Infectious Disease Alert – May 1, 2023

Adjunctive Corticosteroids in Patients with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia

A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial conducted at 31 French medical centers demonstrated adult patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia who were given hydrocortisone had a lower risk of death by day 28 compared with those who received placebo.

Shortening the Duration of Tuberculosis Treatment

In patients with rifampin-susceptible tuberculosis, a planned eight-week regimen of bedaquiline plus linezolid together with isoniazid, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, combined with a careful follow-on strategy, was non-inferior to a standard six-month regimen.

SER-109 Improves Quality of Life Compared to Placebo in Patients with Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection

A secondary analysis of a Phase III clinical trial found SER-109 improved health-related quality of life for patients with recurrent C. difficile infection compared to placebo through eight weeks.

Challenges in Diagnosing MIS-C

Even though there are clear diagnostic criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), the initial diagnosis is not always certain, and there can be overlapping concurrent bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections that also require prompt treatment.

Outbreak of Botulism Due to Intragastric Botulinum Toxin Injection for Weight Loss

An outbreak of botulism after intragastric injection of botulinum toxin to cause weight loss has, to date, affected at least 87 patients.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Occupational Mpox in Healthcare Workers; Homeless People at Risk for Mpox; PRIORIX Is Interchangeable with MMRII