Infectious Disease Topics
RSSArticles
-
Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Think You Don’t Smell? One-Fifth of Adults Have a Food Allergy
-
Acute Kidney Injury With Combination Antibiotics in the Critically Ill
In this retrospective study, a short course (24 to < 72 hours) of combination antibiotic therapy with piperacillin-tazobactam and vancomycin was not associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury among critically ill patients when compared with other β-lactam and vancomycin combinations.
-
Cigarette Smoke Increases the Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus
In an experimental study, investigators found cigarette smoke increases the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus strains through several mechanisms, including augmented biofilm formation, increased invasion ability, and persistence within bronchial alveolar cells.
-
Spotted Fever Rickettsioses and Meningoencephalitis
Researchers reviewed 19 cases of meningoencephalitis associated with spotted fever rickettsioses. Fever was present in all cases. Rash was present in 100% of pediatric patients but in only 50% of adult patients. Cerebrospinal fluide pleocytosis was present in 88% of patients. Ninety percent of patients required ICU admission, and only 46% of patients recovered completely.
-
Urinary Tract Infection With Bacteremia in Young Infants: Duration of Parenteral Therapy
The duration of parenteral antimicrobial therapy for bacteremic urinary tract infection in young infants varies between practitioners and centers. A retrospective review suggests that extending parenteral treatment beyond seven days does not alter outcomes.
-
Vaping and Severe Acute Pneumonitis
As of Aug. 27, 2019, 215 cases of severe pulmonary disease possibly related to vaping have been reported to the CDC. Evidence to date suggests the illness is a form of acute lipoid pneumonia likely related to inhalation of lipid materials. -
Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Should We Be Looking for ESBL? Close the Door to That OR! -
CRP and Reduction of Antibiotic Use in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Point-of-care C-reactive protein testing can safely and effectively reduce antibiotic use in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive lung disease.
-
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.
-
Mycobacterium chimaera Granulomatous Encephalitis
Lau and colleagues describe a novel infectious problem — diffuse granulomatous encephalitis due to Mycobacterium chimaera infection occurring after cardiac surgery.