Infectious Disease Topics
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Next-generation Sequencing to Diagnose Cryptic Hep B and E
ABSTRACT & COMMENTARY: Sera from patients with hepatitis of unknown etiology were studied using next-generation sequencing.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
These updates include: "A Deadly Funeral", "Increase in Congenital Syphilis", "That Is Not Strep Throat!", and "Increase in Ocular Syphilis"
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Malaria: Getting Better, but Still a Long Way To Go
While significant progress has been made in the control of malaria, the number of cases remains huge — an estimated 198 million cases and 584,000 deaths in 2013.
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Antibiotic Therapy for Pediatric Parapneumonic Empyema
In a retrospective review of 391 children with parapneumonic empyema, the safety and effectiveness of oral antibiotic therapy was comparable to outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy for antibiotic management following hospitalization.
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Encephalitis from Chikungunya Virus: An Increasingly Recognized Syndrome
A retrospective cohort study of a major chikungunya virus outbreak found a significant incidence of central nervous system disease, with patients < 1 year of age and > 65 years of age at most risk for chikungunya virus-associated encephalitis.
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Differences Between Older and Younger Adults with Viral Respiratory Infections
A prospective study of acute respiratory illness was conducted between 2009 and 2013. Coronavirus and rhinovirus/enterovirus were the most common viral pathogens. Among patients older than age 60 with chronic lung and heart disease (vs healthy adults 18-40 years old), dyspnea, more prolonged illness, and treatment with prednisone and antibiotics were more commonly seen. Myalgia was more common in younger patients.
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Azithromycin to Prevent Asthma Exacerbations?
Azithromycin helped prevent progression from upper airway infection to wheezing in a select group of preschool-age children. Further studies are needed before considering widespread use of azithromycin for young children with “colds.”
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Hospital-acquired Infections and Other Hospital-acquired Conditions — How Are We Doing?
There was a large decrease in the number of total hospital-acquired conditions from 2010-2014, but with no improvement from 2013-2014. While there were decreases in hospital-acquired infections, much further improvement is needed.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
Borrelia Miyamotoi in My Backyard! Who Knew?
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation — Patients Need No Convincing
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Malaria in Pregnancy — Good News, Bad News, and Opportunity
With waning natural immunity against malaria, women face increased adverse consequences of malaria infection during pregnancy. As malaria is being conquered, good clinical care of vulnerable individuals is still essential.