Infectious Disease Alert – December 1, 2003
December 1, 2003
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ICAAC/IDSA/ASTMH 2003
The following summary of selected abstracts from 3 meetings will be published in multiple parts. The 43rd Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) met in Chicago September 14-17, 2003. The Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) met in San Diego October 9-12, 2003. The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meets in Philadelphia December 3-7, 2003. -
Meeting the Need for Rapid Microbiology
Genetically engineered B lymphocytes were used for rapid detection and identification of pathogens, a methodology with potential use in diagnostics, biowarfare defense, and biomonitoring of food and water. -
E-mails to Improve Compliance to a Protocol
Compliance with a protocol for managing catheter-related bacteremia was improved from 56% to 75% simply by sending a reminder by e-mail. -
‘Nailing’ Down a Pseudomonas Outbreak in Cardiac Surgery
An outbreak of Pseudomonas surgical-site infections was traced to the infected thumbnail of a cardiac surgeon. The outbreak stopped after the infected nail was removed. -
Effect of Influenza Vaccination on Otitis Media in Young Children
Inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine did not reduce the incidence of acute otitis media among children 6-24 months of age. -
Which Patients with S aureus Bacteremia Are at Risk for Serious Disease?
By determining whether 4 key risk factors are present, clinicians might be able to identify those patients with S aureus bacteremia who are at increased risk of serious, complicated infection. -
A Macrolide for Pseudomonas? The Wonders of Azithromycin
Azithromycin administration to patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was associated with a reduction in number of exacerbations, improvement in airflow, and weight gain. -
Atazanavir: Have We Finally Arrived at Once-Daily Dosing for HIV?
Atazanavir (Reyetaz®), an azapeptide class of protease inhibitors, was approved by the US FDA for use in HIV infection on June 20, 2003. Atazanavir (ATV) has a unique pharmacokinetic profile allowing for once-daily dosing, which is optimized when taken with food. -
SARS Audio Program Updates Guidelines
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Pharmacology Watch: Eplerenone Cleared for CHF Patients with Sustained MI
The FDA has approved Pfizer's eplerenone (Inspra) for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients who have sustained a myocardial infarction. The drug is a selective aldosterone blocker, a new class of drug for the treatment of CHF. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement