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Blastomycosis (But Not That Blastomycosis) in the Western United States

Blastomycosis occurs in western Canada and in the United States well outside the known endemic area, but it is due to Blastomyces helicus, not Blastomyces dermatitidis.

Optimal Treatment of Vivax Malaria

In glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase-sufficient individuals in Southeast Asia, combined treatment with chloroquine and primaquine provides much more lasting relief from vivax malaria than either chloroquine alone or artesunate.

Identify 4 Major Findings in New-onset Chest Pain Patient

The ECG in the figure was obtained from a patient with new-onset chest pain. He was hemodynamically stable at the time the tracing was obtained. In addition to the artifact that is most pronounced in the lateral chest leads, there are four major findings. Admittedly, two findings are subtle. How many findings can you identify?

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (Gardasil 9)

The FDA has approved a supplemental application to expand the indication for human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine (HPV-9) to include men and women 27-45 years of age.

Who Really Needs Intensive Blood Pressure Control?

A patient baseline characteristics level analysis of the SPRINT and ACCORD trials resulted in the creation of a simple algorithm for identifying high-risk patients who experienced fewer major cardiac events without increased serious adverse events from intensive blood pressure therapy.

Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status Associated With Infection Risk, But Not Sepsis

Based on a large, national, prospective cohort study, lower neighborhood socioeconomic status was associated with a higher incidence of hospitalizations for infection (but not sepsis) at presentation.

Is There a Connection Between Vitamin D and Fracture Prevention?

After conducting an extensive investigation, researchers did not find that vitamin D prevents falls or fractures.

Surgical Smoke State Laws: What IPs Need to Know

Rhode Island recently became the first state to require healthcare facilities to take measures to protect healthcare workers from the hazardous plume. With other states likely to follow, infection preventionists may want to revisit this issue, particularly the presence of toxic chemicals in the plume and the risk of possible infections and disease.

Intervention Reduces Infection Threat Posed by Therapy Dogs

While most patients can enjoy the benefits of pet therapy without risk of infection, those with cancer and other immune deficiency disorders are less protected. Researchers have pilot-tested a protocol that would make this activity safe for oncology patients, with plans now to test it in larger clinical settings.

Is Outpatient Prescribing Out of Control?

While restricting antibiotic use in hospitals has been heavily emphasized to stave off the rise of drug-resistant infections, a new study shows such efforts are conspicuously absent in outpatient settings — where 80% of these life-saving drugs are prescribed.