Infectious Diseases This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 16.

Bacterial membrane disrupting dodecapeptide SC4 improves survival of mice challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
CONCLUSIONS: These data show that combination treatment of SC4 and Zosyn is most effective at killing P. aeruginosa and attenuating inflammatory cytokines levels in vivo. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Combination treatment of SC4 and Zosyn may be useful in the clinic as a more effective antibiotic therapy against Gram-negative infectious diseases. PMID: 23403135 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - February 8, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Dings RP, Haseman JR, Leslie DB, Luong M, Dunn DL, Mayo KH Tags: Biochim Biophys Acta Source Type: research

Antiherpetic potential of 6-bromoindirubin-3'-acetoxime (BIO-acetoxime) in human oral epithelial cells.
In this study, we examined the effects of BIO-acetoxime against herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection in human oral epithelial cells, which represent a natural target cell type. The results revealed that BIO-acetoxime relieves HSV-1-induced cytopathic effects and apoptosis. We also found that BIO-acetoxime reduced viral yields and the expression of different classes of viral proteins. Furthermore, addition of BIO-acetoxime before, simultaneously with or after HSV-1 infection significantly reduced viral yields. Collectively, BIO-acetoxime may suppress viral gene expression and protect oral epithelial cells from HSV-1 inf...
Source: Herpes - February 8, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Hsu MJ, Hung SL Tags: Arch Virol Source Type: research

Surveillance of Parapoxvirus Among Ruminants in Virginia and Connecticut
Summary In 2008, two deer hunters in Virginia and Connecticut were infected with a unique strain of pseudocowpox virus, a parapoxvirus. To estimate the prevalence of this virus, and in an attempt to define the reservoir, Parapoxvirus surveillance was undertaken between November 2009 and January 2010. 125 samples from four ruminant species (cows, goat, sheep and white‐tailed deer) were collected in Virginia, and nine samples from white‐tailed deer were collected in Connecticut. We found no evidence that the parapoxvirus species that infected the deer hunters is circulating among domesticated ruminants or white‐tailed ...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - February 8, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: A. A. Roess, A. M. McCollum, K. Gruszynski, H. Zhao, W. Davidson, N. Lafon, T. Engelmeyer, B. Moyer, C. Godfrey, H. Kilpatrick, A. Labonte, J. Murphy, D. S. Carroll, Y. Li, I. K. Damon Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Severe strongyloidiasis: a systematic review of case reports
Conclusions: Proper screening (which must include serology) is mandatory in high - risk patients, for instance candidates to immunosuppressive medications, currently or previously living in endemic countries. In some cases, presumptive treatment might be justified. Ivermectin is the gold standard for treatment, although the optimal dosage is not clearly defined in case of HS/DS.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - February 8, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Dora BuonfrateAna Requena-MendezAndrea AnghebenJose MuñozFederico GobbiJef Van Den EndeZeno Bisoffi Source Type: research

Addressing malaria vector control challenges in South Sudan: proposed recommendations
Report of a meeting of stakeholders, with the aim to help building national capacity and technical collaboration for effective implementation of an integrated vector management strategic plan in the new Republic of South Sudan.
Source: Malaria Journal - February 8, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Emmanuel ChandaConstantino DoggaleHarriet PasqualeRobert AzairweSamson BabaAbraham Mnzava Source Type: research

Antimicrobial Effect of Bacteriocin KU24 Produced by Lactococcus lactis KU24 against Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Abstract Bacteriocin KU24 produced by Lactococcus lactis KU24 exhibited an inhibitory effect against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Bacteriocin KU24 was inactivated by protease XIV, showing that it has a proteinaceous nature on S. aureus ATCC 33591. Also, bacteriocin KU24 exhibited a strong heat stability (121 °C for 15 min) and pH stability (pH 3 to 9). The mode of inhibition was determined for S. aureus ATCC 33591 by treatment of 0, 250, and 500 AU/mL of bacteriocin KU24. S. aureus ATCC 33591 was inhibited by added bacteriocin KU24, while control was increased. The cell membranes of S. aureus A...
Source: Journal of Food Science - February 8, 2013 Category: Food Science Authors: Na‐Kyoung Lee, Eun Jin Han, Kyoung Jun Han, Hyun‐Dong Paik Tags: M: Food Microbiology and Safety Source Type: research

