Infectious Disease Alert – April 1, 2003
April 1, 2003
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Laboratory Diagnosis of HCV Infection
Synopsis: Either a sensitive test for HCV RNA or a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) may be used to confirm the presence of HCV infection in an individual with a positive screening test. -
Disappearing Antibiotics
The discontinuation of manufacture of cefixime has implications for the treatment of gonorrhea and for the future of antibiotic therapy in general. -
M chelon Keratitis After LASIK Surgery
Ten patients undergoing LASIK procedures at a single laser surgery center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, suffered corneal infection due to Mycobacterium chelonae. -
Deflecting the Post-Antibiotic Era
It has been suggested that we may be entering into a post-antibiotic era. Disaster has so far been averted by the continuing development of new antimicrobial agents. It is now, however, clear that this flow of new agents, especially ones directed at resistant Gram-negative pathogens, has slowed to a trickle. -
Another Test to Consider in Evaluating Fever of Unknown Origin?
Random skin biopsies may be helpful in establishing an etiology of fever of unknown origin. -
Cosmic Radiation and Frequent Flyers
There may be a cancer risk associated with exposure of airline crews to cosmic radiation. -
Ebola Of Apes and Men
An outbreak of human Ebola virus infection in Congo was preceded by a die-off of great apes, with the virus having been recovered from some ape carcasses. -
Updates by Carol A. Kemper, MD, FACP
Adefovir Dipivoxil for Hepatitis B; Lets Have a Carpet Picnic at Your House? -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement