Infectious Disease Alert – August 1, 2013
August 1, 2013
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Pediatric Coccidioidomycosis in CA: Delayed Diagnosis Increases Severity
A retrospective observational study of all children admitted to Children's Hospital of Central California (Madera, CA) with coccidioidomycosis (coccy) from January 2010 to September 2011 was conducted. -
Increased Risk for Statin Toxicity in the Elderly While on Macrolide Therapy
In a large population-based retrospective cohort study, adults > 65 years on statin therapy who received a co-prescription for clarithromycin or erythromycin had an elevated risk for developing statin toxicity. There was no associated risk seen with azithromycin. -
Impact of Vaccination on Maternal Antibody Levels
As MMR vaccination coverage among mothers increases, compared to mothers with natural immunity the levels of maternal antibodies in offspring at birth decreases and the projected duration of the protection afforded by maternal antibodies among their infants also decreases. -
Improved Laboratory Diagnosis of Acute HIV Infection
In 2006, the CDC recommended routine, voluntary HIV testing for persons aged 13-64 in all health care settings, with elimination of separate informed consent5 and this recommendation has basically now been adopted by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. -
Preventing ICU Infections: An Effective Application of An Old Public Health Strategy
Despite better compliance with hand hygiene and screening, use of isolation, and other techniques, ICUs remain notorious breeding grounds for hospital-acquired infections. A universal decolonization strategy reduces the total number of ICU bloodborne infections. -
Halomonas: An Emerging Pathogen?
A 54-year old female with end stage renal disease presented with nausea, vomiting, hypertension and minimal fever. One of two blood cultures grew a gram-negative rod that was eventually identified as Halomonas jonsoniae. -
Updates By Carol A. Kemper, MD, FACP
An old disease returns: Syphilis in North America; Syphilis in Africa; United States HIV prevention stance