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Spotted Fever Rickettsioses and Meningoencephalitis

Researchers reviewed 19 cases of meningoencephalitis associated with spotted fever rickettsioses. Fever was present in all cases. Rash was present in 100% of pediatric patients but in only 50% of adult patients. Cerebrospinal fluide pleocytosis was present in 88% of patients. Ninety percent of patients required ICU admission, and only 46% of patients recovered completely.

Febrile Urinary Tract Infection in Young Infants — Value of Spinal Fluid Analysis

Practices vary significantly as clinicians evaluate and manage febrile infants younger than 2 months of age. A retrospective review suggests that meningitis is extremely unlikely in well-appearing babies with initial laboratory results suggestive of urinary tract infection, and that cerebrospinal fluid analysis may not be necessary.

Urinary Tract Infection With Bacteremia in Young Infants: Duration of Parenteral Therapy

The duration of parenteral antimicrobial therapy for bacteremic urinary tract infection in young infants varies between practitioners and centers. A retrospective review suggests that extending parenteral treatment beyond seven days does not alter outcomes.

Vaping and Severe Acute Pneumonitis

As of Aug. 27, 2019, 215 cases of severe pulmonary disease possibly related to vaping have been reported to the CDC. Evidence to date suggests the illness is a form of acute lipoid pneumonia likely related to inhalation of lipid materials.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Should We Be Looking for ESBL? Close the Door to That OR!

CRP and Reduction of Antibiotic Use in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Point-of-care C-reactive protein testing can safely and effectively reduce antibiotic use in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive lung disease.

HIV Prevention Strategies in Africa

Several strategies have proven effective in reducing transmission of HIV, including access to confidential testing and counseling, early introduction of HIV medications, and male circumcision. Three new studies show what actually affects the spread of HIV in populations, and results vary between different African settings.

Mycobacterium chimaera Granulomatous Encephalitis

Lau and colleagues describe a novel infectious problem — diffuse granulomatous encephalitis due to Mycobacterium chimaera infection occurring after cardiac surgery.

Prophylactic Antibiotics Significantly Reduce the Risk of Infection Following Operative Vaginal Delivery

In a multicenter, randomized clinical trial, researchers found that a single dose of intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanic acid significantly reduced the risk of infection following operative vaginal birth (forceps or vacuum extraction) compared to placebo (180 of 1,619 [11%] vs. 306 of 1,606 [19%], respectively; P < 0.0001).

No Antibiotic Prescription Required

Acquisition of antibiotics without a prescription can be easy in the United States.