Group testing regression model estimation when case identification is a goal
We present simulation evidence showing that significant gains in efficiency occur by incorporating retesting information, and we further examine which testing protocols are the most efficient to use. Our investigations also demonstrate that some group testing protocols can actually lead to more efficient estimates than individual testing when diagnostic tests are imperfect. The proposed methods are applied retrospectively to chlamydia screening data from the Infertility Prevention Project. We demonstrate that significant cost savings could occur through the use of particular group testing protocols.
Source: Biometrical Journal - February 8, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Boan Zhang, Christopher R. Bilder, Joshua M. Tebbs Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Forensic pathology: tracing the origin of the Usutu Virus
(University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna) It is generally a mystery how new diseases arise and how the pathogens that cause them first enter countries. However, clues may come from examination of specimens from similar outbreaks. Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna have recently traced the origin of the virus that caused a sudden decrease in the number of blackbirds in Vienna in 2001. The results are published in the current issue of the journal "Emerging Infectious Diseases".
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - February 8, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Clinical and laboratory features that discriminate dengue from other febrile illnesses: a diagnostic accuracy study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Conclusions: We constructed a predictive model for early dengue diagnosis that was moderately accurate and performed better than the current WHO criteria for suspected dengue. Validation of this model in larger samples and in other sites should be attempted before it can be applied in endemic areas.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - February 8, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Regina DaumasSonia PassosRaquel OliveiraRita NogueiraIngebourg GeorgKeyla MarzochiPatrícia Brasil Source Type: research

Evaluation of bioluminescence-based assays of anti-malarial drug activity
Careful assessment of luciferase-based methods to evaluate parasite growth with application to drug viability assays as well as for measuring stage specificity of drug action or rate-of-kill.
Source: Malaria Journal - February 8, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Sandra HasenkampAdam SidawayOliver DevineRichard RoyePaul Horrocks Source Type: research

Unnecessary Antimicrobial Use in Patients With C. diffUnnecessary Antimicrobial Use in Patients With C. diff
Antimicrobials are often used unnecessarily in patients with a current or recent history of C. diff. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - February 7, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases Journal Article Source Type: news

Early Estimates of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine EffectivenessEarly Estimates of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness
How well is this year's vaccine working at preventing seasonal influenza? This new report shares the data. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - February 7, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases Journal Article Source Type: news

Unique peptide could treat cancers, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases
Scientists have synthesized a peptide that shows potential for pharmaceutical development into agents for treating infections, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center News - February 7, 2013 Category: Hospital Management Source Type: news

Paromomycin Cream Cures Cutaneous LeishmaniasisParomomycin Cream Cures Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Paromomycin (15%) cream, with or without gentamicin, clears ulcerative lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis significantly better than vehicle control without adding significant adverse effects. Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - February 7, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases News Source Type: news

Unique peptide could treat neurological disorders and infectious diseases
Scientists have synthesized a peptide that shows potential for pharmaceutical development into agents for treating infections and neurodegenerative disorders.
Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center News - February 7, 2013 Category: Hospital Management Source Type: news

Unique peptide has therapeutic potential against cancers, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases
Scientists have synthesized a peptide that shows potential for pharmaceutical development into agents for treating infections, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer through an ability to induce a cell-recycling process called autophagy.
Source: ScienceDaily Headlines - February 7, 2013 Category: Science Source Type: news

South Africa: New Groundbreakers Help Educate, Develop Youth
[Health-e]Bethlehem -Lovelife, the HIV prevention initiative for young people, recently trained 85 new Community Groundbreakers for 2013 in the Free State. The training, held at the Thaba Nchu, Black Mountain Hotel in the Free State, began on 22 January and ended on 1 February.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

