Infectious Disease Alert – June 1, 2016
June 1, 2016
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Think Twice About That Fluoroquinolone Prescription
The FDA warns that serious side effects associated with fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs generally outweigh the benefits for certain patients.
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HLH Gene Mutations and Fatal Influenza
Sixteen patients with fatal influenza who underwent autopsy were studied. Thirteen patients (81%) had histopathologic evidence of hemophagocytosis. Five patients (36%) carried one of three heterozygous LYST or PRF1 mutations associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and macrophage activation syndrome.
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The Seasonality of Childhood Respiratory Infections
Human metapneumovirus infection is increasingly recognized in children. Epidemiologic review suggests that it becomes common each winter after the onset of the respiratory syncytial virus “season” and then continues to cause frequent illness until the spring.
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Oral Rehydration for Children with Mild Gastroenteritis
In a randomized study of children 6 to 60 months of age with acute gastroenteritis accompanied by mild vomiting and/or diarrhea with mild or no dehydration, initial oral rehydration with half-strength apple juice/preferred fluids resulted in fewer treatment failures than with electrolyte maintenance solution. In high-income countries, dilute apple juice/preferred fluids may be an acceptable alternative to commercial electrolyte maintenance solutions for childhood mild gastroenteritis with minimal dehydration.
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Does Finding the Portal of Entry of Bacteria in Infective Endocarditis Matter?
A comprehensive, systematic search for the portal of bacterial entry in infective endocarditis is frequently successful and affords an opportunity to prevent recurrent episodes.
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Healthcare Workers and Tuberculosis Prevention
Healthcare workers in high-burden countries in particular remain at high risk of tuberculosis.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
“A New Wave of World-wide Gastroenteritis?”; Who Wants a Stoma if You Don’t Need One?; A Side of Hep E with Your Pork Roast?