Infectious Disease Alert – February 1, 2023

RSV Bronchiolitis Has Persisting Consequences for Some Children

Young children hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection are at increased risk of subsequent hospitalization during the following year and of increased need for outpatient healthcare.

A Comparison of Ceftaroline and Daptomycin in Treatment of MRSA Bloodstream Infections

Ceftaroline is an acceptable alternative therapy for treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.

An Effective Oral Regimen for Rifampin-Resistant Tuberculosis

A multicenter, randomized, controlled, noninferiority clinical trial found a 24-week, all-oral regimen (bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, and moxifloxacin) to be safe and effective for patients aged 15 years and older with rifampin-resistant tuberculosis.

COVID Is Not ‘Just the Flu’

Among hospitalized patients requiring oxygen support at admission, COVID-19 was three times more fatal than was influenza.

Inching Toward the Goal: Does Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract Have a Benefit for Patients on Mechanical Ventilation?

Two recent articles contribute to the ongoing discussion of whether selective decontamination of the digestive tract provides a mortality benefit for patients who are receiving mechanical ventilation.

Medical Masks Compared to N95 Respirators for COVID-19 Prevention in Healthcare Workers

A multicenter, randomized, controlled study found that medical masks were noninferior to N95 respirators in their relative protection against COVID-19 among healthcare workers when worn while providing routine care to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Is Your Hospital Room Toxigenic?; Reduction of HOCDI — Gaming the System?