South Africa: Fear Over Malaria Increase in Vhembe
[Health-e]Vhembe -The district municipality in this northern region of Limpopo recently raised concern about the high incidence of malaria in the area.
Source: AllAfrica News: Malaria - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Nigeria: JISACA Trains PLWHA in Skills Acquisition
[Vanguard]Dutse -Jigawa State Agency for the control of AIDs (JISACA) said about 50 under privilege people living with HIV/AIDs in the state especially women benefited from the skill acquisition training of the Agency last year.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Uganda: Compulsory HIV Testing Starts
[New Vision]All people who seek treatment in public health centres across the country will undergo mandatory HIV testing under a plan to increase access to HIV prevention and treatment, the health ministry has said.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Health Risk To Tourists From Contact With Captive Sea Turtles
Tourists coming into contact with sea turtles at holiday attractions face a risk of health problems, according to research published by JRSM Short Reports. Encountering free-living sea turtles in nature is quite safe, but contact with wild-caught and captive-housed sea turtles, typically through handling turtles in confined pools or through consuming turtle products, carries the risk of exposure to toxic contaminants and to zoonotic (animal to human) pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - February 7, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news

Uganda: Uganda Launches Mandatory HIV Testing
[New Vision]All people who seek treatment in public health centres across the country will undergo mandatory HIV testing under a new plan to increase access to HIV prevention and treatment, the health ministry has announced.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

South Africa: Will Lentegeur's Hospice Be Closed?
[GroundUp]St Lukes Hospice in Lentegeur Hospital in Mitchells Plain has received notice that it will be closed. The hospice is a separate building on the hospital grounds. The provincial health department intends to replace the hospice's services in a ward in the hospital itself.
Source: AllAfrica News: Tuberculosis - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

South Africa: Study Aims to Close the HIV Tap
[Health-e]A massive population-based study launched in the Western Cape and Zambia yesterday is aiming to answer the critical question whether testing large populations for HIV and immediately starting those infected on effective antiretroviral treatment programmes, could close the tap on new infections.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Nigeria: In 2013, NGOs Must Return to the Trenches (IV)
[Vanguard]Obiagwu concludes this week, this article on why the human rights community must go back to the trenches.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Some Whooping Cough Strains Now Outsmarting Vaccine
Title: Some Whooping Cough Strains Now Outsmarting VaccineCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/6/2013 6:36:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/7/2013 12:00:00 AM
Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Zambia: 'More Measures Needed to Fight HIV/Aids'
[Times of Zambia]ZAMBIA needs more aggressive HIV/AIDS preventive measures to drive meaningful progress in the fight against the pandemic, Vice-President Guy Scott has said.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Kenya: Guarantee HIV Treatment During and After the Polls
[The Star]Great progress has been made in improving the quality and coverage of Kenya's health system in recent years.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Multi-drug resistant organisms in a routine ward environment: differential propensity for environmental dissemination and implications for infection control.
Abstract Multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) pose significant infection control challenges in settings with high prevalence and limited isolation facilities. This observational study in an 800-bed hospital determined the prevalence, bacterial density and genetic relatedness of MDROs isolated from ward surfaces, medical devices and hands of healthcare professionals. Targeted MDROs were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and carbapenem-resistant (CR) Acinetobacter bauman...
Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology - February 7, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Tan TY, Tan JS, Tay HY, Chua GH, Ng LS, Syahidah N Tags: J Med Microbiol Source Type: research

