Infectious Diseases 
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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 29.
Flawed Hospital Infection Surveillance System
Patients recovering from surgery get infections far more often than is being reported, a new study led by De Montfort University has found. Infection prevention specialists are now calling on the Department of Health to bring in a clear and standardised system for hospitals to try to identify the true scale of surgical infections. They say a study of the way in which NHS hospital trusts in England has shown "worrying inconsistencies" between hospitals in how they defined surgical site infections and how rigorously they looked for them...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 16, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news
Understanding The Sex Life Of The Penicillin-Producing Fungus Could Make It More Productive
New and more effective strains of the fungus used to produce penicillin could be developed after a team of international scientists unearthed the secret sex life of Sir Alexander Fleming's fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (P. chrysogenum). The scientists from The University of Nottingham, Ruhr-University Bochum, The University of Göttingen, and Sandoz GmbH have announced a major breakthrough in our understanding of the sex life of the fungus P. chrysogenum...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 16, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news
Immunity and the emergence of virulent pathogens.
Abstract
The emergence/re-emergence of infectious diseases has been one of the major concerns for human and wildlife health. In spite of the medical and veterinary progresses as to prevent and cure infectious diseases, during the last decades we have witnessed the emergence/re-emergence of virulent pathogens that pose a threat to humans and wildlife. Many factors that might drive the emergence of these novel pathogens have been identified and several reviews have been published on this topic in the last years. Among the most cited and recognized drivers of pathogen emergence are climate change, habitat destruction,...
Source: Infection, Genetics and Evolution - January 16, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Sorci G, Cornet S, Faivre B Tags: Infect Genet Evol Source Type: research
Bacteriophage Therapy in Implant-Related Infections: An Experimental Study.
CONCLUSIONS: The addition of bacteriophage treatment to an appropriate antibiotic regimen helped to dissolve the biofilm of both types of bacteria studied. This effect on MRSA was more pronounced than that on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The addition of bacteriophage therapy to a standard antibiotic regimen may represent a valuable adjunct for eradicating implant-related infections.
PMID: 23324958 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American volume - January 16, 2013 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Yilmaz C, Colak M, Yilmaz BC, Ersoz G, Kutateladze M, Gozlugol M Tags: J Bone Joint Surg Am Source Type: research
[Results from the 2012 Paediatric National Survey on Empirical Use of Antibiotics in Children in Spain (ABES Study).]
CONCLUSIONS: Spanish paediatricians mainly select empirical antibiotics in accordance with current guidelines. However, there are features that could be improved in our country. The preparing and implementation of national consensus documents on the management of paediatric infectious diseases should be continued. We propose to regularly perform these kinds of surveys, including real prescription studies, and to also extend it to other paediatric specialities, in order to promote appropriateness of use of all the paediatric drugs in our country.
PMID: 23333197 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Anales de Pediatria - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Piñeiro Pérez R, Calvo Rey C, Medina Claros AF, Bravo Acuña J, Cabrera García L, Fernández-Llamazares CM, Mellado Peña MJ Tags: An Pediatr (Barc) Source Type: research
The dynamic influence of commensal bacteria on the immune response to pathogens.
Abstract
Alterations in the composition of commensal bacterial communities are associated with enhanced susceptibility to multiple inflammatory, allergic, metabolic and infectious diseases in humans. In the context of infection, commensal bacteria-derived signals can influence the host immune response to invasive pathogens by acting as an adjuvant to boost the immune response to infection or by providing tonic stimulation to induce basal expression of factors required for host defense. Conversely, some pathogens have evolved mechanisms that can utilize commensal bacteria to establish a replicative advantage within ...
Source: Current Opinion in Microbiology - January 16, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Abt MC, Artis D Tags: Curr Opin Microbiol Source Type: research
Functional Modularity of the Arginine Catabolic Mobile Element Contributes to the Success of USA300 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Abstract
The USA300 community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) lineage causes the majority of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and is highly associated with the carriage of the arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME). However, the contribution of ACME to USA300's success in SSTIs is not completely understood. We show that the constitutive ACME-encoded arginine-deiminase system (Arc) allows USA300 to thrive in acidic environments that mimic human skin. Consequently, the ACME-Arc system drives excessive production of host polyamines, compounds uniquely toxic to S. aureus. To ...
Source: Cell Host and Microbe - January 16, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Thurlow LR, Joshi GS, Clark JR, Spontak JS, Neely CJ, Maile R, Richardson AR Tags: Cell Host Microbe Source Type: research
A Path‐Specific SEIR Model for use with General Latent and Infectious Time Distributions
Summary.
