Infectious Disease Alert – November 1, 2017
November 1, 2017
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Antibiotics and Adverse Events: Doctors, Do No Harm
A retrospective study found that among 1,488 hospitalized patients who received an antibiotic, 298 (20%) experienced at least one antibiotic-associated adverse drug event. Furthermore, 287 (19%) of the antibiotic regimens were not clinically indicated, and 56 (20%) of these were associated with an adverse drug event.
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Mice, Mutations, and Microcephaly: The Evolving Pathogenesis of Congenital Zika Syndrome
Approximately five years ago, a single gene mutation altered Zika virus, making it able to target neuronal progenitor cells and cause what we now know as congenital Zika syndrome with microcephaly and ocular abnormalities.
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Immunohistochemistry and Diagnosis of Viral Diseases
Researchers reviewed five years of cases at an academic medical center’s pathology department for the use of immunohistochemistry to detect CMV, HSV-1, HSV-2, varicella zoster virus, adenovirus, or polyomavirus. Of 957 cases, 134 were positive. Viral cytopathic effect (CPE) was present on hematoxylin and eosin staining in 75% of the IHC+ cases. No changes in clinical care occurred in any of the IHC+ cases in which viral CPE was absent.
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Treatment of Pulmonary Mycobacterium avium Infection: Failure Is Common
Current treatment regimens for pulmonary Mycobacterium avium infection leave a great deal to be desired.
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How Many Personnel Are Required for Antimicrobial Stewardship? More Than You Have at Your Hospital
A work group in the Veterans Administration determined that the necessary staffing of antimicrobial stewardship programs dealing with inpatients (including long-term care) is 1.0 clinical pharmacy specialist with infectious disease knowledge and 0.25 physician (preferably trained in infectious disease) per 100 occupied beds. Needs for outpatient stewardship, which is now mandated, were not included in the assessment.
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Chikungunya Locally Acquired in Italy and France
An outbreak of autochthonously acquired chikungunya infection has affected 298 individuals as of early October 2017, while a small outbreak also has occurred in southeastern France.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Travelers Unaware of the Need for Pre-travel Vaccinations; Fecal Microbiota Testing; Newer Guidelines for Influenza Testing This Season