Browse Infectious Disease Articles by Topic

Rats in Washington, DC? The Seoul of the Issue

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported cases of the Seoul hantavirus in Washington, DC.

Rifampin and Prosthetic Joint Infections

In patients with prosthetic joint infection, no modifiable surgical or antibiotic factors were independently associated with success or failure. Factors not associated with outcomes include the extent of debridement, exchange of mobile parts, use of rifampin or of ciprofloxacin, and duration of intravenous or oral antibiotic administration.

Delaying Antibiotics in Patients with Suspected Infection Increases Risk of Septic Shock

A retrospective cohort study found that delaying the first dose of antibiotics in patients suspected of having an infection in the emergency department led to a higher risk of progressing to septic shock and in-hospital mortality. Every hour antibiotics were delayed increased the risk of septic shock by 4%.

Pregnant, Influenza-Infected, and Hospitalized

Almost one-third of women ages 15-44 years hospitalized with influenza were pregnant and almost 5% required intensive care.

Modernizing Care of Children with Otitis Media

Otitis media usually resolves spontaneously. Antibiotics should not routinely be administered to children with acute uncomplicated otitis media.

OSHA Announces COVID Inspections in Hospitals, SNFs

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced a temporary increase in “focused” inspections of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities that treat or handle COVID-19 patients.

APIC Research Agenda Includes Race and HAIs

With the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic exposing widespread inequities and deep-set systemic racism in healthcare, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology is planning research to address some of these critical issues, including one proposal to design a study to determine if patients of color or non-white ethnicity are at greater risk of acquiring healthcare-associated infections.

Your Brain on COVID: Damage Found in Two New Studies

Dementia and other adverse effects on the brain are occurring in some COVID-19 survivors, an ominous finding for the millions infected — even those with only mild symptoms, according to two new studies.

Misinformation Continues to Undermine Pandemic Response

Misinformation and outright lies have swept the globe during the last two years, undermining the pandemic response in hospitals and communities. In a recent call to action report, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology warned infection preventionists this phenomenon has been harmful and no doubt will occur during the next pandemic.

APIC Asks Feds for Infection Prevention Reinforcements

The leading organization for infection preventionists is trying to elevate and solidify their role in healthcare after many were dislodged from traditional duties or otherwise overwhelmed during the pandemic. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has issued a call to action report, which describes IPs as key players in pandemics and emergency response, as well as the longstanding wall between vulnerable patients and healthcare infections.