Most current Bayesian SEIR (Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, Removed (or Recovered)) models either use exponentially distributed latent and infectious periods, allow for a single distribution on the latent and infectious period, or make strong assumptions regarding the quantity of information available regarding time distributions, particularly the time spent in the exposed compartment. Many infectious diseases require a more realistic assumption on the latent and infectious periods. In this article, we provide an alternative model allowing general distributions to be utilized for both the exposed and infectio...
Source: Biometrics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Aaron T. Porter, Jacob J. Oleson Source Type: research
Debate around infection-dependent hemophagocytic syndrome in paediatrics
DiscussionInfection-dependent HPS has been widely observed, but there are no data concerning its incidence in children. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of HPS may clarify the interactions between the immune system and the variously implicated potential infectious agents. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been prominently associated with HPS, with clonal proliferation and the hyperactivation of EBV-infected T cells. However, a number of other viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections have been reported in association with HPS. In the case of low-risk HPS, corticosteroids and/or intravenous immuno...
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - January 16, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Valentina AnsuiniDonato RiganteSusanna Esposito Source Type: research
Hyperparasitaemia during bouts of malaria in French Guiana
This paper describes the frequency of hyperparasitemia in a French Guiana hospital. Of particular interest are a case of vivax malaria with a parasitaemia of 6.5% and a falciparum malaria case with a parasitaemia of 75%.
Source: Malaria Journal - January 16, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Bernard CarmeMagalie Demar Source Type: research
Could probiotics help HIV patients?
(Journal of Clinical Investigation) In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers led by Jason Brenchley at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, demonstrated that probiotic supplementation improved gut immune function in SIV-infected macaques.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - January 16, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
H1N1 flu shots are safe for pregnant women
(NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) Norwegian pregnant women who received a vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus showed no increased risk of pregnancy loss, while pregnant women who experienced influenza during pregnancy had an increased risk of miscarriages and still births, a study has found. The study suggests that influenza infection may increase the risk of fetal loss.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - January 16, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
Recent study suggests bats are reservoir for ebola virus in Bangladesh
(EcoHealth Alliance) EcoHealth Alliance, a nonprofit organization that focuses on local conservation and global health issues, released new research on Ebola virus in fruit bats in the peer reviewed journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - January 16, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news
Isoniazid prophylaxis started at 3-4 months of life does not prevent tuberculosis disease or infection in both HIV-infected and uninfected children
Setting: South Africa and Botswana Patients: The study looked at infants who were born to HIV-infected women. To be included in the study, the infants had to be between 91 and 120 days of life, not infected with or exposed to a case of tuberculosis, without other chronic illness, or immunosuppressed from an infection other than HIV. A total of 1351 children were included in the analysis and were split into two groups based on their HIV status after testing: HIV positive and HIV negative (table 1). Intervention: The infants in both groups were randomly assigned to receive either isoniazid at a daily dose of 10–20...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Iro, M. A., Brown, N. Tags: Epidemiologic studies, Immunology (including allergy), Drugs: infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, Child health, Infant health, Sexual health Structured abstracts of sentinel articles: Picket Source Type: research
Dermatophile answers
ANSWERS From questions on page 16. ANSWER TO QUESTION 1 Answer is C, Linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) dermatosis is an autoimmune subepidermal vesiculobullous disease of children (chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood) and adults. It is the most common acquired blistering disease in the paediatric population and can appear as early as 6 months of age.1 Vesicles and bullae are usually arranged in an annular manner described as the ‘cluster of jewels’ appearance. Lesions in children occur mostly on the lower abdomen and anogenital areas with frequent oral and ocular involvement. Blood tests show antibodies di...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Chattopadhyay, M., Burrows, N. P. Tags: Surgery, Eye Diseases, Epidemiologic studies, Immunology (including allergy), Drugs: infectious diseases, Infection (neurology), Ophthalmology, Pathology, Radiology, Sexual health, Dermatology, Surgical diagnostic tests, Clinical diagnostic tests, Poisoni Source Type: research
How to use Helicobacter pylori testing in paediatric practice
Introduction Helicobacter pylori is a slowly growing, gram negative microaerophilic bacterium that colonises the gastric mucosa. Cross-sectional epidemiological studies from both developed and developing countries suggest that the prevalence of H. pylori infection worldwide is declining, and may even be less than 10% in ‘westernised’ countries.1 2 H. pylori infection is acquired during the first decade of life and infection usually persists without treatment. Spontaneous clearance has been reported, although co-incidental antibiotic exposure may influence such ‘clearance’. H. pylori is the causative...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Crowley, E., Bourke, B., Hussey, S. Tags: Oncology, Surgery, Stomach and duodenum, Immunology (including allergy), Drugs: infectious diseases, Pain (neurology), Childhood nutrition, Childhood nutrition (paediatrics), Surgical diagnostic tests, Screening (epidemiology), Screening (public health) Source Type: research
Paediatric bullous dermatoses
Answers to the following quiz questions can be found on page 31. QUESTION 1 Case 1: A 13-month-old boy presented with multiple pruritic tense blisters on the lower abdomen, lower extremities, groin, perineum and perioral areas for the past 1 week. There was no family history of skin disease, and no history of recent upper respiratory tract infections or drug intake prior to the onset of blistering. Physical examination revealed annular erythema with circumferential vesicles and blisters giving a ‘cluster of jewels’ appearance. There was no mucosal involvement. What is the diagnosis? Select one best answer ...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Chattopadhyay, M., Burrows, N. P. Tags: Immunology (including allergy), Drugs: infectious diseases, TB and other respiratory infections, Epilepsy and seizures, Child health, Dermatology, Poisoning, Trauma, Occupational and environmental medicine, Injury Dermatophile Source Type: research
The treatment of imported malaria in children: an update
Since the 2010 publication in this journal of a review of the management of imported malaria for UK children, new evidence for the treatment of both severe and uncomplicated malaria has been published. This review discusses these new data and expands the scope of the previous review to include non-endemic countries outside of the UK. The results of the AQUAMAT trial in late 2010 and other studies have prompted the WHO to recommend that intravenous artesunate be used preferentially over quinine for the treatment of severe malaria caused by any Plasmodium species in both adults and children. Oral artemisinin-based combinatio...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Kiang, K. M., Bryant, P. A., Shingadia, D., Ladhani, S., Steer, A. C., Burgner, D. Tags: Drugs: infectious diseases, Travel medicine, Tropical medicine (infectious diseases) Best practice Source Type: research
Highlights from this issue
There's a good organic to non-organic spectrum in this month's edition of Education and Practice. In a break from our normal disease based format, Lopez, Howells and Lindsay describe a very interesting evolving situation under the Problem Solving in Clinical Practice banner. They describe a little of the medicinal treatment required for a young person who has taken an overdose of paracetamol (acetaminophen), but most of the article deals with the sequence of events required in order to safely, legally and ethically care for a young person in distress and refusing treatment. While some parts of such a paper will inevitably ...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Wacogne, I. D. Tags: Clinical trials (epidemiology), Travel medicine, Tropical medicine (infectious diseases), Neurological injury, Pain (neurology), Child health, Poisoning, Trauma, Diabetes, Medical humanities, Occupational and environmental medicine, Human rights, Injury Source Type: research
Evaluation of intravenous voriconazole in patients with compromised renal function
Conclusions:
Treatment of fungal infections in patients with compromised renal function with an SBECD-containing antifungal agent was not associated with AKI in clinical practice. Since the infecting organism was associated with AKI, decision on which antifungal to use should be determined by susceptibilities to the organism and not the incorporation of SBECD in the IV formulation.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - January 16, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Craig LillyVerna WelchThomas MayerPaul RanauroJoanne MeisnerDavid Luke Source Type: research
Multivariable analysis of host amino acids in plasma and liver during infection of malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii
Plasmodium yoelii infection caused drastic change of plasma and liver aminogram, and altered intra- and inter-correlation of amino acid concentration in plasma and liver.
Source: Malaria Journal - January 16, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Erisha SaikiKenji NagaoHiroka AonumaShinya FukumotoXuenan XuanMakoto BannaiHirotaka Kanuka Source Type: research
Institute of Medicine report details for monitoring safety of childhood immunization schedule
(University of Michigan) A review of the available evidence underscores the safety of the federal childhood immunization schedule, according to a report released today by the Institute of Medicine. University of Michigan population ecologist Pejman Rohani served on the 13-person committee that wrote the report.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - January 16, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Number and Responses to Toll-Like Receptor 7 and 9 Agonists Vary in HIV Type 1-Infected Individuals in Relation to Clinical State
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: article Source Type: research
The Use of Intravenous Colistin Among Children in the USThe Use of Intravenous Colistin Among Children in the US
How safe and effective is the use of colistin in children? The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pediatrics Journal Article Source Type: news
Argos Therapeutics Enrolls Initial Patients in Pivotal Phase 3 ADAPT Study
Argos Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of fully personalized immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases using its Arcelis™ technology platform, announced that the first patients have been enrolled in the ADAPT Phase 3 clinical study for AGS-003, its most advanced product candidate.01/15/2013
Source: Kidney Cancer Association - January 15, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news
FDA Clears Novel Test for Infectious Gastroenteritis FDA Clears Novel Test for Infectious Gastroenteritis
The test simultaneously detects multiple gastrointestinal pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are common causes of infectious gastroenteritis. FDA Approvals
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases News Alert Source Type: news
Reported US Pediatric Flu Deaths Increase To 38
The commentary discusses jump in reported United States pediatric flu deaths to 38. (01/15/13 01:30)
Source: Recombinomics - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
Cameroon: China to Support Cameroon's Anti-Malaria Fight
[Cameroon Tribune]The Minister of Health of the People's Republic of China, Chen Zhu, on January 14, 2013 stated the readiness of China to assist Cameroon in the fight against malaria as well as strengthen health policies in order to attain the Millennium Development Goals.
Source: AllAfrica News: Malaria - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
CDC Influenza Update for Pediatricians
2012-2013 Influenza Season, Impact on Children, Summary Guidance
Source: CDC Flu updates - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
CDC Information for Pharmacists 2012-2013 Influenza Season
2012-2013 Influenza Season
Source: CDC Flu updates - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
What Science Should We Fund? Questioning New Policy on H5N1 Gain-of-Function Research
[caption id="attachment_5355" align="alignleft" width="316" caption="Terrence Tumpey, whose team reconstructed the extinct 1918 "Spanish Flu" virus. Cutting edge influenza research has generated controversy, with some claiming that the benefits of creating new (or resurrecting old) viruses are outweighed by the risks of an accidental or intentionally caused pandemic. Source: CDC"] [/caption]Science can be risky business, but it is important to know what those risks are. It is established wisdom that we need to experiment on viruses, for example, to better defend against emerging infectious diseases. But there is a fine li...
Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed - January 15, 2013 Category: Science Tags: Health,More Science Source Type: research
How the stink of a waterbuck could prevent sleeping sickness in Kenya | Laila Ali
A collar worn by livestock containing animal odour repellent to the tsetse fly could transform the lives of farmers in KenyaThe tsetse fly, found in 37 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, can be a curse for smallholder farmers and their families. The flies carry the trypanosome parasite that can cause sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in livestock. But a group of scientists in Nairobi is developing a powerful insect repellent using the stench of waterbucks, a type of large antelope.About two-thirds of Africa's population depend on small-scale agriculture, many of whom are livestock farmers. For these farmers, tsetse flie...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - January 15, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Laila Ali Tags: Farming World news Infectious diseases Pastoralism Kenya guardian.co.uk Medical research Features Animals Global development Environment Africa Agriculture Science Source Type: news
Nigeria: How to Spot Fake Cure Claims
[Vanguard]Who makes the claims?
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
Angola: HIV/Aids Prevention Project Presented
[ANGOP]Luanda -A project dubbed Proactive was presented on Monday here by the Population Services International (PSI), meant to prevent, strengthening g and mobilizing the society on the HIV/AIDS risks in Angola, Angop has learnt.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
Tanzania: HIV/Aids Infections Drop in Kagera
[Daily News]Bukoba -HIV/Aids infections in Kagera region have dropped from 3.7 per cent to 3.4 last year due to concerted efforts to control the pandemic, the Kagera Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Fabian Massawe said.
Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
New therapy of pleural empyema by deoxyribonuclease.
We report two cases of intrapleural administration of Pulmozyme (alfa dornase - deoxyribonuclease (HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE AG) in dosage 2×2.5mg with a significant improvement caused by changes in pus viscosity.
PMID: 23332886 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Braz J Infect Dis - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Kacprzak G, Majewski A, Kolodziej J, Rzechonek A, Gürlich R, Bobek V Tags: Braz J Infect Dis Source Type: research
Pott abscess mimicking aortic aneurysm in chest X-ray.
PMID: 23332887 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Braz J Infect Dis - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Akkoyunlu Y, Aslan T, Akkoyunlu ME Tags: Braz J Infect Dis Source Type: research
The risks of targeting co-inhibitory pathways to modulate pathogen-directed T cell responses.