Phylogenetic relationships among members of the Fusarium solani species complex in human infections and the descriptions of F. keratoplasticum sp. nov. and F. petroliphilum stat. nov.
Abstract Fusarium species are frequently associated with mycotic keratitis and, to a lesser extent, cases of localized and disseminated infections. The Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) is the most common group of fusaria associated with human infectious diseases. Several studies to date have revealed dozens of strongly supported phylogenetic species within this important evolutionary clade, though little work has been done to improve the taxonomy and understanding of the reproductive mode and phenotypes of the predominant clinically relevant species. Here we described Fusarium keratoplasticum sp. nov.,and Fus...
Source: Fungal Genetics and Biology - February 7, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: Short DP, O'Donnell K, Thrane U, Nielsen KF, Zhang N, Juba JH, Geiser DM Tags: Fungal Genet Biol Source Type: research

A cross-sectional study to estimate high-risk human papillomavirus prevalence and type distribution in Italian women aged 18¿26¿years
Conclusion: HR-HPV prevalence in Italian women aged 18--26 years was 19%, higher than what detected for older women, by other studies using the same molecular method and laboratory network; this result supports the choice of electing girls before the sexual debut as the primary target of HPV vaccination. The HPV type distribution found in this study may represent a baseline picture; an accurate post-vaccine surveillance is necessary to early detect a possible genotype replacement. The high prevalence of viral types other than vaccine-HPV types supports the necessity to guarantee the progression of CC screening programmes in vaccinated women.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Cristina GiambiSerena DonatiFrancesca CarozziStefania SalmasoSilvia DeclichMarta L Ciofi degli AttiGuglielmo RoncoMaria AlibrandiSilvia BrezziNatalina CollinaDaniela FranchiAmedeo LattanziMaria MinnaRoberto NanniniElena BarrettaElena BurroniAnna Gillio-To Source Type: research

Peptide inhibitors against herpes simplex virus infections.
Abstract Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a significant human pathogen causing mucocutaneous lesions primarily in the oral or genital mucosa. Although acyclovir (ACV) and related nucleoside analogs provide successful treatment, HSV remains highly prevalent worldwide and is a major cofactor for the spread of human immunodeficiency virus. Encephalitis, meningitis, and blinding keratitis are among the most severe diseases caused by HSV. ACV resistance poses an important problem for immunocompromised patients and highlights the need for new safe and effective agents; therefore, the development of novel strategies to eradi...
Source: Herpes - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Galdiero S, Falanga A, Tarallo R, Russo L, Galdiero E, Cantisani M, Morelli G, Galdiero M Tags: J Pept Sci Source Type: research

Absence of CCR5 increases neutrophil recruitment in severe herpetic encephalitis.
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the absence of CCR5 may boost the immune response with a high neutrophil recruitment which most likely helps in viral clearance. Nonetheless, the elevated immune response may be detrimental to the host. PMID: 23391218 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Herpes - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Vilela MC, Lima GK, Rodrigues DH, Lacerda-Queiroz N, Pedroso VS, Miranda AS, Rachid MA, Kroon EG, Campos MA, Teixeira MM, Sellner J, Teixeira AL Tags: BMC Neurosci Source Type: research

Surveillance system can identify and track emerging infectious diseases
(Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health) A team of researchers developed a method to identify the cause of infectious disease outbreaks based on online reports about the symptoms, the season, and the ratio of cases to fatalities. Using data from the Internet outbreak reporting system ProMED-mail, the researchers applied this method to more than 100 outbreaks of encephalitis in South Asia, recently identified as an emerging infectious disease "hotspot," to determine which of 10 infectious diseases was causing symptoms of encephalitis
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - February 7, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

A cross-sectional study to estimate high-risk human papillomavirus prevalence and type distribution in Italian women aged 18--26 years
Conclusion: HR-HPV prevalence in Italian women aged 18--26 years was 19%, higher than what detected for older women, by other studies using the same molecular method and laboratory network; this result supports the choice of electing girls before the sexual debut as the primary target of HPV vaccination. The HPV type distribution found in this study may represent a baseline picture; an accurate post-vaccine surveillance is necessary to early detect a possible genotype replacement. The high prevalence of viral types other than vaccine-HPV types supports the necessity to guarantee the progression of CC screening programmes in vaccinated women.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Cristina GiambiSerena DonatiFrancesca CarozziStefania SalmasoSilvia DeclichMarta AttiGuglielmo RoncoMaria AlibrandiSilvia BrezziNatalina CollinaDaniela FranchiAmedeo LattanziMaria MinnaRoberto NanniniElena BarrettaElena BurroniAnna Gillio-TosVincenzo Maca Source Type: research

Inclusion of the benefits of enhanced cross-protection against cervical cancer and prevention of genital warts in the cost-effectiveness analysis of human papillomavirus vaccination in the Netherlands
Conclusions: Clearly, HPV vaccination has been implemented for the prevention of cervical cancer. From this perspective, use of the bivalent HPV vaccine appears to be most effective and cost-effective. Including the benefits of prevention against genital warts, the ICER of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine was found to be slightly more favourable. However, current decision-making on the introduction of HPV is driven by the primary cervical cancer outcome. New vaccine tenders could consider the benefits of cross-protection and the benefits of genital warts, which requires more balanced decision-making.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tjalke WestraIrina Stirbu-WagnerSara DorsmanEric TutuhatunewaEdwin de VrijHans NijmanToos DaemenJan WilschutMaarten Postma Source Type: research

Healthcare workers and prevention of hepatitis C virus transmission: exploring knowledge, attitudes and evidence-based practices in hemodialysis units in Italy
Conclusions: Behavior changes should be aimed at abandoning outdated practices and adopting and maintaining evidence-based practices. Initiatives focused at enabling and reinforcing adherence to effective prevention practices among nurses in HDU are strongly needed.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Aida BiancoFrancesca BovaCarmelo NobileClaudia PileggiMaria Pavia Source Type: research

FDA Updates Darunavir Tablet and Oral Suspension Labeling with Pediatric Dosing Information
“On February 1, 2013, FDA approved revisions to the Prezista (darunavir) tablet and oral suspension label to include once daily dosing in treatment-naïve subjects 3 to less than 18 years of age and once daily dosing in treatment-experienced subjects 3 to less than 18 years of age with no darunavir resistance associated substitutions.” The updated labeling will be available at the FDA website. More information is available: FDA: Press release AIDSinfo: Darunavir (Prezista) patient drug summary
Source: AIDSinfo At-a-Glance: Offering Information on HIV/AIDS Treatment, Prevention, and Research, A Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Explore the Updated AIDSinfo and infoSIDA Mobile Sites
Check out our updated AIDSinfo and infoSIDA mobile sites! Updates include the following: New design that evokes the look and feel of an app Reorganized content to match the display on the redesigned AIDSinfo and infoSIDA websites Improved navigation to make information easier to access Addition of the news section and e-newsletter sign-up page Improved access to Facebook and Twitter links Addition of a home page image slideshow to highlight new and updated website content Improved search engine optimization (SEO) to make it easier for Google and other search engines to index content on the sites We w...
Source: AIDSinfo At-a-Glance: Offering Information on HIV/AIDS Treatment, Prevention, and Research, A Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
AIDSinfo joins individuals and organizations across the nation in observing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The awareness day is set aside each year to acknowledge the disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS in the African-American community. In 2009, according to CDC, African Americans represented 14% of the U.S. population but accounted for 44% of all new HIV infections. To learn more about HIV/AIDS and African Americans, please explore our National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day webpage [en español].
Source: AIDSinfo At-a-Glance: Offering Information on HIV/AIDS Treatment, Prevention, and Research, A Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news

Evaluation of a rapid colorimetric field test to assess the effective life of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets in the Lao PDR
Monitoring of available insecticides on the net surface is essential for determining the effective life of the net. A rapid and inexpensive colorimetric field test for cyanopyrethroids was used to measure surface levels of deltamethrin on insecticide-coated polyester nets in rural Lao PDR over a two-year period.
Source: Malaria Journal - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Michael GreenMayfong MayxayRay BeachTiengkham PongvongsaSamlane PhompidaBouasy HongvanthongViengxay VanisavethPaul NewtonLucrecia VizcainoIsabel Swamidoss Source Type: research

