Infectious Disease Alert 2008-10-01

Chronically Infected Patients with Trypanosoma cruzi Parasitemia: Further Support for Screening

Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, and is spread primarily by triatomine insect vectors ("kissing bugs").

CMV Reactivation/Outcome in Critically Ill Patients

Although reactivation of CMV has significant adverse consequences for immunocompromised patients, such as those receiving organ transplants, the effect of CMV reactivation in critically ill immunocompetent patients is unclear.

Pregnancy Counseling in HIV

Investigators at a number of university-affiliated HIV clinics around the United States conducted the Living Positively Survey to explore the experiences and attitudes of HIV+ woman toward health care, treatment, pregnancy, and family issues.

Prevention of Influenza: 2008-2009

The yearly update of recommendations for prevention and control of influenza is available. There have been only few changes from last year. The following focuses on areas of particular interest, including those which seem to generate the most questions. Changes for this year are indicated by their italicization.

Pharmacokinetics of Antimicrobials in Patients with Burn Wounds

Patients with burn injuries are at high risk for major infections, given their impaired humoral and cellular immunity. Moreover, this patient population displays numerous physiologic alterations affecting organ function and drug metabolism.

Updates by Carol Kemper, MD, FACP

Resistance to oseltamivir (tamifluR) has increased in Influenza A isolates around the world at an alarming rate. Levels of resistance now range from 13% in Chile to 100% (10 of 10 isolates) in Australia.

Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement

Pharmacology Watch: Gender Differences with Anticoagulation Discontinuation

In this issue: Some women with DVT may stop warfarin after six months; Vytorin and cancer; preventing recurrent stroke; and FDA news.

Infectious Disease Alert – October 1, 2008

October 1, 2008