Abstract
The identification of T cell co-inhibition as a central mechanism in the regulation of adaptive immunity during infectious diseases provides new opportunities for immunotherapeutic interventions. However, the fact that T cell activity is frequently downregulated during pathogen-directed responses suggests a pivotal physiological role of co-inhibitory pathways during infectious disease. Reports of exacerbated immunopathology in conditions of impaired co-inhibition foster the view that downregulation of T cell activity is an essential negative feedback mechanism that protects from excessive pathogen-directed...
Source: Trends in Immunology - January 15, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Frebel H, Oxenius A Tags: Trends Immunol Source Type: research
Revisiting eukaryotic anti-infective biotherapeutics.
Abstract
Abstract Emerging drug resistance has forced the scientific community to revisit the observational data documented in the folklore and come up with novel and effective alternatives. Candidates from eukaryotic origin including herbal products and antimicrobial peptides are finding a strategic place in the therapeutic armamentarium against infectious diseases. These agents have recently gained interest owing to their versatile applications. Present review encompasses the use of these alternative strategies in their native or designer form, alone or in conjunction with antibiotics, as possible remedial measu...
Source: Critical Reviews in Microbiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Rishi P, Singh AP, Arora S, Garg N, Kaur IP Tags: Crit Rev Microbiol Source Type: research
Economic savings versus health losses: the cost-effectiveness of generic antiretroviral therapy in the United States.
CONCLUSION: Compared with a slightly less effective generic-based regimen, the cost-effectiveness of first-line branded ART exceeds $100 000/QALY. Generic-based ART in the United States could yield substantial budgetary savings to HIV programs.
PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
PMID: 23318310 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Walensky RP, Sax PE, Nakamura YM, Weinstein MC, Pei PP, Freedberg KA, Paltiel AD, Schackman BR Tags: Ann Intern Med Source Type: research
Risk of pneumonia and pneumococcal disease in people with severe mental illness: English record linkage studies
Conclusions
Severe mental illness is a risk factor for lobar pneumonia, pneumococcal pneumonia, pneumococcal septicaemia and meningitis. Possible explanations for the elevated risk include factors relating to lifestyle and health-risk activities. If our findings are replicated elsewhere, there would be a case for considering routine pneumococcal immunisation for people with severe mental illness.
Source: Thorax - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Seminog, O. O., Goldacre, M. J. Tags: Pneumonia (infectious disease), TB and other respiratory infections, Vaccination / immunisation, Pneumonia (respiratory medicine) Respiratory epidemiology Source Type: research
The impact of benzodiazepines on occurrence of pneumonia and mortality from pneumonia: a nested case-control and survival analysis in a population-based cohort
Conclusions
Benzodiazepines were associated with an increased risk of, and mortality from, CAP. These hypothesis generating data suggest further research is required into the immune safety profile of benzodiazepines.
Source: Thorax - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Obiora, E., Hubbard, R., Sanders, R. D., Myles, P. R. Tags: Epidemiologic studies, General practice / family medicine, Pneumonia (infectious disease), TB and other respiratory infections, Pneumonia (respiratory medicine) Respiratory epidemiology Source Type: research
TNF{alpha} antagonists for acute exacerbations of COPD: a randomised double-blind controlled trial
Conclusions
Etanercept was not more effective than prednisone for treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD. Efficacy of prednisone was most apparent in patients who presented with serum eosinophils >2%.
Clinical Trials
gov number NCT 00789997.
Source: Thorax - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Aaron, S. D., Vandemheen, K. L., Maltais, F., Field, S. K., Sin, D. D., Bourbeau, J., Marciniuk, D. D., FitzGerald, J. M., Nair, P., Mallick, R. Tags: Clinical trials (epidemiology), Drugs: infectious diseases Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Source Type: research
Co-trimoxazole for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: time for TIPAC-2?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease with an average life expectancy from diagnosis of 2.5 years with 5 year survival of between 20% and 40%. Currently there are no therapies proven to reduce mortality and only one drug, pirfenidone, is licensed for use in Europe that may slow the progression of the disease. Cleary developing effective therapy for IPF is a major unmet health need. Shulgina et al present the results of TIPAC- a randomised placebo controlled trial of co-trimoxazole in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease.1 This was a National Institute for Health Research, Resear...
