Infectious Disease
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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.
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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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Glucagon Nasal Powder (Baqsimi)
Glucagon nasal powder is indicated for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients (≥ 4 years of age) with diabetes.
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APIC Raises IP Profile on YouTube
For many years, patients, the public, and even some fellow healthcare workers were not fully aware of the critical role IPs played behind the scenes. The IP profile has been raised dramatically over the last decade by national efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections, the rise of antibiotic resistance, and emerging infections like Ebola. As a result, APIC created a video that features IPs explaining what they do and what aspects of the job they particularly enjoy. The video can be used to raise awareness among the public, patients, medical personnel, and recruit new IPs into the profession.
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Infection Prevention Expertise Lacking on Water Management Teams
Water management plans to control Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in healthcare settings have become a priority since a CMS memo in 2017 ordered such measures to protect patients. Infection preventionists should be a key member of these water management teams, but almost half the facilities consulted by Legionella experts did not have an IP on the committee.