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Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Fatal ESBL Infection from Fecal Microbiota Transplant; Second Joint Infection When One Prosthetic Gets Infected?

Predictors of Therapy Outcomes for Cryptococcal Meningitis: Failure of In Vitro Susceptibility Testing, Success of Early Fungicidal Activity

Although in vitro susceptibility testing failed to have value in predicting therapeutic outcome in patients with cryptococcal meningitis, detection of a rapid decline in fungal density in cerebrospinal fluid was associated with improved outcomes in a separate study.

Antibiotics for Traveler’s Diarrhea

International travel carries a risk of colonization by antimicrobial-resistant intestinal flora. The use of a quinolone, but not a macrolide, during travel further increases the risk of acquisition of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Voriconazole vs. Itraconazole for Treatment of Histoplasmosis

A retrospective cohort study found that patients treated with voriconazole had increased mortality during the first 42 days after the start of treatment compared to patients who received itraconazole.

Does MRSA Nares Colonization Predict Non-Respiratory MRSA Infections?

Nares screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has a high negative predictive value to rule out MRSA infections at various sites.

Virtual Visits and Antibiotic Prescribing

Compared to in-person visits, virtual visits were associated with improved antibiotic prescribing practices for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Healthcare Personnel Hospitalizations and COVID-19 — with Possible Implications for Vaccine Prioritization

During the period of study, 5.9% of individuals hospitalized for COVID-19-related reasons were healthcare providers (HCP), with approximately one-third involving HCP who were not expected to have direct patient contact in the course of their work.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Sex in the Time of COVID-19; Serum SARS-CoV-2 and Disease Severity; Natural History of Untreated Tuberculosis

Gut Microbiome in Patients at Risk for Parkinson’s Disease

Certain risk factors and prodromal markers of Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as constipation and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, are associated with specific bacterial compositions of the gut. However, the value of gut microbiome data to predict the risk of PD development needs further investigation.

Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Plasma Associated with ICU Admission and Mortality

A prospective cohort study found that SARS-CoV-2 plasma RNA was detected more often, and the levels were higher, in patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and/or who died.