Infectious Diseases: Archives

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infections: The Surge Continues

• October 28, 2009
• Larry M. Baddour, MD

The incidence of infection is increasing faster than the rate of implantation.

• Reviewing:
• Voigt A et al., Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2009 Sep 30

DRUG WATCH

Zanamivir (Relenza) Must Not Be Given by NebulizationFree

• October 28, 2009
• Lynn L. Estes, PharmD

Ventilator obstruction was blamed for the death of a woman who received zanamivir inhalation powder that was solubilized and administered by mechanical ventilation.

• Reviewing:
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)., 2009 Oct 9

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Genetic Susceptibility to Fungal Infections

• October 28, 2009
• Thomas Glück, MD

Immunologic and genetic studies in patients with chronic Candida infections revealed the critical roles played by the β-glucan receptor dectin-1 pathway and interleukin-17 release.

• Reviewing:
• Ferwerda B et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Oct 29; 361:1760 Glocker E-O et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Oct 29; 361:1727

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

HLA-DR Recovery and Risk for Secondary Infections in Sepsis

• October 28, 2009
• Thomas Glück, MD

Slow recovery of depressed HLA-DR was associated with increased risk for secondary infections.

• Reviewing:
• Lukaszewicz A-C et al., Crit Care Med 2009 Oct; 37:2746

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Does a Retrovirus Cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

• October 21, 2009
• Richard T. Ellison III, MD

A gammaretrovirus, XMRV, has been identified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with CFS.

• Reviewing:
• Lombardi VC et al., Science 2009 Oct 8

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Low-Cost Oral Vaccine Efficacious in a Cholera-Endemic Area

• October 21, 2009
• Mary E. Wilson, MD

Two doses of oral vaccine compliant with WHO standards had a protective efficacy of 67% against clinically significant cholera.

• Reviewing:
• Sur D et al., Lancet 2009 Oct 9 Sridhar S., Lancet 2009 Oct 9

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Surgical Masks or N95 Respirators for the Flu?Free

• October 21, 2009
• Richard T. Ellison III, MD

In a randomized trial, surgical masks and N95 respirators provided healthcare workers with comparable protection against influenza.

• Reviewing:
• Loeb M et al., JAMA 2009 Oct 1

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Mycobacterial Infections After Mesotherapy

• October 21, 2009
• Neil M. Ampel, MD

Rapidly growing mycobacteria were isolated in 12 of 16 patients who developed cutaneous abscesses after mesotherapy injections; antibiotics did not hasten improvement.

• Reviewing:
• Regnier S et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Nov 1; 49:1358

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

High Perioperative Oxygen Fraction and SSIs, Revisited

• October 21, 2009
• Richard T. Ellison III, MD

In a large, randomized, clinical trial, administration of 80% oxygen had no effect on surgical-site infections or pulmonary complications.

• Reviewing:
• Meyhoff CS et al., JAMA 2009 Oct 14; 302:1543

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Immune Response from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Mononuclear Cells Diagnoses Active TB

• October 21, 2009
• Neil M. Ampel, MD

ELISpot performed on bronchoalveolar mononuclear cells had a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 79% in diagnosing active disease.

• Reviewing:
• Jafari C et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 Oct 1; 180:666