Infectious Disease Alert – January 1, 2024

2024 Resolution: Not to Be Replaced by a Machine

Chatbots, such as ChatGPT, are thought to have potential to eventually replace some straightforward infectious disease consultations. However, current technology does not yet instill confidence that the use of chatbots will be adequately accurate or safe for complex patient care. In addition, philosophical and ethical constraints raise doubt about the value of replacing specialist physician consultations.

ID Consultation Leads to Reduced Mortality from Gram-Negative Bacteremia

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study on patients with gram-negative bacteremia found infectious diseases consultation was associated with a 40% decrease in 30-day mortality.

Imported Gestational Malaria

Pregnant women can develop malaria in non-endemic areas, even when they are far removed from malaria exposure both geographically and temporally.

Comparing Adjuvant Clindamycin to Linezolid for Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections

In a retrospective, single-center cohort study of patients with severe group A streptococcal infection, there was no significant difference in clinical response in those treated with adjunctive clindamycin as compared with adjunctive linezolid

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: California and Mexico

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerts clinicians to cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in southern California that had been acquired in Mexico.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Smallpox Vaccination Effective Against Mpox; CLABSI Prevention