Infectious Disease Alert 2006-01-01

Dissemination of Metallo-â-Lactamase Gene blaIMP-4 Among Gram-Negative Pathogens in a Clinical Setting

Synopsis: Investigators reported finding the presence of a metallo-â-lactamase gene mediating resistance to multiple â-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, among multiple species of Gram-negative pathogens isolated from a single hospital in Australia.

Immunogenicity and Safety of the New MMRV Vaccine

Synopsis: In these 2 studies, the quadrivalent measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, with increased potency of varicella compared to the current monovalent varicella vaccine, provides a varicella response rate of 81% and 91% after 1 dose, and 99% and 100% after 2 doses.

Cumitech Blood Cultures

The American Society for Microbiology Periodically publishes updates, called Cumitechs, to their recommendations regarding specific areas of clinical microbiology. The following is a brief summary, written primarily from a clinicians point of view, of their recent monograph on blood cultures. The recommendations, with the exception of the recommended volume of blood draws, apply to both children and adults.

The Changing (Uglier) Face of CDAD

Synopsis: Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is increasing in incidence and severity, and is appearing in patients even in the absence of recent hospitalization or antimicrobial use.

Updated Guidelines for Antiretroviral Therapy — 2005

Synopsis: The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) periodically updates their guidelines for antiretroviral therapy. The latest iteration of these guidelines was published in October 2005.

Dysregulation of Bacterial Proteolytic Machinery

ADEP I-6 have a complex ring structure. ADEP-I is the primary natural product (factor A). ADEP-1 has congeners that have been optimized for antibacterial activity, with the addition of 2 fluorides, to produce a difluoronated phenylalanine side chain.

Updates by Carol A Kemper

These authors report on the unique presentation of a 17-year-old previously healthy woman who developed acute onset fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Lumbar puncture confirmed a cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, and blood and CSF (but not urine) cultures yielded Group B streptococcus (S. agalactiae).

Pharmacology Watch: FDA Recommends Approval of Muraglitazar, But May Need To Reconsider

Which Antipsychotics Are More Dangerous?; Should CPOE Undergo Evaluation?; New Treatment for Tennis Elbow; FDA Actions

Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement

Infectious Disease Alert – January 1, 2006

January 1, 2006