Infectious Disease Alert 2009-07-01

Taxed by Taxonomy? The Curious Case of the Organism Previously Known as Streptococcus bovis

Microbiologists have traditionally taken extra steps to identify non-hemolytic streptococcus-like strains isolated from blood cultures primarily to identify Enterococcus species and rule out Streptococcus bovis. S. bovis is still often identified by its colony similarity to Enterococcus species and its similar ability to hydrolyze esculin in the presence of bile, but unlike Enterococcus species, it is unable to grow in 6.5% salt broth.

Treatment of Septic Arthritis in Children

A randomized, multicenter, open-label, parallel group, noninferiority trial of childhood septic arthritis was performed at seven referral hospitals in Finland from 1983-2005.

Telaprevir for Hepatitis C Virus Infection

In the first study, patients with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection were randomized to one of four treatment groups: pegylated interferon (pIFN) + ribavirin (RBV) given for 48 weeks + TPV placebo given for 12 weeks (PR48) or pIFN+RBV given for 12 weeks + telaprevir (TPV) given for 12 weeks (T12PR12) or pIFN+RBV for 24 weeks + TPV 12 weeks (T12P24) or pIFN + RBV for 48 weeks + TPV 12 weeks (T12P48).

Severe Respiratory Disease Associated with Adenovirus Serotype 14

A cluster of febrile respiratory illness (FRI) associated with ad14 was reported at Lackland AFB, Texas in 2007. Combined surveillance and retrospective cohort investigation identified 1,147 basic military trainees with FRI; 551 (48%) were infected with Ad14. Of those, 23 were hospitalized with pneumonia, four required ICU admission, and one died.

A Common Mechanism May Underlie the Bactericidal Action of Antibiotics

In a series of elegant experiments, kohanski et al demonstrated that the three major classes of bactericidal antibiotics, regardless of drug-target interaction, stimulate hydroxyl radical formation in bacteria.

Skin Infections in Travelers

Hochedz et al from Paris, France, described 60 adult travelers diagnosed with skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI) seen between January 1, 2006 and August 30, 2007.

Imported Malaria in Children

Approximately 10% of international travelers are children (classified as those 18 years of age or younger in this study). As we note that more children are traveling, the number of malaria cases in travelers also is increasing.

Updates By Carol A. Kemper, MD, FACP

This investigation began when a young 29-year-old Taro farmer from one of the Micronesian islands, Satowan (population 650), presented to an indigent care clinic in Portland, OR, with an 18-year history of progressive plaque-like verrucas covering his lower extremities.

Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement

Pharmacology Watch: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy? Consider H2 Blockers, not PPIs

In this issue: Clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors; adverse events with tamsulosin after cataract surgery; new guidelines for persistent pain in the elderly; and FDA Actions.

Infectious Disease Alert – July 1, 2009

July 1, 2009