Browse Infectious Disease Alert Articles by Topic

New (Old) Treatment for Scabies

With increasing concern about reduced effectiveness of topical 5% permethrin cream against scabies, new data show that topical therapy with 25% benzyl benzoate is significantly more effective than permethrin.

De-Escalation of an Empiric Antipseudomonal Beta-Lactam Is Appropriate with Enterobacterales Bacteremia

Patients with Enterobacterales bacteremia were assigned randomly to receive a course of an anti-pseudomonas beta-lactam or de-escalation to a narrower agent based on sensitivity results. De-escalation was non-inferior to continuing empiric therapy.

Avian Influenza A(H5N1) — From Birds to Cows to Human Infection

The spread of influenza H5N1 in dairy cows with documentation of a human infection raises pandemic concern.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

The Burden of Clostridioides difficile Infection; The Globe May Be Warming, but People Are Cooler; Methotrexate for Chikungunya Arthritis

Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir in High-Risk Vaccinated and Low-Risk Unvaccinated Participants: The EPIC-SR Trial

In this Phase II-III randomized controlled clinical trial (EPIC-SR), nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was not associated with a significant difference in time to alleviation of symptoms nor COVID-19-related hospitalization or death from any cause as compared with placebo in unvaccinated individuals without risk factors for severe disease or in vaccinated individuals with a least one risk factor for severe disease.

Meningococcal Disease Is on the Rise

The number of cases of infection with Neisseria meningitidis is increasing in the United States. The majority of presentations are with bacteremia; meningitis is infrequent.

Predicting Outcomes of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection can cause hearing loss and neurologic deficits, but most affected newborns escape without sequelae. New data suggest a good prognosis if the mother’s infection was after the first trimester and if the newborn has normal hearing, a normal platelet count, and a normal head ultrasound exam.

Inappropriate Diagnosis of Pneumonia Is Common in Hospitalized Patients

A cohort study that included 48 hospitals in Michigan found that 12% of patients treated for community-acquired pneumonia were diagnosed inappropriately. Older age, dementia, and presenting with acute change in mental status increased the risk for misdiagnosis.

CDC Recommends RSV Vaccine for Patients in Third Trimester

The agency says this solution should be administered to patients during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect babies against the dangerous virus, both before and shortly after birth.

CDC Publishes Guide to Help Hospitals Diagnose, Treat Sepsis

The agency details seven pillars upon which leaders can build a successful program.