Source: Thorax - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Mujakperuo, H., McGrath, E. E., Thickett, D. R. Tags: Clinical trials (epidemiology), Epidemiologic studies, Drugs: infectious diseases, TB and other respiratory infections, Inflammation, Airway biology, Interstitial lung disease, Lung function Editorials Source Type: research
Weighing up risk factors for pneumonia: the role of mental illness and benzodiazepine use
Pneumonia causes a significant public health burden in the UK in terms of morbidity and mortality. Historically, the annual incidence of community acquired pneumonia has been reported to be between 5 and 11 per 1000 adult population,1–3 estimated more recently to be between 207 and 233 per 100 000 in England.4 In 2010, influenza and pneumonia were responsible for 4.5% of all male deaths, and 5.8% of all female deaths ranking them 5th and 4th in terms of causes of mortality in men and women respectively in England and Wales.5 With such a huge mortality burden, it is important to identify modifiable risk factors t...
Source: Thorax - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Quint, J. K., Brown, J. S. Tags: Epidemiologic studies, Drugs: infectious diseases, Influenza, Pneumonia (infectious disease), TB and other respiratory infections, Vaccination / immunisation, Child health, Inflammation, Pneumonia (respiratory medicine), Health education, Smoking, Tobacco Source Type: research
SMC accepts ceftaroline fosamil (ZinforoT) for restricted use for adults with complicated skin and soft tissue infections
Source: Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC)
Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews
The Scottish Medicines Consortium has accepted ceftaroline fosamil (ZinforoT) for restricted use within NHS Scotland in adults with complicated skin and soft tissue infections.
The SMC restriction applies to use in patients with known or suspected meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in the following settings:
. For Gram-positive only infections where vancomycin IV is inappropriate/has not been tolerated or treatment modification is required; and daptomycin IV or linezolid IV is normally...
Source: NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews - January 15, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news
Community-acquired neonatal and infant sepsis in developing countries: efficacy of WHO's currently recommended antibiotics--systematic review and meta-analysis
Conclusions
The high rate of community-acquired resistant sepsis—especially that caused by Klebsiella spp. and S aureus—is a serious global public health concern. In vitro susceptibility data suggest that third-generation cephalosporins are not more effective in treating sepsis than the currently recommended antibiotics, benzylpenicillin and gentamicin; however, with either regimen a significant proportion of bacteraemia is not covered. Revised recommendations for effective second-line antibiotics in neonatal and infant sepsis in developing countries are urgently needed.
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - January 15, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Downie, L., Armiento, R., Subhi, R., Kelly, J., Clifford, V., Duke, T. Tags: Drugs: infectious diseases Global child health Source Type: research
Bronchial balloon occlusion in children with complex pulmonary air leaks
Pulmonary air leaks in children are most commonly due to infection or barotrauma. While cases of severe barotrauma are falling because of advances in neonatal care, the incidence of necrotising pneumonia is rising. The majority of air leaks can be managed conservatively, but more severe cases pose a significant challenge to the clinician. The use of occlusive endobronchial balloons is an established anaesthetic technique for a number of indications, but is not widely used in children. We conducted a review over a 12-year period, and report six cases of complex air leaks in which balloon occlusion was used. Balloon occlusio...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - January 15, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Hathorn, C., Armitage, N., Wensley, D., Seear, M. Tags: Pneumonia (infectious disease), TB and other respiratory infections, Pneumonia (respiratory medicine), Trauma, Injury Case reports Source Type: research
Combating antibiotic resistance: the war on error
The treatment of an infection is often described in military terms: the war on microbes, the war on infections, or the battle against antimicrobial resistance. We believe the chance of winning the ‘war on antimicrobial resistance’ by escalation is about as likely as the chance of winning the ‘war on terror’. Our war should be against human error, particularly the erroneous belief that new drug discoveries will be the solution to resistance development. We should de-escalate rather than escalate antibiotic use, invest in diagnostics, ensure our hospitals do not act as ‘resistance amplifiers&rsq...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - January 15, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Isaacs, D., Andresen, D. Tags: Molecular genetics, Drugs: infectious diseases Editorials Source Type: research
Expression of M. tuberculosis-induced suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1, SOCS3, FoxP3 and secretion of IL-6 associates with differing clinical severity of tuberculosis
Conclusions:
The lowered SOCS1 mRNA levels in patients with less severe extra-pulmonary TB as compared to those with more severe ETB and PTB may lead to elevated IFN-gamma pathway gene expression in the latter group. As localized ETB has shown to be associated with more effective Th1 immunity and adaptive responses, this suggests a role for SOCS1 in determining disease outcome in extra-pulmonary TB.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - January 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Kiran MasoodMartin RottenbergNaseem SalahuddinMuhammad IrfanNisar RaoBerit CarowMuniba IslamRabia HussainZahra Hasan Source Type: research
