin Delayed-Release Tablets (Aemcolo)
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A Rabies Death in Virginia
A Virginia resident who had not received pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis died of rabies resulting from a dog bite during a prolonged trip to India. Many exposed healthcare workers subsequently received post-exposure prophylaxis.
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Rotavirus Vaccine and Hospitalization for Seizures
In an analysis of insurance claims for 1.8 million U.S. children with 2,950 recorded seizures, researchers found that the risk of hospitalization for seizures was 24% lower in rotavirus-vaccinated children.
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Duration of Intravenous Antibiotic Therapy for Late-Onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Bacteremia
Although standard treatment of late-onset neonatal group B Streptococcus bacteremia includes intravenous antibiotic therapy for 10 days, shorter courses seem safe and effective.
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A Nosocomial Outbreak at the NIH Clinical Center From Sphingomonas koreensis, a Rare Human Pathogen
A genomic and epidemiologic investigation of an outbreak at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center determined that S. koreensis was an opportunistic human pathogen that persisted in a reservoir in the hospital plumbing.