Infectious Disease Alert – January 1, 2012
January 1, 2012
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Abstract & Commentary: European measles outbreaks continue: Past gains lost to vaccine objections
The importation of measles into the U.S. was discussed in these pages earlier this year. -
Abstract & Commentary: Cytomegalovirus Persists on Surfaces, Posing Risk during Pregnancy
Seven types of common environmental surfacesrubber, glass, plastic, metal, sanded wood, cloth, and wheat crackerswere studied for recovery of ~200 viable virions of CMV strain AD 169 applied to 2 cm2 replicates on each surface. Virus was applied in 200 µL aliquots of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). -
Abstract & Commentary: A Reassurring Analysis on the Safety of Efavirenz in Pregnancy
An updated meta-analysis of birth defects in infants with first trimester efavirenz exposure was conducted and included published literature up until July 2011. -
Physician Protect Thyself (and Your Patients and Coworkers)!
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC has updated their recommendations for immunization of health care providers (HCP) against communicable infectious diseases. -
Abstract & Commentary: B-lactam/B-lactamase Inhibitors for Treatment of Bacteremia due to ESBL-producing E.coli
A post hoc analysis was performed on patients with ESBL-EC bloodstream infections from 6 published prospective cohorts. Mortality and length of hospital stay in patients treated with BLBLI (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or piperacillin-tazobactam) vs. carbapenem were compared in 2 cohorts: empirical therapy (ETC) and definitive therapy (DTC). Multivariate analysis was used to minimize confounding. -
Abstract & Commentary: Fever in Travelers After Visiting Malaria-endemic Areas
Authors from the helsinki university central hospital, a tertiary hospital in Finland, retrospectively reviewed patient records from 2005 to 2009 to define the causes of fever in returned travelers and to evaluate the diagnostic approach. The 462 records were selected through requests for malaria smears in the emergency department. -
Updates By Carol A. Kemper, MD, FACP
Beginning in November 2010, players from several NBA teams were reported as suffering from the "stomach flu". An investigation was launched, querying 400 players and 378 staff members whether they had experienced nausea and/or vomiting sometime between November 10 and December 20. -
Pharmacology Watch: Rivaroxaban Now Approved for Stroke Prevention
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Janssen Pharmaceutical's once-a-day oral Xa inhibitor, has been approved for reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement