Infectious Disease Alert – July 1, 2016
July 1, 2016
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It Was Inevitable: mcr-1 in the United States
Plasmid-mediated resistance to colistin has been detected in the United States for the first time, raising concern about its potential for rapid dissemination.
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The Zoster Vaccine Rapidly Loses Effectiveness in Adults Over 60
An observational study from Kaiser Permanente Southern California showed that while the shingles vaccine reduces the risk of herpes zoster, there is a major decline in effectiveness over just eight years in older adults.
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Refining the Evaluation and Management of Neonatal Herpes Infection
Neonatal herpes infection usually presents with seizure, vesicular rash, or critical illness. The subset of infected patients without those signs were younger than two weeks of age and/or had cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis.
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Severe Infection Due to Human Adenovirus B7
Oregon health authorities identified 198 patients from October 2013 until July 2014 with respiratory symptoms and a human adenovirus (HAdV)-positive respiratory specimen. Of the 136 patients (69%) who were hospitalized, 31% were admitted to ICU, 18% required mechanical ventilation, and five patients died. Patients with HAdV-B7 were more likely to be adults and to have longer hospital stays.
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Colistin vs. Polymyxin B
Based on their kinetics and toxicity profiles, polymyxin B may be the preferred agent for treatment of systemic infections, while colistin is preferred for infections limited to the urinary tract.
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Assay for Detection of Zika Virus in Urine
Most patients with Zika virus have asymptomatic or subclinical infection. The CDC now offers a TrioPlex rRT-PCR assay for the detection of ZV in urine in select patients.
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Effect of Antibiotic Resistance on Prevention of Surgical Site Infections
This interesting article from Teillant and colleagues (who is now doing some interesting work at the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy in Washington, DC) highlights the threat of antibacterial resistance not only to our ability to fight active infection, but to prevent surgical site infection using perioperative antibacterials.