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Infectious Disease Updates

ID: An Arbiter of Death? Preventing Recurrent UTI with Probiotics

Pediatric Pneumonia, Diagnostic Uncertainty, and Communication

Community-acquired pneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization among children in resourced countries and is the leading cause of childhood death in lower-income countries. However, the diagnosis of pneumonia is fraught with uncertainty, and management practices vary widely. Clinician behaviors and attributes that engender trust in the face of diagnostic uncertainty have been documented.

Diagnostic Uncertainty in Community-Acquired Pneumonia

A national retrospective cohort study from the Veterans Administration found a high rate of diagnostic discordance for patients admitted and discharged for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Improvement in the diagnosis of CAP is needed.

Mucormycosis Remains Highly Lethal

Mucormycosis continues to be associated with a high mortality rate. Polymerase chain reaction may speed diagnosis and allow earlier initiation of therapy. There appears to be no evidence supporting the use of combination as opposed to single agent (liposomal amphotericin B) therapy.

Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda

A rising number of cases of Marburg virus disease, which is caused by one of the most virulent human pathogens, have been reported in Rwanda. Marburg virus infections in humans are rare but can present with a rapidly progressive febrile illness that can lead to multi-organ failure and shock with case-fatality rates of up to 80% to 90%.

Infectious Disease Updates

Managing Neurosyphilis; Combatting the Resurgence of Syphilis

Does Semaglutide Protect Against Adverse Effects from COVID-19?

Semaglutide recipients who developed COVID-19 had significant protection against the occurrence of adverse outcomes, including death.

Twice-Yearly Subcutaneous Lenacapavir Injection Prevents HIV Infection

Subcutaneous injection of lenacapavir every 26 weeks had 100% efficacy in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in a high-risk population.

Viruses, Newborns, and Liver Failure

Neonatal liver failure due to herpesvirus infection is rare but can be severe. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a more likely cause than HSV-2. Only about two-thirds of affected patients survive, despite recommended treatment with parenteral acyclovir.

Metformin Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load in Outpatients with COVID-19

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of outpatients with COVID-19 found that metformin reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load 3.6-fold compared to placebo, while ivermectin and fluvoxamine showed no benefit.