High mortality of pneumonia in cirrhotic patients with ascites
Conclusion: Infectious diseases increased 30-day and 90-day mortality of cirrhotic patients with ascites. Among all infectious diseases identified, pneumonia carried the highest risk for mortality.
Source: BMC Gastroenterology - February 7, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tsung-Hsing HungChih-Wei TsengYu-Hsi HsiehKuo-Chih TsengChih-Chun TsaiChen-Chi Tsai Source Type: research

Activity of ceftaroline against extracellular (broth) and intracellular (THP-1 monocytes) forms of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: comparison with vancomycin, linezolid and daptomycin
Conclusion In vitro, ceftaroline controls the growth of intracellular MRSA to an extent similar to that of vancomycin, linezolid and daptomycin for strains with a ceftaroline MIC ≤2 mg/L.
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - February 7, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Melard, A., Garcia, L. G., Das, D., Rozenberg, R., Tulkens, P. M., Van Bambeke, F., Lemaire, S. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

The 2012 Garrod Lecture: Discovery of antibacterial drugs in the 21st century
The discovery and development of antibacterial drugs in the twentieth century were major scientific and medical achievements that have had profound benefits for human society. However, in the twenty-first century the widespread global occurrence of bacteria resistant to the antibiotics and synthetic drugs discovered in the previous century threatens to reverse our ability to treat infectious diseases. Although some new drugs are in development they do not adequately cover growing medical needs. Furthermore, these drugs are mostly derivatives of older classes already in use and therefore prone to existing bacterial resistan...
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - February 7, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Chopra, I. Tags: Garrod Lecture Source Type: research

New study highlights Chagas disease as a growing health and socio-economic challenge
(Sabin Vaccine Institute) Today, The Lancet Infectious Diseases published a new report that examines the global economic burden of Chagas disease. In the first study of its kind, researchers measured the health and economic impact of Chagas disease and found that the total economic burden of Chagas disease matches or exceeds that of many more well-known diseases such as rotavirus, Lyme disease and cervical cancer.
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - February 7, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Tracking and visualization of space-time activities for a micro-scale flu transmission study
Conclusions: This study proved that tracking technology an effective technique for obtaining data for micro-scale influenza transmission research. The findings revealed micro-scale transmission hotspots on a university campus and provided insights for local control and prevention strategies.
Source: International Journal of Health Geographics - February 7, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Feng QiFei Du Source Type: research

Unique peptide could treat cancers, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases
(UT Southwestern Medical Center) UT Southwestern scientists have synthesized a peptide that shows potential for pharmaceutical development into agents for treating infections, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer through an ability to induce a cell-recycling process called autophagy.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - February 7, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan contributes to the diagnosis and management of brucellar spondylodiskitis
Conclusions: Our study suggests that in patients with brucellar spondylodiskitis F-18 FDG PET/CT scan can provide additional information on the spread of the infection, compared to MRI. Successful treatment is associated with a significant decrease in SUVmax values; thus, PET/CT scan may be a complementary method for determining the efficacy of treatment.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Savvas IoannouSofia ChatziioannouSpiros PneumaticosAlexandra ZormpalaNikolaos Sipsas Source Type: research

Successful malaria elimination strategies require interventions that target changing vector behaviours
Behavioural resistance is less frequently than physiological resistance, but is potentially more challenging to malaria control programmes because the intervention effectiveness cannot be restored by an insecticide rotation.
Source: Malaria Journal - February 7, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tanya RussellNigel BeebeRobert CooperNeil LoboThomas Burkot Source Type: research

Rwanda: Officials Dismiss Report of Fake Tuberculosis Drugs
[New Times]Health officials have dismissed allegations that Rwanda is among the many countries named in a survey conducted by a group of investigators as having fake Tuberculosis drugs in the pharmacies.
Source: AllAfrica News: Tuberculosis - February 6, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news