Infectious Disease Alert – September 1, 2008
September 1, 2008
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Balamuthia and the Brain
Central nervous system infection due to free-living amebae generally manifests as either acute meningitis or focal encephalitis. -
Immunoprophylactics and Immunotherapeutics: Focus on S. aureus
The inevitability of progression of bacterial resistance to antibiotics used in the clinic and other settings dictates the need for approaches that go beyond antimicrobial stewardship and the development of new antibiotics. -
Diagnostic Testing of Clostridium difficile
Although Enzyme-Immunoassay (EIA) tests have replaced cytotoxin assays for diagnosis of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in most US laboratories, the changing epidemiology of this disease suggests that an adjustment in diagnostic testing algorithms is needed. -
Acinetobacter Infections Associated with the War in Iraq — Unusual Cases
A retrospective review of 211 inpatients admitted to the US Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort in early 2003 revealed 57 patients with A. baumannii infection. -
Leprosy in the United States
Abide et al at the university of mississippi report three patients who presented with skin lesions and were found to have leprosy. -
Mycobacterium abscessus and Lipotourism
In March 2004, an infectious disease specialist in New York queried the Emerging Infections Network (EIN) listserv about treatment of a patient with M. abscessus wound infection following abdominoplasty in the Dominican Republic. -
Updates by Carol Kemper, MD, FACP
As kids prepare for school this fall, remember that the United States American College of Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends administration of meningococcal vaccine to previously unvaccinated children starting high school or going off to college. -
Pharmacology Watch: Defining Diagnosis and Management of Prediabetes
In This Issue: Guidelines for prediabetes from The American College of Endocrinology; statins for the prevention of dementia? Possible help for women suffering from sexual side effects while on antidepressants; government incentives for electronic prescribing; FDA Actions. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement