MedWorm: Meningitis

FDA approves new quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine.

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:34:55 +0100

Authors: Thompson CA PMID: 20237372 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP)

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Theme: Acute bacterial meningitis

Emergency Medicine Journal — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:45:06 +0100

(Source: Emergency Medicine Journal)

Theme: Acute bacterial meningitis

Emergency Medicine Journal — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:45:06 +0100

(Source: Emergency Medicine Journal)

Nigeria: South-East Nema Raises Alarm Over Cerebral Meningitis

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:42:34 +0100

Chairperson, FIDA, Imo State, Mrs. Ine Nnadi (second left); wife of Imo State Governor, Mrs. Chioma Ohakim; lawyers, Mrs. A. Chide; and Mrs. Oby Anyikude, from Imo State at the 54th session of the UN Commission on Status of Women (UNCSW) in New York...recently. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Menveo® meningococcal vaccine approved in the EU

NeLM - News — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: PharmaLive Area: News According to PharmaLive, the European Commission has approved Menveo® (Meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine) in all 27 European member states. Menveo® is indicated for the active immunisation of adolescents (from 11 years of age) and adults at risk of exposure to Neisseria meningitidis groups A, C, W135 and Y, to prevent invasive disease. Menveo® is the first conjugate vaccine commercially available in Europe that helps protect against four major groups of meningococcal disease. Novartis intends to submit additional data to the EMEA to support the use of Menveo in other age groups (it is currently in Phase III clinical studies in infants and toddlers). (Source: NeLM - News)

Editorial: Acupuncture transmitted infections

NeLM - News — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ Area: News The authors of this editorial, from the University of Hong Kong, discuss the risk of infections with acupuncture, noting that they are under-diagnosed and therefore clinicians should have a high index of suspicion. As needles are inserted up to several centimetres below the skin, acupuncture may pose an infection risk. So far, over 50 cases of infection with pyogenic bacteria have been described globally; in most cases the bacteria were transmitted from the patient's skin or environment due to inadequate skin disinfection prior to acupuncture. The majority of these cases had musculoskeleal or skin infections (corresponding to the site of insertion); a minority had others, including for example endocarditis and meningitis. 5-10% died from...

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EU approves meningococcal vaccine

Pharmacy Europe — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:11:22 +0100

Swiss drug giant Novartis has won approval from Europe's health regulator for its new meningococcal vaccine following support from US authorities last month. (Source: Pharmacy Europe)

Effectiveness of the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine against invasive pneumococcal disease in people 60 years or older.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These findings confirm the effectiveness of the 23-valent PPV against IPD, and they also support the benefit of vaccination in preventing invasive infections among high-risk and older people. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Large pulmonary cryptococcoma and cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report

Diagnostic Cytopathology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Pulmonary cryptococcoma is a life threatening mycosis and is an unusual disease for immunocompetent individuals. Herein we report a case of large pulmonary cryptococcoma associated with cryptococcal meningitis, presenting radiologically as a lung mass in right upper lobe, in a previously healthy, HIV negative, immunocompetent young individual. Since cryptococcosis continues to be an important infection in HIV negative patients and is associated with substantial overall and cause-specific mortality, the need for consideration of this entity in the differential diagnosis of a lung mass is emphasized. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology)

Happy feet! Toddler takes first steps after losing her toes to meningitis

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:27:30 +0100

Young meningitis sufferer Molly Fisher has taken her first steps since having her toes amputated - thanks to her special 'magic shoes'. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Nigeria: Meningitis Kills 9 in Gombe

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:25:59 +0100

Nine persons have died from cerebrospinal meningitis in Gombe State, the Commissioner of Health Dr. Umar Isa has said. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

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Nigeria: FCT Corps Members Immunised Against Meningitis

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:50:05 +0100

Batch 'A' corps members deployed to the FCT and camped at the FCT NYSC Kubwa Orientation Camp were on Monday immunised against meningitis. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Neonatal seizures in a rural Kenyan District Hospital: aetiology, Incidence and outcome of hospitalization

BMC Medicine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: There is a high incidence of neonatal seizures in this area of Kenya and the most important causes are neonatal encephalopathy and meningitis. The high incidence of neonatal seizures may be a reflection of the quality of the perinatal and postnatal care available to the neonates. (Source: BMC Medicine)

III. Psychose durch Meningitis im Verlaufe einer entzündlichen Genitalerkrankung

Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Monatsschrift für Geburtshilfe und Gynäkologie 1925;68:29-31 (DOI:10.1159/000300391) (Source: Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation)

Hearing Loss After Childhood Meningitis

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:48:03 +0100

This large study examined the benefits of dexamethasone and glycerol in the prevention of meningitis-associated hearing loss. Medscape Pediatrics (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Bacterial Meningitis After Intrapartum Spinal Anesthesia--New York and Ohio, 2008-2009 [From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:41 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

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Effect of anakinra on arthropathy in CINCA/NOMID syndrome

Pediatric Rheumatology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CINCA/NOMID is an autoinflammatory disorder characterized by the triad of neonatal onset of cutaneous symptoms, chronic meningitis, and recurrent fever and it presents with distinctive osteoarthropathy, synovitis mainly of the large joints and overgrowth of epimetaphyseal cartilage, particularly of the long bones. The cartilage overgrowth eventually causes osseous overgrowth and deformity that persists beyond skeletal maturity and leads to limb length discrepancy, joint contracture, and early degenerative arthropathy. Autoinflammation in CAPS/NOMID has been proven to derive from excessive release of interleukin-1 (IL-1). It has been well documented that the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra (Kineret(R)) helps mitigate systemic inflammation in the disorder. However, a general consensus has ...

Review: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and other disorders caused by JC virus

NeLM - News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Neurology Area: News Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but often fatal brain disease caused by reactivation of the polyomavirus JC. In this review, the authors discuss the clinical features of PML and outline the recently discovered clinical syndromes that result from neuronal infection by the JC virus. Topics covered include: . Virology and host immune response . Classic PML . PML-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome . PML associated with monoclonal antibodies: natalizumab, efalizumab, rituximab . Other JC virus-associated diseases: JC virus granule cell neuronopathy, JC virus encephalopathy, JC virus meningitis (Source: NeLM - News)

Hyponatremia in a patient with cryptococcal meningitis: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) or cerebral salt wasting (CSW)?

Journal of Hospital Medicine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Using a Point-of-Dispensing Clinic for Prophylaxis of Meningococcal Disease

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:55:47 +0100

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science Mar 2010, Vol. 8, No. 1: 45-51. (Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science)

Nigeria: The Heat Challenge

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:21:15 +0100

As the dry season endures, Nigerians battle the dreadful effects of the excessive heat in their day to day activities, even as the nation records meningitis related deaths. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

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Nigeria: NAMA Raises Alarm Over Threat of Meningitis

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:53:44 +0100

The North-west zone of the National Emergency Management Agency (NAMA) has raised alarm over the possibility of deaths in northern states from diseases such as Cerebrum Spinal Meningitis (CSM), Cholera, Measles, Lassa and Yellow Fever. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Adult meningitis in a setting of high HIV and TB prevalence: findings from 4961 suspected cases

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: The presentation and causes of adult meningitis in South Africa have changed substantially as a result of HIV. Knowledge of aetiology and laboratory findings in patients presenting with meningitis are important in guiding management. We performed a retrospective study to determine these findings in a setting of high HIV and TB prevalence in Cape Town. Methods: Patients undergoing lumbar punctures between 1st January 2006 and 31st December 2008 at a public sector referral hospital were studied. Cases were classified by microbiological diagnosis, or in the absence of definitive microbiology as 1) normal CSF (neutrophils[less than or equal to]1x106/L, lymphocytes[less than or equal to]5 x106/L, protein[less than or equal to]0.5g/dL, glucose[greater than or equal to]1.5mmol/L), 2) ...

[Review] Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and other disorders caused by JC virus: clinical features and pathogenesis

Lancet Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but often fatal brain disease caused by reactivation of the polyomavirus JC. Knowledge of the characteristics of PML has substantially expanded since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy during the HIV epidemic and the development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in patients with PML. Recently, the monoclonal antibodies natalizumab, efalizumab, and rituximab—used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, haematological malignancies, Crohn's disease, and rheumatic diseases—have been associated with PML. Additionally, the JC virus can also lead to novel neurological disorders such as JC virus granule cell neuronopathy and JC virus encephalopathy, and might also cause meningitis. Th...

Celiac disease in Brazilian patients: associations, complications and causes of death. Forty years of clinical experience

Arquivos de Gastroenterologia — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:23:58 +0100

Conclusions - This experience is similar to those described in the world literature. Celiac disease presents the same characteristics independently of the geographic region. We recommend periodic evaluations, from childhood, independent of the duration of the diet. The key is to establish an interval between evaluations.CONTEXTO: A doença celíaca é uma enfermidade multissistêmica e autoimune que pode se manifestar em qualquer idade, em indivíduos geneticamente predispostos. OBJETIVO: Identificação das associações, complicações e causas de morte em pacientes brasileiros após longo período de acompanhamento. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados retrospectivamente 157 pacientes, 23 adolescentes e 134 adultos, 79,6% do sexo feminino e 20,4% do masculino, 75,8% ao diagnóstico e 24,2% em diet...

Africa: Fewer Meningitis Cases but More Deadly

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:40:00 +0100

This year there are less than half the reported meningitis infections than in the same period in 2009, but more patients are dying - 13 percent in 2010 versus 8 percent in 2009 - according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Multi-Disease Surveillance Centre in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, which tracks 14 countries prone to meningitis outbreaks between Senegal and Ethiopia. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

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CDC Advisers Issue Guidance on Use of New Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine

Physician's First Watch current issue — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:55:13 +0100

(Source: Physician's First Watch current issue)

Nigeria: NEMA Alerts on Meningitis

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:32 +0100

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised alarm over the spread of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) urging Nigerians to adhere to precautionary measures to avoid its spread. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Nigeria: Meningitis Ravages Kano LGs

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:30 +0100

Cerebrospinal Meningitis has hit 18 local government areas in Kano State where 50 cases have been reported.Speaking with our correspondent on phone, Kano State Commissioner for Health Hajiya Aishatu Kiru confirmed the figure of cases and the number of affected areas, saying health officials had been sent to the areas and house-to-house vaccination had begun. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Licensure of a Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (Menveo) and Guidance for Use --- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Licensure of a Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (Menveo) and Guidance for Use --- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes the approved indications for MenACWY-CRM and provides guidance from ACIP for its use. The following guidance for use of MenACWY-CRM is consistent with licensed indications and ACIP recommendations for meningococcal conjugate vaccines. PMID: 20224545 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)

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Dexamethasone prevents LPS-induced microglial activation and astroglial impairment in an experimental bacterial meningitis co-culture model.

Brain Research — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hinkerohe D, Smikalla D, Schoebel A, Haghikia A, Zoidl G, Haase CG, Schlegel U, Faustmann PM We analyzed the effect of dexamethasone on gram-negative bacteria derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in astroglial/microglial co-cultures. At the cellular level the microglial phenotype converted to an activated type after LPS incubation. Furthermore, LPS compromised functional astroglial properties like membrane resting potential, intracellular coupling and connexin 43 (Cx43) expression. This change in Cx43 expression was not due to a downregulation of Cx43 mRNA expression. Morphological and functional changes were accompanied by a time dependent release of inflammation related cytokines. Co-incubation of dexamethasone with LPS prevented these LPS induced changes wi...

Licensure of a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo) and guidance for use - Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Bacterial meningitis reportedly kills student

CNN.com - Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:36:15 +0100

An Oklahoma elementary school student has died of bacterial meningitis, officials said Thursday, and two other students are hospitalized with the illness. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Minimal change nephrotic syndrome in a patient with strongyloidiasis

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:14:37 +0100

Abstract Strongyloidiasis, a chronic infection caused by the intestinal parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, is prevalent in the Nansei Islands of Japan. Here, we report our findings on a case of strongyloidiasis complicated with steroid-resistant minimal change nephrotic syndrome in a 69-year-old male resident of Fukuoka Prefecture who had lived in Yakushima, one of the Nansei Islands, until age 15. In October 2006, he developed proteinuria and edema, and was diagnosed with minimal change nephrotic syndrome on the basis of the renal biopsy findings. Following treatment with prednisolone, the level of proteinuria decreased to 0.29 g/day by day 35. However, 5 days later (day 40), the patient developed persistent watery diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration a...

Characteristics of patients with brain metastases from lung cancer in a palliative care center

Supportive Care in Cancer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:41:15 +0100

Conclusion Optimization of the quality of life in its final stages requires efficient palliative care, which involves considerable psychological, sociological, technical, and financial burdens. Palliative management of brain metastases requires a multidisciplinary approach performed by a well-trained neuro-oncology team, and it is important to avoid any treatment that is harmful or has a poor toxicity/efficacy ratio to avoid inappropriate prolongation of dying. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00520-010-0838-5Authors Ryuya Yamanaka, Kurume University Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, School of Medicine 67 Asahimachi Kurume Fukuoka 830-0011 JapanHatsuyo Koga, Kurume University Palliative Care Center, School of Medicine K...

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Cochlear stenting: how I do it

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:10:37 +0100

Abstract Post-meningitis cases with profound sensorineural hearing loss are known to have progressive labyrinthine ossification; such cases need to be implanted early. In our region, often a substantial amount of time is spent procuring the necessary finances for a cochlear implant; therefore, here we describe our technique of maintaining cochlear lumen patency in post-meningitis cases with early ossification, for a complete functional electrode insertion at a later date. This is a descriptive case study of a patient having post-meningitis profound deafness, with imaging studies showing early cochlear ossification, who was rehabilitated with a cochlear implant. At a tertiary referral centre, a 1-year-old child with post-meningitis bilateral profound sensorineural hearing l...

Listeria monocytogenes infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Clinical Rheumatology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:01:41 +0100

This article describes five new cases of LMI in patient with SLE in a cohort of 174 patients (2.8%). All patients were women, with a mean age of 19.4 years (range, 5–29 years). Mean duration of SLE before clinical LMI was 2.8 years (range, 2–4 years). Recurrent infection was not evidenced. At the time of LMI, all patients had an inactive disease, receiving steroids and immunosuppressive treatment. Clinical picture of meningitis was present in two patients. All patients were treated with ampicillin, with resolution of clinical manifestations without sequels. In order to eliminate the intracellular forms of L. monocytogenes, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole was initiated, and an allergic skin reaction was presented in all but one patient. Our report highlights th...

Nigeria: Guarding Against Meningitis

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:40:17 +0100

Thirteen persons were killed in Jigawa state by cerebro-spinal meningitis (CSM) disease between January and March this year. Reports of the CSM outbreak came as shortage of vaccines was said to have marred vaccination efforts in the affected areas. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Red Puffy Ears

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A 63-year-old man with a history of recurrent aseptic meningitis presented with fever and headache. The physical examination showed scleral injection and mild nuchal rigidity. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid ... (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Updated post-licensure surveillance of meningococcal C conjugate vaccine in England and Wales: effectiveness, validation of serological correlate of protection and modelling predictions of the duration of herd immunity.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Campbell H, Andrews N, Borrow R, Trotter C, Miller E Meningococcal serogroup C conjugate (MCC) vaccines were licensed in the UK more than 10 years ago based on correlates of protection that had previously been established for serogroup C containing polysaccharide vaccines using the serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) assay. These correlates of protection were subsequently validated against post licensure estimates of observed vaccine effectiveness up to 7-9 months after the administration of MCC vaccine. Vaccine effectiveness was however shown to fall significantly more than one year after the administration of a 3 dose course in infancy. Despite this finding the marked impact on serogroup C disease has been sustained with the lowest ever recorded incidence (0.02 per 100,000 pop...

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Nigeria: Kano Despatches Rapid Response Team to Villages As CSM Kills One

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:12:46 +0100

Kano State government has despatched its CSM rapid response team to hamlets and villages to deal with possible outbreak of cerebral spinal meningitis, CSM, following the death of one person in the state. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Development of potential antiviral strategy against Coxsackievirus B4.

Virus Research — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, the possibility of RNA interference (RNAi) as a potential therapeutic approach to treat CVB4 infection was explored. The results showed that the Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells treated with 19-mer siRNAs displayed high specificity against CVB4 replication without displaying any signs of off-target effects. The siRNA targeting the 3C(pro) region of CVB4 genome was also established to be the most effective in inhibition of CVB4 replication in RD cell line in a dosage dependent manner, indicating its potential to be developed as an antiviral strategy against CVB4. PMID: 20214933 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Virus Research)

Study Finds Pfizer's Pneumonia, Meningitis Vaccine Protects Against Recurrent Pneumonia In HIV Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Pfizer's Prevnar 7 vaccine, which protects against pneumonia and meningitis, has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent pneumococcal infection in patients living with HIV in Malawi, according to a study published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine, Reuters reports. "In HIV-infected patients, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, the risk of developing [invasive pneumococcal disease] IPD ... is between 30 and 100 times higher, the scientists said in their study," Reuters writes... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study Finds Pfizer's Pneumonia, Meningitis Vaccine Protects Against Recurrent Pneumonia In HIV Patients

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Nigeria: Meningitis Claims Two in Sokoto

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:21:02 +0100

An outbreak of Meningitis has claimed two lives in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State Five local government areas in the state including Wamakko, Kware, Gwadabawa, Sokoto South and Gudu are said to be affected by the outbreak. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

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Pneumococcal Vaccine Offers Protection To HIV-infected African Adults In Clinical Trial

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

A clinical trial of a vaccine against a major cause of pneumonia and meningitis has shown that it can prevent three out of four cases of re-infection in HIV-infected adults in Africa. The trials, conducted in Malawi and funded by the Wellcome Trust, studied the efficacy of a vaccine against infection with the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These bacteria are a primary cause of pneumonia and when they invade the blood stream and brain - so called invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) - they cause the serious and often fatal illnesses of septicaemia and meningitis... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pneumococcal Vaccine Offers Protection To HIV-infected African Adults In Clinical Trial

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Invasive pneumococcal disease in children prior to implementation of the conjugate vaccine in the Zurich region, Switzerland

Acta Paediatrica — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: IPD is a serious disease with a high complication rate and mortality. The clinical signs tachycardia, tachypnea, and meningism were highly predictive for severe IPD. The initial clinical presentation and laboratory evaluation were mostly unpredictable with respect to complications and outcome in contrast to the clinical signs. (Source: Acta Paediatrica)

Therapy for fungal diseases: opportunities and priorities.

Trends in Microbiology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article provides a perspective on the current status of drug therapy for invasive fungal diseases, together with priorities for the future development of novel compounds. Key opportunities for new drugs include production of orally bioavailable agents for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis and mucosal and urinary Candida infections. Orally bioavailable agents for the treatment of chronic pulmonary and allergic aspergillosis are also required, as well as new potent drugs against a range of medically important moulds. Antifungal resistance is a problem in certain contexts, but is generally less of a problem than bacterial infections. Earlier and more complete mycological diagnosis and improvements in underlying risk estimation will imp...

Population Structure and Capsular Switching of Invasive Neisseria meningitidis Isolates in the Pre–Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine Era—United States, 2000–2005

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:10:14 +0100

Conclusions. A limited number of genetic lineages caused the majority of invasive meningococcal infections. A substantial proportion of isolates had evidence of capsular switching. The high prevalence of capsular switching requires surveillance to detect changes in the meningococcal population structure that may affect the effectiveness of meningococcal vaccines. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

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Pfizer pneumonia shot helps HIV-infected patients

Reuters: Health — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:20:18 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Results of a trial of Pfizer's Prevnar 7 vaccine against a major cause of pneumonia and meningitis showed on Wednesday that it can prevent three out of four cases of re-infection in HIV-infected adults in Africa. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Pfizer Pneumonia Shot Helps HIV-Infected Patients

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:20:18 +0100

Results of a trial of Pfizer's Prevnar 7 vaccine against a major cause of pneumonia and meningitis showed on Wednesday that it can prevent three out of four cases of re-infection in HIV-infected adults in Africa.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: AIDS and Infections, International Health, Pneumonia (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Nigeria: Meningitis Kills 13 in Jigawa

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:41:25 +0100

About 13 persons were killed by Cerebro Spinal Meningitis in Jigawa State between January and March 1 this year, just as shortage of vaccines has marred vaccination in affected areas. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Little boy who lost limbs to meningitis stars in his parents' wedding thanks to new arms and legs

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:11:03 +0100

Harley Slack, 4, was recently given prosthetic arms and legs. It meant he could act as ring bearer when his mother and father Samantha and Adam tied the knot. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 (MDA-5) limits early viral replication but is not essential for the induction of type 1 interferons after Coxsackievirus infection.

Virology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hühn MH, McCartney SA, Lind K, Svedin E, Colonna M, Flodström-Tullberg M Coxsackievirus infections are associated with severe diseases such as myocarditis, meningitis and pancreatitis. To study the contribution of the intracellular viral sensor melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 (MDA-5) in the host immune response to Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) we infected C57BL/6 and 129/SvJ mice lacking mda-5. Mice deficient in MDA-5 showed a dramatically increased susceptibility to CVB3 infection. The loss of MDA-5 allowed the virus to replicate faster, resulting in increased liver and pancreas damage and heightened mortality. MDA-5 was not absolutely required for the induction of type 1 interferons (IFNs), but essential for the production of maximal levels of systemic IFN...

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Candida parapsilosis meningitis associated with shunt infection in an adult male

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:56:25 +0100

We report on a 55-year-old male that was admitted due to altered mental status. He had recent sinus drainage and polypectomy, craniotomy with drainage of brain abscess, and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement. On admission, imaging studies showed no evidence of shunt dysfunction but did reveal extensive white matter decreased attenuation. Microscopic examination of the first 10 daily cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures revealed yeast. Flucytosine and liposomal amphotericin B were started and externalization of shunt was performed on day 3. On day 8, CSF culture from admission grew C. parapsilosis; fluconazole was added. On day 10, daily CSF still showed yeast and cultures consistently grew C. parapsilosis. Shunt was removed and bilateral ventriculostomy drains were inserted. CSF after pro...

Neurological complications of miliary tuberculosis

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:56:21 +0100

Conclusion: A variety of neurological complications were noted in military tuberculosis patients, tuberculous meningitis and cerebral tuberculomas being the most frequent complications. However, a majority of patients improved following antituberculous treatment. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

Nigeria: FG Moves to Combat Meningitis

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:52:26 +0100

The Ministry of Health has deployed over 370,000 doses of vaccine to vulnerable states to help stem the effect of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM). The epidemic claimed several lives in 2009 mostly from the northern part of the country. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Leg pain and cold extremities 'red flags for meningitis'

Pulse — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:20:00 +0100

Leg pain and cold extremities have emerged as leading ‘red flag’ symptoms in identifying children presenting with meningococcal disease in a large UK general practice study. (Source: Pulse)

Leg pain and cold extremities 'red flags for meningitis'

Pulse — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:20:00 +0100

Leg pain and cold extremities have emerged as leading ‘red flag’ symptoms in identifying children presenting with meningococcal disease in a large UK general practice study. (Source: Pulse)

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Also In Global Health News: Rwandan Nurses; AIDS 2010; Uzbek AIDS Advocate; Child Mortality In Mozambique; Meningitis Belt

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Rwandan Nurses To Give ART To Expedite Delivery Rwanda's Ministry of Health will soon give nurses the authority to give antiretroviral therapy (ART) to HIV-positive patients, IRIN reports. Aimable Mbituyumuremyi, of the Centre for Treatment and Research on AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and Other Epidemics, said, "Task-shifting will reduce the number of cases requiring the presence of a doctor, thereby reducing the number of treatment-eligible patients that have not initiated ART because they have to wait for the doctor's visit" (2/26). Sen... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Also In Global Health News: Rwandan Nurses; AIDS 2010; Uzbek AIDS Advocate; Child Mortality In Mozambique; Meningitis Belt

HIV / AIDS News From Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Three Cases of Moraxella osloensis Meningitis: A Difficult Experience in Species Identification and Determination of Clinical Significance.

J Korean Med Sci — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Roh KH, Kim CK, Koh E, Kim MS, Yong D, Park SC, Lee K, Chong Y We had three cases of Moraxella osloensis meningitis. The species identification was impossible by conventional and commercial phenotypic tests. However, we could identify the species using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Determination of clinical significance was difficult in one patient. All three patients recovered by appropriate antimicrobial therapy. PMID: 20191057 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J Korean Med Sci)

Rickettsia helvetica in Patient with Meningitis, Sweden, 2006.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nilsson K, Elfving K, Pahlson C Pathogenicity of Rickettsia helvetica is relatively unknown. We isolated a spotted fever group rickettsial organism from a patient with subacute meningitis. Nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA, ompB, and 17kDa genes identified the isolate as R. helvetica. This organism may be associated with serious infections such as central nervous system disorders. PMID: 20202426 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Vaccine preventability of meningococcal clone, greater aachen region, Germany.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Elias J, Schouls LM, van de Pol I, Keijzers WC, Martin DR, Glennie A, Oster P, Frosch M, Vogel U, van der Ende A Emergence of serogroup B meningococci of clonal complex sequence type (ST) 41/44 can cause high levels of disease, as exemplified by a recent epidemic in New Zealand. Multiplication of annual incidence rates (3.1 cases/100,000 population) of meningococcal disease in a defined German region, the city of Aachen and 3 neighboring countries (Greater Aachen) prompted us to investigate and determine the source and nature of this outbreak. Using molecular typing and geographic mapping, we analyzed 1,143 strains belonging to ST41/44 complex, isolated from persons with invasive meningococcal disease over 6 years (2001-2006) from 2 German federal states (total population 26 m...

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Lack of Infection Control May Be Tied to Meningitis

Ob.Gyn. News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Failure to follow established infection control recommendations during the administration of intrapartum spinal anesthesia likely led to the development of bacterial meningitis in two clusters of postpartum women in New York and Ohio, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Source: Ob.Gyn. News)

ACIP immunization update.

The Journal of Family Practice — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Campos-Outcalt D The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made a number of major new recommendations last year. These new recommendations address: expanded use of hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine; preferences for combination vaccines; timing of poliovirus vaccine doses; resumption of the normal Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) schedule, as shortages have resolved; the use of a new bivalent human papilloma virus (HPV2) vaccine in women and quadrivalent (HPV4) vaccine in men; a reduced-dose schedule for rabies postexposure prophylaxis; proof of immunity against mumps, measles, and rubella for health care workers; and recommendations for meningococcal vaccine boosters. PMID: 20230733 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Journal of Family Practice)

Hygiene Standards for Spinal Anaesthesia.

Anasthesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin, Schmerztherapie : AINS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kerwat K, Wulf H, Morin A Infections after performance of a spinal anaesthesia (SPA) are rare. Reports in the literature on the frequency of cases of meningitis that occur after a spinal anaesthesia vary between 3.7/100,000 and 7.2/100,000. Spinal abscesses after SPA have a calculated incidence of 1/1,260,000. However, such abscesses are often associated with serious consequences for the patient. Epidural/spinal abscesses can damage the spinal cord through compression or directly. Mortality is reported to range from almost 10% up to 16%. Prognostic factors for an unfavourable course are old age, the extent of spinal cord compression and the time between the onset of symptoms and the start of therapy. Paralyses that exist for less than 36 hours are associated with a better surv...

Changes in the childhood immunization schedule for 2010

Clinical Cases and Images — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:06:00 +0100

From WebMD:- Gardasil human papillomavirus vaccine is now suggested for boys. Previously recommended only for girls.- There are 2 new recommendations for boosting the bacterial meningitis vaccine: children at high risk should get the shot as early as age 2 and as late as age 6. Children not at high risk should get the first shot at age 11 or 12 (or ages 13 to 18 if not previously vaccinated).- Preference for combination vaccines over separate injections of vaccine components.CDC, Get The Picture: Child Immunizations.References:New Schedule for Childhood Vaccines. WebMD. Posted at Clinical Cases and Images. Stay updated and subscribe, follow on Twitter and Buzz, and connect on Facebook. (Source: Clinical Cases and Images)

Evaluating the Brighton Collaboration case definitions, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, by systematic analysis of 255 clinical cases.

Vaccine — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: BC case definitions are easily applicable in retrospective chart reviews allowing causality assessments with minimal selection bias. PMID: 20197145 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

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Clinical profile of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and the role of imaging in its diagnosis in patients with presumed idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:05:53 +0100

Agarwal Prateek, Kumar Mahesh, Arora VipulIndian Journal of Ophthalmology 2010 58(2):153-155Retrospective descriptive study reporting the rate of occurrence of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), highlighting the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) in patients with presumed idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Study was conducted in the department of neuro-ophthalmology at a tertiary eye care center in South India. Data from 331 patients diagnosed with IIH from June 2005 to September 2007 was included. Inclusion criteria were: Elevated opening cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure of more than 200 mm of water on lumbar puncture, normal CSF biochemistry and microbiology,and normal neuroimaging as depicted by computed tomography(CT) scan....

Nigeria: Meningitis Kills 37

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:13:48 +0100

The Federal Ministry of Health Thursday, said it had recorded over 300 cases of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) and 37 deaths in the last two months. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Meningitis outbreak kills 246 in Burkina Faso

Reuters: Health — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:00:16 +0100

OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) - Health officials in the west African country of Burkina Faso are worried about an increase in deaths from meningitis which has killed 246 people so far this year, up from 203 in the same period last year. (Source: Reuters: Health)

New Pneumonia, Meningitis Vaccine Approved In U.S.; Pfizer, GAVI Will Lower Price In Developing Countries

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The FDA approved Prevnar 13 - a "new version of a blockbuster vaccine that fights pneumonia, meningitis and other infections" - for use in children up to age 5 in the U.S., Reuters reports (Richwine, 2/24). Such infections cause the deaths of an estimated one million children in developing countries and "dozens of deaths" in the U.S. each year, according to health officials, New York Times reports... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Pneumonia, Meningitis Vaccine Approved In U.S.; Pfizer, GAVI Will Lower Price In Developing Countries

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The FDA approved Prevnar 13 - a "new version of a blockbuster vaccine that fights pneumonia, meningitis and other infections" - for use in children up to age 5 in the U.S., Reuters reports (Richwine, 2/24). Such infections cause the deaths of an estimated one million children in developing countries and "dozens of deaths" in the U.S... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

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MENVEO (Meningococcal (Groups A, C, W-135 And Y) Crm197 Oligosaccharide Conjugate Vaccine) Kit [Novartis Vaccines And Diagnostics S.R.L.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Feb 26, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

[Acute encephalopathy, hydrocephalus and central diabetes insipidus as the first signs of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.]

Anales de Pediatria — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Montejo Gañán I, Romera Santabárbara B, García Iñiguez JP, Ruiz Del Olmo Izuzquiza I, Domínguez Cajal MM, Monge Galindo L, Madurga Revilla P PMID: 20189898 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anales de Pediatria)

Cranial pachymeningitis: a rare neurological syndrome with heterogeneous aetiology

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:51:08 +0100

Cranial pachymeningitis is a poorly understood syndrome, defined by leptomeningeal thickening and typical gadolinium enhanced MRI. The heterogeneous clinical and aetiological features of five patients with both focal and diffuse pachymeningitis are presented. The initial symptoms included headache (n=3), sensory Jackson seizures (n=1), hemiparesis (n=1), episodes of short lasting hemiataxia (n=1), hemihypaesthesia (n=1), aphasia (n=1) and confusion (n=2). MRI scans revealed focal (n=3) or diffuse (n=2) leptomeningeal gadolinium enhancement and cortical swelling (n=4). In addition, one case presented with a subarachnoid and a second with an intracerebral haemorraghe. CSF findings were variable and showed clear lymphomonocytic pleocytosis in 3/5 cases. Infectious diseases were extensively ex...

Is Nitric Oxide A Foe Or A Friend To Neonatal Meningitis Bacteria?

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Current research suggests that nitric oxide may play a role in the pathogenesis of neonatal meningitis. The related report by Mittal et al, "Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide controls pathogen load and brain damage by enhancing phagocytosis of Escherichia coli K1 in neonatal meningitis," appears in the March 2010 issue of The American Journal of Pathology. Bacterial meningitis, or inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, is often fatal, even when treated with antibiotics... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Is Nitric Oxide A Foe Or A Friend To Neonatal Meningitis Bacteria?

Pediatrics News From Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Current research suggests that nitric oxide may play a role in the pathogenesis of neonatal meningitis. The related report by Mittal et al, "Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide controls pathogen load and brain damage by enhancing phagocytosis of Escherichia coli K1 in neonatal meningitis," appears in the March 2010 issue of The American Journal of Pathology... (Source: Pediatrics News From Medical News Today)

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Safety and immunogenicity of one dose of MenACWY-CRM, an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal glycoconjugate vaccine, when administered to adolescents concomitantly or sequentially with Tdap and HPV vaccines.

Vaccine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arguedas A, Soley C, Loaiza C, Rincon G, Guevara S, Perez A, Porras W, Alvarado O, Aguilar L, Abdelnour A, Grunwald U, Bedell L, Anemona A, Dull PM This Phase III study evaluates an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal CRM(197) conjugate vaccine, MenACWY-CRM (Novartis Vaccines), when administered concomitantly or sequentially with two other recommended adolescent vaccines; combined tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap), and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. In this single-centre study, 1620 subjects 11-18 years of age, were randomized to three groups (1:1:1) to receive MenACWY-CRM concomitantly or sequentially with Tdap and HPV. Meningococcal serogroup-specific serum bactericidal assay using human complement (hSBA), and antibodies to Tdap antigens ...

[Cochleovestibular dysplasia: A case report.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report on the case of an infant who presented with perception deafness and repeated meningitis. CT allowed the diagnosis of Mondini malformation. We underline the importance of high-resolution CT in the diagnosis of Mondini malformation. PMID: 20189363 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives de Pediatrie)

FDA Approves Pneumococcal Disease Vaccine with Broader Protection

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:40:53 +0100

Source: Food and Drug Administration Related MedlinePlus Pages: Childhood Immunization, Meningitis, Pneumonia (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Students' attitudes to the communications employed during an outbreak of meningococcal disease in a UK school: a qualitative study

Journal of Public Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:32:39 +0100

Conclusion In outbreak situations, rumours will spread rapidly in the absence of early communication, and this can be a significant cause of anxiety. The use of digital communication strategies should be considered, since they can seed dependable information that will disseminate rapidly through peer groups. (Source: Journal of Public Health)

Invasive meningococcal disease--improving management through structured review of cases in the Hunter New England area, Australia

Journal of Public Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:32:39 +0100

Conclusion There were avoidable factors identified in both patients with a poor outcome. Length of delay in initiating antibiotic therapy has been associated with poor outcome, thus the delay in our series is of concern. The audit highlighted many potentially correctable issues in the medical, laboratory and public health management of IMD cases. (Source: Journal of Public Health)

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Etiology and Management of Chronic Meningitis

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:04:45 +0100

Learn about the infectious and noninfectious causes and treatments for chronic meningitis. U.S. Pharmacist (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Treating neonatal meningitis -- is nitric oxide a foe or a friend to bacteria?

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Journal of Pathology) Current research suggests that nitric oxide may play a role in the pathogenesis of neonatal meningitis. The related report by Mittal et al, "Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide controls pathogen load and brain damage by enhancing phagocytosis of Escherichia coli K1 in neonatal meningitis," appears in the March 2010 issue of the American Journal of Pathology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Characterization of meningococcal serogroup B outer membrane vesicle vaccines from strain 44/76 after growth in different media.

Vaccine — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we evaluated the effect of the growth medium on the composition and immunogenicity of meningococcal outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines after cultivation of the Norwegian serogroup B 44/76 vaccine strain in either Frantz' or modified Catlin-6 media (MC.6M). Differential proteomic analysis revealed that 97% of the OMV proteins maintained the same levels in the two preparations. However, a number of differentially expressed proteins, including TdfH, OpcA, OMP NMB0088, hypothetical NMB2134, lipoprotein NMB1126/1164 and NspA, increased significantly in OMVs produced from bacteria grown in the MC.6M. Together with increased lipopolysaccharide levels, the increased expression of these proteins was associated with significantly higher serum bactericidal titres in mice immunized w...

FDA Approves New Meningitis Vaccine

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:22:12 +0100

The FDA has approved a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine for the prevention of invasive disease caused by common Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 in people aged 11 to 55 years. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Uganda: Homenewsnational

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:00:26 +0100

A fresh outbreak of meningitis has claimed ten people in Maracha-Terego district, in West Nile Uganda (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

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Conference: Medicine & Me: Meningitis and Septicaemia

NHS Evidence - Neurological conditions - Events — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:52:27 +0100

(Source: NHS Evidence - Neurological conditions - Events)

FDA Okays Meningitis Vaccine

MedPage Today Product Alert — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:43:13 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The FDA has approved Novartis' (Menveo), a quadrivalent vaccine to prevent meningitis in patients 11 to 55. (Source: MedPage Today Product Alert)

Novartis Receives FDA Approval Of Menveo®, A Vaccine To Prevent Meningococcal Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Novartis announced that Menveo® (Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) Oligosaccharide Diphtheria CRM197 Conjugate Vaccine), a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 in people 11 to 55 years of age1. Meningococcal disease infects more than 500,000 people each year, leading to more than 50,000 deaths globally2. As many as 1 in 7 patients who contract meningococcal disease die from it3... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Novartis Receives FDA Approval Of Menveo®, A Vaccine To Prevent Meningococcal Disease

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Novartis announced that Menveo® (Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) Oligosaccharide Diphtheria CRM197 Conjugate Vaccine), a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 in people 11 to 55 years of age1... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Health board

The Irish Times - Health — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:33:56 +0100

The Meningitis Trust has developed a handbook to help teachers recognise and act on the signs and symptoms of meningitis and associated septicaemia. Children and teenagers are most at risk of getting this life-threatening disease, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. See meningitis-trust.ie or call the 24-hour nurse helpline on tel: 1800-523196. (Source: The Irish Times - Health)

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Novartis receives FDA approval of Menveo®

World Pharma News — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Novartis announced that Menveo®, a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 in people 11 to 55 years of age[1]. (Source: World Pharma News)

No difference between short-course and long-course antibiotics for bacterial meningitis in children, but available evidence limited

Evidence-Based Medicine — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:41:19 +0100

(Source: Evidence-Based Medicine)

Menveo Vaccine Approved for Bacterial Meningitis

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:20:00 +0100

Among people aged 11 to 55 Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Medicines, Meningitis (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Novartis Gets US Approval for Menveo Meningitis Vaccine

Drugs.com - New Drug Approvals — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:19:47 +0100

BASEL, Switzerland -- Swiss drug maker Novartis AG said Monday that its meningitis vaccine Menveo has been approved for use in teenagers and adults by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Menveo is a vaccine against four common types of... (Source: Drugs.com - New Drug Approvals)

Colistimethate sodium: Ventriculitis and meningitis caused by Actinetobacter baumanii, following intrathecal or intraventricular administration: 3 patients

Reactions — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:16:47 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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Yellow fever vaccine: Meningitis and meningoencephalitis: 4 case reports

Reactions — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:16:47 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Africa: Meningitis Strikes Across Continent

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:12:15 +0100

A meningitis epidemic has struck earlier than usual and is spreading across sub-Saharan Africa's "meningitis belt" from Senegal to Ethiopia, according to health ministries in the region. The disease occurs during the dry season, with most cases reported in mid-April. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

U.S. backs Novartis vaccine, MS drug wins priority

Reuters: Health — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:35:52 +0100

ZURICH (Reuters) - Novartis has won U.S. approval for its key Menveo meningococcal vaccine and got priority review for its oral treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), underlining the promise of the Swiss group's pipeline. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Novartis's meningitis vaccine gets U.S. approval

Reuters: Health — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:05:07 +0100

ZURICH (Reuters) - Novartis AG's Menveo meningitis vaccine has received U.S. approval, the Swiss drugmaker said on Monday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Novartis Receives FDA Approval Of Menveo®, A Vaccine To Prevent Meningococcal Disease

Pharmaceutical Online News — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:48:00 +0100

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The cross-reactivity of the enterovirus 71 to human brain tissue and identification of the cross-reactivity related fragments

Virology Journal — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: EV71 induced IgG could enter BBB and cross-reacted with brain tissue in EV71 infected neonatal mice, and then the peptides of EV71 that could induce cross-reactivity with brain tissue were identified, which should be avoided in future vaccine designing. (Source: Virology Journal)

[Reflection and Reaction] Acinetobacter baumannii infections in children

The Lancet Infectious Diseases — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In their Review, Drosos E Karageorgopoulos and Matthew E Falagas discussed in depth the emerging role of Acinetobacter baumannii in multidrug-resistant infection and the many therapeutic problems it poses. Although they also emphasised the risk factors and characteristics of patients who are susceptible to colonisation and infection, there was no mention of A baumannii infection in children. Over the past few years, we have noted that A baumannii has been the cause of severe infections of the CNS in children with postsurgical meningitis or mechanical ventilation. The majority of children were unsuccessfully treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Our personal experience was recently confirmed by others. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)

Menveo Vaccine Approved for Bacterial Meningitis

Modern Medicine — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Modern Medicine)

Pediatric otogenic intracranial abscesses

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:20:29 +0100

Conclusion: Patients with intracranial abscesses, in selected cases, can be managed with intravenous antibiotics without mastoidectomy. The use of canal wall up mastoidectomy is an acceptable alternative to radical mastoidectomy when surgical intervention is necessary. (Source: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery)

Meningitis in Chad, Niger and Nigeria: 2009 epidemic season.

Weekly Epidemiological Record — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 20210043 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Weekly Epidemiological Record)

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Salmonella meningitis and septicaemia in an non-immunocompromised adult, associated with a cluster of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b, Ireland, November 2009

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a fatal case of meningitis caused by Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 14b in a middle-aged man who had no history or findings to suggest he was immunocompromised. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Salmonella meningitis in an adult in Ireland, and the first case of meningitis in an adult caused by phage type 14b. This case was associated with a nationwide cluster of salmonellosis which is still under investigation at the time of writing. (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Rashes, Sniffles, and Stroke: A Role for Infection in Ischemic Stroke of Childhood.

Infectious Disorders Drug Targets — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Amlie-Lefond C, Fullerton HJ Major infections-sepsis, meningitis, encephalitis-have long been recognized as causes of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke. However, minor infections may also contribute to the pathogenesis of stroke, either by causing a systemic prothrombotic state or direct or indirect vascular injury. A focal cerebral arteriopathy has been identified in a large proportion of otherwise healthy children present with a first ischemic stroke. Both histologic data and small association studies suggest that varicella zoster virus can cause this childhood arteriopathy. Other viruses have been implicated in case reports. New data demonstrate an association between recent upper respiratory infection and this arteriopathy, suggesting a non-specific effect of infection. T...

Uganda: Meningitis Hits West Nile Districts, Kills Seven

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:28:50 +0100

SEVEN people in West Nile have been killed by meningitis in the last two weeks, health officers have said. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

A dual role of extracellular DNA during biofilm formation of Neisseria meningitidis

Molecular Microbiology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Major pathogenic clonal complexes (cc) of Neisseria meningitidis differ substantially in their point prevalence among healthy carriers. We show that frequently carried pathogenic cc (e.g. sequence type ST-41/44 cc and ST-32 cc) depend on extracellular DNA (eDNA) to initiate in vitro biofilm formation, whereas biofilm formation of cc with low point prevalence (ST-8 cc and ST-11 cc) was eDNA-independent. For initial biofilm formation, a ST-32 cc type strain, but not a ST-11 type strain, utilized eDNA. The release of eDNA was mediated by lytic transglycosylase and cytoplasmic N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanine amidase genes. In late biofilms, outer membrane phospholipase A-dependent autolysis, which was observed in most cc, but not in ST-8 and ST-11 strains, was required for shear force resistance of ...

A randomised trial on the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of MenACWY-CRM, an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal glycoconjugate vaccine, administered concomitantly with Tdap in adolescents and young adults.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study evaluated the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, MenACWY-CRM, when administered concomitantly with a combined tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, in subjects aged 11-25 years. Subjects received either MenACWY-CRM and Tdap, MenACWY-CRM and saline placebo, or Tdap and saline placebo. No significant increase in reactogenicity and no clinically significant vaccine-related AEs occurred when MenACWY-CRM and Tdap were administered concomitantly. Similar immunogenic responses to diphtheria, tetanus and meningococcal (serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y) antigens were observed, regardless of concomitant vaccine administration. Anti-pertussis antibody responses were comparable between vaccine...

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Erratum to “Selection of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in postneurosurgical meningitis in an intensive care unit with high presence of heteroresistance to colistin” [Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 65 (2009) 188–191]

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:29:57 +0100

After publication of the abovementioned article, it was discovered that surnames and given names of authors were reversed. Names should be as follows: Carlos Hernan Rodriguez, Karina Bombicino, Gabriela Granados, Marcela Nastro, Carlos Vay, and Angela Famiglietti. (Source: Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease)

Paralytic Syndromes in Children: Epidemiology and Relationship to Vaccination

Pediatric Neurology — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:46:59 +0100

Acute flaccid paralysis is a standard outcome for detection of poliomyelitis globally and an ongoing potential vaccine-associated adverse event concern for polio, influenza, and meningococcal vaccines. No systematic population-based data on the epidemiologic and clinical features of this condition, or its potential association with immunization, have been reported from the United States. The present retrospective cohort study of acute flaccid paralysis in the Southern and Northern California Kaiser Permanente Health Care Plans was conducted using computerized diagnosis data and medical record review of potential cases among children aged 1 month to (Source: Pediatric Neurology)

The value of serial plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA levels in adult community-acquired bacterial meningitis

QJM — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:01:12 +0100

Conclusions: Based on our results, the higher plasma DNA levels were associated with a poorer outcome. Therefore, we look forward to more prospective multicenter investigations specifically to confirm the predictive value of plasma DNA levels in outcome prediction. (Source: QJM)

Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Nasoethmoidal Adenocarcinoma [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:50:39 +0100

Conclusion The results of this retrospective study suggest that radiotherapy can be used to treat nasoethmoidal adenocarcinoma, but its usefulness should be confirmed with further prospective studies. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Bet 3

Emergency Medicine Journal — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:33:10 +0100

(Source: Emergency Medicine Journal)

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[Reflection and Reaction] Adjunctive dexamethasone in meningitis: does value depend on clinical setting?

Lancet Neurology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Bacterial causes 170 000 deaths worldwide per year and, in low-income and middle-income countries, is ranked fourth as a cause of disability, emphasising the need for clear evidence-based recommendations to guide acute management. Despite more than 20 clinical trials of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy in bacterial meningitis over the past 50 years, absence of significant benefit in most individual studies, diverse steroid and antibiotic regimens, and concerns about generalisability to all causative organisms have fuelled continued debate. A Cochrane review on bacterial meningitis, based on trials reported to the end of 2003, concluded that use of adjunctive dexamethasone in bacterial meningitis was justified in all adults but only in children in high-income countries. It called for addi...

[Articles] Adjunctive dexamethasone in bacterial meningitis: a meta-analysis of individual patient data

Lancet Neurology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dexamethasone improves outcome for some patients with bacterial meningitis, but not others. We aimed to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from dexamethasone treatment. (Source: Lancet Neurology)

The genetic structure of Neisseria meningitidis populations in Cuba before and after the introduction of a serogroup BC vaccine.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Climent Y, Urwin R, Yero D, Martinez I, Martín A, Sotolongo F, Maiden MC, Pajón R We investigated the population genetics in collections of meningococci sampled in Cuba during the period 1983 to 2005, thereby covering a period before and after the introduction of an antimeningococcal B-C vaccine. A total of 163 case isolates and 210 isolates from healthy carriers were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and sequence determination of porA, porB and fetA genes. A total of 56 sequence types (STs) including 28 new STs were identified among these isolates. The analysis of surface antigens revealed variants 3-1 and 3-8 to be prevalent for porB; variant F5-1 was the most common FetA epitope, and variants 19 and 15 corresponded to the prevalent variable region...

Fulminant fatal meningitis following partial resection of an endodermal cyst

Acta Neurochirurgica — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:48:37 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00701-009-0528-6Authors Abhidha Shah, K.E.M Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College Department of Neurosurgery Parel Mumbai 400012 IndiaDattatraya Muzumdar, K.E.M Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College Department of Neurosurgery Parel Mumbai 400012 IndiaNaina Goel, K.E.M Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College Department of Pathology Parel Mumbai 400012 IndiaAtul Goel, K.E.M Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College Department of Neurosurgery Parel Mumbai 400012 India Journal Acta NeurochirurgicaOnline ISSN 0942-0940Print ISSN 0001-6268 (Source: Acta Neurochirurgica)

Route of intracerebrospinal fluid chemotherapy administration and efficacy of therapy in neoplastic meningitis

Cancer — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A study was undertaken to determine whether route (intraventricular vs intralumbar) of intracerebrospinal fluid (intra-CSF) drug administration influences progression-free survival in the treatment of patients with neoplastic meningitis, which occurs in 1% to 5% of patients with known cancer. Currently available treatment options result in modest responses, which is in part a reflection of obstacles to drug delivery into the leptomeningeal space.One hundred patients with clinically and cytologically or radiographically documented neoplastic meningitis because of solid cancers received intra-CSF liposomal cytarabine or methotrexate as specified in a randomized phase 4 trial. The 2 treatment arms were well balanced for demographic and tumor-related characteristics of known prognostic importa...

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Variation and Molecular Evolution of HmbR, the Neisseria meningitidis haemoglobin receptor.

Microbiology — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Evans NJ, Harrison OB, Clow K, Derrick JP, Feavers IM, Maiden MC Meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis remains an important health problem in many parts of the world for which there are currently no comprehensive vaccines. Poor immunogenicity, combined with immunologic identity with human sialic acids, have hindered the development of a serogroup B conjugate vaccine, resulting in the development of alternative vaccine candidates including many outer membrane protein (OMP) based formulations. However, the design of protein-based meningococcal vaccines is complicated by the high level of genetic and antigenic diversity of the meningococcus. Knowledge of the extent and structuring of this diversity can have implications for the use of particular prote...

Ohio student may have bacterial meningitis

Health News - UPI.com — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:31:18 +0100

ATHENS, Ohio, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Ohio University officials say a sophomore at the school has been hospitalized with suspected bacterial meningitis. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Infectious Vasculopathy of Intracranial Large- and Medium-Sized Vessels in Neurological Intensive Care Unit: A Clinico-Radiological Study

Neurocritical Care — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:50:11 +0100

Conclusion In this cohort, one-third of all cases of nonatherosclerotic vasculopathy were due to infectious vasculopathy of large and medium intracranial vessels. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s12028-010-9335-4Authors J. Katchanov, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Department of Neurology Campus Charité Mitte Berlin GermanyE. Siebert, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Department of Neuroradiology Campus Charité Mitte Berlin GermanyR. Klingebiel, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Department of Neuroradiology Campus Charité Mitte Berlin GermanyM. Endres, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin Department of Neurology Campus Charité Mitte Berlin Germany Journal Neurocritical CareOnline ISSN 1556-0961Print ISSN 1541-6933 ...

African meningitis belt pneumococcal disease epidemiology indicates a need for an effective serotype 1 containing vaccine, including for older children and adults

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine strategies in GAVI-eligible countries are focusing on infant immunization but this strategy may not be optimal in all settings. We aimed to collect all available population based data on pneumococcal meningitis throughout life in the African meningitis belt and then to model overall meningitis risk to help inform vaccine policy. Methods: After a systematic review of literature published from 1970 through the present, we found robust population-based Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) meningitis data across age strata for four African meningitis belt countries that included 35 surveillance years spanning from 1970 to 2005. Using these data we modeled disease risk for a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 persons followed throughout life. Results: Similar to ...

The cell envelope subtilisin-like proteinase is a virulence determinant for Streptococcus suis

BMC Microbiology - Latest articles — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In summary, we identified a gene coding for a cell surface subtilisin-like serine proteinase that is widely distributed in S. suis. Evidences were brought for the involvement of this proteinase in S. suis virulence. (Source: BMC Microbiology - Latest articles)

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Finding of Parastrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) in Rattus rattus in Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain).

Acta Tropica — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Foronda P, López-González M, Miquel J, Torres J, Segovia M, Abreu-Acosta N, Casanova JC, Valladares B, Mas-Coma S, Bargues MD, Feliu C Parastrongylus cantonensis is a parasite of murid rodents that can infect humans and cause health problems as eosinophilic meningitis. Although it is endemic in south Asia, the Pacific islands, Australia, USA, and a few Caribbean islands, it has been extended to new geographical regions. In the Canary Islands (Spain) a survey of helminths of Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus domesticus was carried out. Furthermore, 5 species of molluscs were examined for nematode larvae to determine whether they are potential intermediate hosts of P. cantonensis. Nematodes were found in the lungs of 15% of 67 R. rattus examined in Tene...

Fulminant pneumococcal meningitis manifesting as acute abdomen.

British Journal of Hospital Medicine — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rajkhan WA, Obeid T, Gasim A, Hamza N Pneumococcal meningitis has become the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the past two decades. Usually it does not cause diagnostic problems in previously healthy people as the absence of the classic clinical triad of fever, nuchal rigidity and altered mental state eliminates the diagnosis (Attia et al, 1999; Weisfelt et al, 2006). However, atypical presentations - which are infrequently reported - may lead to delay in treatment and devastating consequences. This case adds to the spectrum of unusual presentations of this disease. PMID: 20220702 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: British Journal of Hospital Medicine)

Meningitis vaccine take-up urged

Nursing in Practice — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:54:05 +0100

Meningitis UK poll finds 62% unaware there is no vaccine for meningitis B, and the charity has warned parents to be more vigilant (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Investigation of the child with permanent hearing impairment

Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:53:09 +0100

(Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice)

Three quarters of parents confused over meningitis vaccine

Nursing Times Breaking News — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:34:00 +0100

More than half of parents wrongly believe that their child has been vaccinated against all strains of meningitis, a poll has revealed. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

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Blastomycosis of the Central Nervous System: A Multicenter Review of Diagnosis and Treatment in the Modern Era

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:48:05 +0100

Conclusions. On the basis of these data, we recommend initial treatment with a lipid formulation of amphotericin B followed by a prolonged course of oral azole therapy, preferably voriconazole. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Dexamethasone doesn't improve outcome in bacterial meningitis: meta-analysis

NeLM - News — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases Area: News A patient-level meta-analysis found no evidence that adjunctive dexamethasone improved clinical outcomes in acute bacterial meningitis. The evidence for benefit from corticosteroid treatment in acute bacterial meningitis is conflicting: this meta-analysis of patient-level data was intended to clarify whether sub-groups who might benefit specifically could be identified. The authors used patient-level data available from five trials, taken from those previously identified for a Cochrane review and also trials published subsequently. All were randomised controlled trials of dexamethasone vs. placebo and had been published since 2001. Primary outcomes were death, severe neurological sequelae, and bilateral severe deafness. T...

The role of diffusion-weighted echo planar MRI in central nervous system infections regarding etiopathogeneses.

Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology : The Turkish Society of Radiology — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kiroglu Y, Karabulut N, Alkan A Neuroimaging constitudes an important component in the diagnosis of the underlying infectious agents in central nervous system (CNS) infections. Despite the recent advances in neuroimaging evaluation, the diagnosis of unclear infectious CNS diseases remains a challenge. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used in routine practice to identify abnormal areas involved in CNS infections. More recent MRI techniques, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), provide additional helpful information in the assessment of CNS infectious lesions compared with conventional MRI. This pictorial essay summarizes the clinical role of DWI in the demonstration of CNS infections including meningitis, encephalitis and pyogenic infections, and determinat...

RE: CT before lumbar puncture in meningitis — what every radiology trainee should know

Clinical Radiology — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:36:29 +0100

Sir—Dr Ganeshan's recent letter discusses the clinical utility of computed tomography (CT) prior to lumbar puncture in patients with suspected meningitis and helpfully summarizes the clinical indications for imaging in this common clinical scenario. (Source: Clinical Radiology)

'Red flags' to spot serious infections in young outlined

Nursing Times Breaking News — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:39:00 +0100

Researchers have identified a series of “red flag” symptoms that will help clinicians to diagnose children with serious infections such as meningitis. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

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Meningococcal Meningitis: An Emerging Infectious Disease

Journal of Community Health Nursing — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:57:28 +0100

(Source: Journal of Community Health Nursing)

FDA Collaboration Seeks To Speed Development Of Pneumococcal Vaccines For Children In Developing Countries

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Emergency Computed Tomography for Aortic Valve Vegetation Mimicking Disruption [CASE STUDIES]

Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:27:46 +0100

A 47-year-old man presented with symptoms typical of infective endocarditis and history of streptococcal meningitis 8 months previously. Echocardiography showed a large aortic valve vegetation that was interpreted as disruption of the noncoronary cusp. This was ruled out by 64-slice cardiac computed tomography. Valve replacement was performed successfully. (Source: Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals)

[Complications of bacterial rhino-sinusitis in children: A case report and a review of the literature.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report on a case of acute bacterial pan-sinusitis complicated with thrombophlebitis of the cavernous sinuses and meningitis in a 9-year-old child, in spite of early and adapted antibiotic therapy. The bacterial agent was Staphylococcus aureus, which had no resistance or toxin profile. The progression was favorable under intravenous antibiotic therapy and after bilateral sphenoidectomy. This case raises the question of the best therapy for acute bacterial sinusitis in pediatrics and the management of complications. PMID: 20133116 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives de Pediatrie)

FDA Collaboration Seeks to Speed Development of Pneumococcal Vaccines for Children in Developing Countries

Food and Drug Administration — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:38:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced a collaboration with PATH to advance development of a vaccine to protect children against diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), especially pneumonia. Worldwide, the bacterium also causes infections of the brain (meningitis), blood (sepsis), and middle ear (otitis media) and each year kills about 1 million children younger than 5 years of age. The collaboration aims to improve the techniques used to produce effective, safe, and affordable vaccines against pneumococcal disease for children in the developing world. PATH is an international nonprofit organization based in Seattle that creates sustainable, culturally relevant, and affordable solutions to help communities worldwide to break cycles of poor healt...

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FDA Collaboration Seeks to Speed Development of Pneumococcal Vaccines for Children in Developing Countries

Food and Drug Administration — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:38:00 +0100

Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Acute HIV Infection.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Diaz JS, Octavio JG, Fernandez-Guerrero ML To the Editor: Patients with acute HIV infection frequently experience a syndrome characterized by fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, maculopapular rash, and lymphomonocytosis, which mimics acute infectious mononucleosis, 3-6 weeks after primary infection (1). Aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and peripheral neuropathy are the most commonly observed features. In contrast, antiphospholipid syndrome complicated with pulmonary emboli is not commonly associated with acute retroviral syndrome. The following case should prompt clinicians to consider an expanded clinical scope of initial signs and symptoms for acute HIV infection. PMID: 20113589 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup X Sequence Type 2888, Italy.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fazio C, Starnino S, Solda MD, Sofia T, Neri A, Mastrantonio P, Stefanelli P To the Editor: Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X was first described in the 1960s and has been found to be responsible of rare cases of invasive meningococcal diseases, in particular, meningitis, in North America, Europe, Australia, Africa, and the People's Republic of China (1-3). This serogroup has recently emerged in Africa as an increasing cause of meningitis; unfortunately, it is not covered by current vaccine programs. Serogroup X outbreaks have been reported in Niger, Ghana, and Kenya (4-6). In particular, in Niger during January-June 2006, N. meningitidis serogroup X represented 51% of confirmed cases of meningitis (4). PMID: 20113588 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Dis...

Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup W135, China.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe these 3 meningitis patients and the N. meningitidis serogroup W135 strains isolated from these patients by genotyping methods. PMID: 20113581 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)