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Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriuria: What Is the Significance?

In a retrospective study from Canada, researchers reported several risk factors for serious Staphylococcus aureus infections, including bacteremia and vertebral osteomyelitis, in patients with S. aureus bacteriuria.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Sputum Gram Stains Are Helpful After All!

Researchers analyzed the diagnostic accuracy and yield of sputum Gram stain (SGS) in community-acquired pneumonia across 24 studies of 4,533 adult patients in a meta-analysis. SGS was specific for the diagnosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae infection.

Strep Testing — We Can Do Better

Testing for streptococcal pharyngitis in children younger than 3 years of age is rarely helpful and results in unnecessary costs. Quality improvement efforts can be effective in systematically reducing non-indicated testing.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States — Not a Happy Picture

Since achieving historic lows, the rates of many sexually transmitted infections has been increasing in the United States. The problem is highlighted by the continued emergence of antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Think You Don’t Smell? One-Fifth of Adults Have a Food Allergy

Acute Kidney Injury With Combination Antibiotics in the Critically Ill

In this retrospective study, a short course (24 to < 72 hours) of combination antibiotic therapy with piperacillin-tazobactam and vancomycin was not associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury among critically ill patients when compared with other β-lactam and vancomycin combinations.

Cigarette Smoke Increases the Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus

In an experimental study, investigators found cigarette smoke increases the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus strains through several mechanisms, including augmented biofilm formation, increased invasion ability, and persistence within bronchial alveolar cells.

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.

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.