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Does COVID Vaccination Prevent Car Crashes?

In a large Canadian study, lack of COVID vaccination was associated with an increased incidence of being injured in a car crash.

Fungal Meningitis After Epidural Injections — Again

An outbreak in Mexico of meningitis due to Fusarium solani has affected at least 79 patients who had received epidural injections; at least 35 have died.

Nationwide Outbreak of Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections from Contaminated Eye Drops

An outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection has been traced to use of contaminated artificial tears.

A Rapid Molecular Test Improves Time to Appropriate Therapy and Mortality in Patients with CRE Bacteremia

A multicenter observational study of patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales bacteremia found that time to receipt of active antibiotic therapy and mortality were improved in those whose blood cultures underwent rapid molecular testing for the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase gene. The mortality rate was 10% with ceftazidime-avibactam compared to 31% with polymyxin monotherapy.

A Review of Meningitis

Meningitis may be a devastating disease, and early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is critical to optimize outcomes for pediatric patients. The incredible effectiveness of pediatric vaccines have changed the epidemiology and approach to pediatric meningitis. The author provides a current review of pediatric meningitis to guide the acute care clinician.

Vaccination Against Mpox: Does It Work? Is It Safe?

Vaccination, either subcutaneously or intradermally, with the non-replicating Jynneos monkeypox vaccine is safe and effective.

Resistance of SARS-CoV-2 Variants to Monoclonal Antibodies

Prevalent SARS-CoV-2 variants are persistently resistant to therapeutic and prophylactic monoclonal antibodies but remain susceptible to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, and molnupiravir.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Is Your Hospital Room Toxigenic?; Reduction of HOCDI — Gaming the System?

Medical Masks Compared to N95 Respirators for COVID-19 Prevention in Healthcare Workers

A multicenter, randomized, controlled study found that medical masks were noninferior to N95 respirators in their relative protection against COVID-19 among healthcare workers when worn while providing routine care to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Inching Toward the Goal: Does Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract Have a Benefit for Patients on Mechanical Ventilation?

Two recent articles contribute to the ongoing discussion of whether selective decontamination of the digestive tract provides a mortality benefit for patients who are receiving mechanical ventilation.