MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Infection and Public Health' source. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:32:54 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3357560&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000562%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We present an unusual case report of a myiasis in the upper lip of a patient admitted under the maxillofacial team at South Manchester Hospital. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3357560 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:45:07 +0100 3357560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3357559&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000811%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, Shigella spp. isolated from symptomatic patients in Kuwait and the UAE demonstrated high rates of resistance to the first-line antibiotics but very susceptible to the carbapenems, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and tigecycline. Tigecycline holds promise as a potential drug of choice for the therapy of severe shigellosis. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3357559 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:45:07 +0100 3357559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3357558&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000793%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: These results demonstrate that an educational program can significantly improve the proper practices for using hand rub and hand washing compliance. This study has also demonstrated that wearing rings, bracelets, watches and long nails impair hand gel application but that wedding rings, long sleeves and varnished nails do not. The finding of that hand hygiene effectiveness increased with time even prior to training indicates that knowledge gained by staff trained early diffused into those who had not yet been trained. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3357558 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:45:07 +0100 3357558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3357557&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS187603410900094X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Infection from Mycobacterium tuberculosis results in the death of three million people worldwide per annum of which an estimated one thousand are in Saudi Arabia. The WHO has set a target for successful treatment of 85% but Saudi Arabia is currently not meeting that target. We believe that the first step in improving the control of tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia is to improve and unify the standards of diagnostic services and laboratories responsible for tuberculosis. This paper reviews the current status and suggests possible improvements. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3357557 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:45:07 +0100 3357557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3357556&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS187603411000002X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Although uncommon, spontaneous and postoperative pyogenic spondylodiscitis entail major morbidity and may be associated with serious long-term sequelae. A review of the literature was done to advance our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of these infections.The principles of conservative treatment are to establish an accurate microbiological diagnosis, treat with appropriate antibiotics, immobilize the spine, and closely monitor for spinal instability and neurological deterioration. The purpose of surgical treatment is to obtain multiple intraoperative cultures of bone and soft tissue, perform a thorough debridement of infected tissue and decompression of neural structures, and reconstruct the unstable spinal column with bone graft with or without concomitant ... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3357556 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:45:07 +0100 3357556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3357555&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000938%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Environmental scientists are now raising great concern on the impact of drugs on the environment and microbiologists are concerned about increasing antibiotic resistance due to irrational usage. However, a focus on the impact by the use of antibiotics (irrational/prescribed) to the environment at therapeutic doses has not been instituted. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) defined “Pharmacovigilance” activities as the monitoring, detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of any adverse reactions to drugs at therapeutic concentration on animals and humans. Nevertheless, there is little attention being given to identifying the adverse effects (ADEs) of antimicrobial agents on the environment (given at therapeutic doses). This issue has been highlighted in the pre... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3357555 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:45:07 +0100 3357555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3006890&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000598%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study demonstrated that vacA slml is common genotype of H. pylori in patients with peptic ulcer and the vacA allele s1 of this bacterium is associated with ulcer. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3006890 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:24 +0100 3006890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3006889&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS187603410900080X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: The study was conducted to investigate a variation in the distribution of endemic elephantiasis previously determined to be of geochemical origin in three neighbouring and essentially homogenous villages, Bambili, Bambui and Finge of the Bambui Health District of NW Cameroon. A total of 301 subjects were examined for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis in the area using standard procedures. The onchocercal microfilarial prevalence varied from 6.5% in Bambili through 20.4% in Bambui to 60.4% in Finge. The onchocercal serological prevalence based on IgG4 detection followed a similar trend. By contrast, blood microfilariae were absent in the area as verified by use of sensitive techniques. The community prevalence of elephantiasis varied from 1.1% in Bambili to 4.4% in Bambui and... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3006889 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:24 +0100 3006889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3006888&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000653%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Anecdotal data from the southern and eastern Mediterranean region suggests that self-medication with antibiotics is commonly practiced in many countries. In order to provide proper information on the situation, we undertook short structured interviews in out-patients clinics or primary health centres in Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia and Turkey. A total of 2109 interviews were undertaken of which 1705 completed the full questionnaire. Self-medication was reported by 19.1% ( (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3006888 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:24 +0100 3006888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3006887&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000641%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, extended sequence-based typing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis were used in a combined approach in the aim to enhance discriminatory power of the molecular typing procedures. However, probably due to a common environmental reservoir and genetic stability, most of the strains circulating in the geographic area under study belong to the same clone and are, consequently, indistinguishable by molecular typing. Investigations of clinical cases and tracing to their environmental source require caution and support from sound epidemiological data. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3006887 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:24 +0100 3006887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3006886&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS187603410900063X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: A self-administered network-based questionnaire survey was conducted on 91 HIV-positive Chinese men having sex with men (MSM). Affiliation matrices were created to assess their networking pattern. The individuals’ preferential use of venues for sex partnership before HIV infection has changed over three time periods of 1997–2000, 2001–2003 and 2004–2006. Over time, there was a parallel increase in network density (density scores from 0.26, through 0.36, to 0.53) and degree centrality (from a median score of 9, through 12, to 16), suggesting that connectivity of MSM was becoming higher through sexual networks. The overall practice of unprotected sex has, however, remained the same. The study demonstrated how the application of social network analysis could enrich the epide... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3006886 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:24 +0100 3006886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3006885&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000604%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Malaria is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Over the past years, the disease has been consistently reported as the first leading cause of outpatient visits, hospitalization and death in health facilities across the country. Thus, a retrospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria from peripheral blood smear examination from the Serbo Health Center of Ethiopia. The case notes of all malaria cases treated between July 2007 and June 2008 were carefully reviewed and analyzed. Of the total 6863 smears, 3009 were found to be positive and contribute 43.8% of diagnostic yield. Plasmodium falciparum constituted the most predominant [64.6% (1946/3009 cases)], while Plasmodium vivax confirmed with 34.9% (1052/3009) cases. Among patients who underwent diagnos... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3006885 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:24 +0100 3006885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3006884&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000628%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Patients with envenoming following snakebite should receive antivenom as soon as possible: delayed presentation or administration may be very dangerous. The decision to give antivenom should be initiated as soon as possible after patients’ arrival at the Emergency Department and the use of the whole blood clotting test (WBCT) may facilitate the early administration of antivenom. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3006884 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:24 +0100 3006884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3006883&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000616%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: The recent outbreak of human infection with a novel Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) virus is spreading rapidly through sustained human-to-human transmission in multiple countries. Human-to-human transmission occurs by inhalation of infectious droplets and droplet nuclei, and by direct contact, which is facilitated by air and land travel and social gatherings. The most frequently reported symptoms are fever, cough, myalgia, and sore throat. Detailed contact and travel histories and knowledge of viral activity in community are essential for prompt case detection by the health personnel. Real-time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis of throat swabs or lower respiratory samples is a sensitive means of diagnosis. Use of oral oseltamivir may be warranted for the tre... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3006883 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:24 +0100 3006883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893276&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000501%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Recent study done by Khalifa Elmusharaf and Naeema Akbar at Dengue Fever Control Program – Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health – was not cited correctly in the reference number 11 in the references list of the above article. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893276 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:03 +0100 2893276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893275&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000537%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abdulrahman A. Alrajhi in The Editorial (11 January 2009) described a premarital HIV screening (PHS) program in Saudi Arabia, with a prevalence rate of 0.026% among those screened during the first year. His focus on new issues for viral pathogen screening compared to hemoglobinopathies is wholly justified. As pointed out in the paper, acceptance by the community, the impact on marriage projects, confidentiality and stigma are all tremendously important. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893275 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:03 +0100 2893275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893274&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000574%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, the resistance pattern of organisms causing breakthrough UTIs varies with the choice of prophylaxis which should be taken into consideration in chosing empiric therapy for such infections. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893274 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:03 +0100 2893274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893273&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000525%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: In conclusion, in addition to the utilization of CDC based criteria for vancomycin, we had shown that patient's chart review by a clinical pharmacists with a feed back to the physicians when guidelines were not met coupled with and educational efforts are effective methods to decrease inappropriate vancomycin usage. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893273 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:03 +0100 2893273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893272&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000513%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised hosts. This pathogen has a tendency to form biofilms on the surface of indwelling catheters leading to acute and chronic urinary tract infections that result in significant morbidity and mortality. In the present study, kinetics of interleukin-10 (IL-10) production in mouse renal tissue was studied employing experimental mouse model of acute pyelonephritis induced with planktonic and biofilm cells of P. aeruginosa. IL-10 production was found to be significantly lower in biofilm cell instilled mice compared to planktonic cell infected animals, which corroborated with higher bacterial load and tissue damage. The data suggests that downregulation of IL-10 production may be novel strategy employed by biofilm cell... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893272 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:03 +0100 2893272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893271&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000331%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: This is the first report from Bahrain and it indicates that the prevalence of ESBL-producing isolates is high. Carbapenems were the most active drug against the ESBL-producing isolates. We recommend strict infection control to prevent trafficking into the community. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893271 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:03 +0100 2893271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893270&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000550%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The current study has introduced unprecedented novel dynamic model for the assessment of the microbiological outcome on both biofilm and shedding planktonic cells of P. aeruginosa in response to different dosing regimens of ofloxacin which in turn can simulate the clinical outcomes in biofilm associated infections of P. aeruginosa, e.g. cystic fibrosis. Furthermore, different scenarios of antibiotic dosing regimens against biofilm related infections can be mimicked using such model. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893270 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:03 +0100 2893270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893269&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000549%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an important risk factor for the global incidence and mortality of tuberculosis (TB) and has had a tremendous impact on the epidemiology and the control of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic, laboratory and clinical characteristics of HIV-positive TB cases in Canada as compared to HIV-negative cases.Methods: TB cases reported to the Canadian TB Reporting System (CTBRS) from 1997 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed and for those with known HIV serostatus, the distributions of age, sex, country of birth, smear and culture positivity, drug resistance, site of disease and treatment outcome were compared.Results: 2710 TB cases had a report of an HIV test with a 12.9% positivity rate. HIV-positive c... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893269 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:03 +0100 2893269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893268&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000586%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a serious health problem affecting millions of people each year. Infections of the urinary tract are the second most common type of infection in the body. Catheterization of the urinary tract is the most common factor, which predisposes the host to these infections. Catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) is responsible for 40% of nosocomial infections, making it the most common cause of nosocomial infection. CAUTI accounts for more than 1 million cases in hospitals and nursing homes annually and often involve uropathogens other than Escherichia coli. While the epidemiology and pathogenic mechanisms of uropathogenic Escherichia coli have been extensively studied, little is known about the pathogenesis of UTIs caused by other organisms like Pseudomonas a... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893268 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:03 +0100 2893268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498560&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000306%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Our finding suggests that there is no association between ACI and positive CP-IgG in Iranian patients. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498560 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:28:12 +0100 2498560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498559&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000252%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study aimed to determine the rate of Clostridium botulinum contamination in some traditional Iranian food products (cheese, kashk and salted fish) and evaluate the efficacy of the mouse bioassay method in detection of C. botulinum toxins in these foods. A total of 131 samples (57 cheese, 11 kashk and 63 salted fish) were collected and examined to determine the rate of contamination by C. botulinum. Standard monovalent anti-toxins were used to determine the types of toxin. C. botulinum bacteria were detected in 4.58% of the examined samples (1.52% of cheese and 3.06% of salted fish samples). While no contamination was detected in the kashk samples, C. botulinum types A and E were found to be dominant in cheese and salted fish samples, respectively. These results indicate—some traditi... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498559 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:28:12 +0100 2498559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498558&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000276%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection has long been recognized as a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in newborn infants. The purpose of this study was to determine the colonization rate with GBS and the antibiotic susceptibility profile in pregnant women attending Gynecological clinics in Egypt. One-hundred and fifty vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women at 35–40 weeks of gestation. In comparison to culture, direct latex agglutination testing revealed 100% sensitivity and 93.75% specificity. Thirty-eight specimens (25.3%) were found to be positive for GBS. Each isolate was tested for susceptibility to penicillin G, ampicillin, cefotaxime, erythromycin, clindamycin and vancomycin. Erythromycin-resistant isolates were further classified by double-disk method. A... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498558 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:28:12 +0100 2498558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498557&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000288%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: There was a decrease in the incidence of brucellosis over the study period. The highest incidence was in patients 40–49 years of age. Continued surveillance and efforts are needed to further decrease the cases of brucellosis. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498557 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:28:12 +0100 2498557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498556&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000318%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: In December 2006, three human specimens were received that were suspected positive for influenza A(H5N1). The specimens were tested using real time PCR. And the presence of A(H5N1) virus was confirmed in 2 patients (16F and 26M), The NA sequence from A(H5N1) positive specimens collected before and after antiviral therapy revealed a mutation (N294S) (N295S according to N1 numbering), previously associated with resistance to oseltamivir. When tested with NA inhibition assays, the two N294S viruses from Egypt exhibited from 57 to 138-fold reduction in susceptibility to oseltamivir, depending on the assay. To our knowledge, this is the first time oseltamivir resistance has been detected in A(H5N1) infecting a human prior to treatment. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498556 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:28:12 +0100 2498556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498555&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS187603410900032X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria are currently difficult to treat because many of these pathogens are now resistant to standard antimicrobial agents. As a result of the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens, new antimicrobial agents are urgently needed for clinical use. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of drugs that have activity against these Gram-positive pathogens. Daptomycin, tigecycline, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin and dalbavancin are five antimicrobial agents that are useful for the treatment of infections due to drug-resistant Gram-positive cocci. This review focuses on their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, spectrum of activity, clinical effectiveness, drug interaction and safety. Thes... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498555 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:28:12 +0100 2498555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498554&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000264%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Existing classifications of potential biological weapons, acknowledge only limited important parameters of biological weapon potential. Certain pathogen factors would further influence the outcome of a potential attack in context with social and political aspects of the time and space of the attack. The importance of these factors was investigated through various attack scenarios that have been developed by the authors, and an individual score for each of these factors was calculated, based on the overall effect their variation had in the scenario outcome. A new classification score for potential biological weapons was subsequently developed, one, which drastically alters the perception of risk for certain pathogens, such as filoviruses and anthrax. This frame further allows for m... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498554 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:28:12 +0100 2498554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498553&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS187603410900029X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Infection control was put to the test when severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) spread from Asia, particularly affecting Canada and the United States. From late 2002 to the spring of the 2003, the virulent pathogen infected 8098 people, causing 774 deaths and igniting alarm before its spread was arrested. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498553 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:28:12 +0100 2498553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395452&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000021%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Background and aims: Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in intravenous drug users (IDU) varies in different areas according to socioeconomic and geographical circumstances. The present study was performed to determine seroprevalence of HCV in IDU individuals in Ahvaz, Iran.Materials and methods: 142 IDU patients were included in this retrospective study in Ahvaz southwest Iran from 2001 to 2006. Patients were placed in two groups determined by HCV Ab positive or negative status. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows (version 11.5; SPSS Inc., USA) software.Results: Out of total 142 cases, 74 persons (52.11%) had a positive HCV-Ab test according to the ELISA method. There was no difference in age, sex, level of education, residency and co-infection with HIV and hepatitis B vi... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395452 Thu, 07 May 2009 22:49:25 +0100 2395452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395451&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000033%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The prevalence of HPV was higher than that reported in developed world and CIN II–III are the most common stages in Toluca, State of Mexico. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395451 Thu, 07 May 2009 22:49:25 +0100 2395451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395450&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000057%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Dengue is increasingly recognized as one of the world's major infectious diseases. Dengue vectors, human knowledge and human behavior have each been reported to play an important role in the transmission of the disease. A cross-sectional approach was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) of high school female students, teachers and supervisors towards Dengue fever (DF), and to determine scoring predictors of high school students’ knowledge and practice scores. A multistage, stratified, random sample method was applied. A total of 2693 students, 356 teachers and 115 supervisors completed confidential self-administered questionnaires.Results: Students obtained the lowest mean knowledge score compared to the other two groups (F=51.5, P (Source: Journal of Infe... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395450 Thu, 07 May 2009 22:49:25 +0100 2395450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395449&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000082%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: The emergence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) follows multiple aetiological pathways requiring recognition for effective control and prevention. Infections are proving to be conventional, emerging and re-emerging aetiological factors for many NCDs. This review explores the possible mechanisms by which infections induce NCDs citing examples of studies in Africa and elsewhere where NCDs and infections are proposed or confirmed to be causally linked and also discusses the implications and challenges of these observations for science and medicine. The need to re-evaluate and expand early community and individual preventive and control strategies that will lead to reduction and even elimination of NCDs especially in Africa and other developing countries where infections are prevale... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395449 Thu, 07 May 2009 22:49:25 +0100 2395449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395448&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000070%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Summary: Body piercing appears to be gaining popularity and social acceptance. With the increase in the number of piercings and tattoos, it is likely that health care providers may see an increase in the complications resulting from these piercings. These may include the transmission of hepatitis viruses and bacteria at the time of the piercing or in the course of wound care. We review the infectious complications that have resulted from body piercing and tattooing that has been documented in the medical literature. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395448 Thu, 07 May 2009 22:49:25 +0100 2395448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395447&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000069%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes On 1/1/1429 H (10 January 2008), screening for human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) became mandatory for both-to-be husband and wife in Saudi Arabia as a prerequisite for issuing marriage certificate. This is part of a national project spearheaded by Ministry of Health named the “Healthy Marriage Program”. The program started as a screening program for hemoglobinopathies; specifically sickle cell and thalassemias in 2004. In 2008, viral pathogen screening was added for HIV, hepatitis B and C viruses. The aim of including HIV is to prevent transmission of the virus to the newly married wives, as reports have indicated that 97% of heterosexually infected women in Saudi Arabia acquired the virus from their husbands . It is estimated that around 300,000 persons will be screened annually in... Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395447 Thu, 07 May 2009 22:49:25 +0100 2395447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395446&cid=s_38418_46_f&fid=38418&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiph.org%2Farticle%2FPIIS1876034109000045%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In our modern era of medical science characterized by microsatellite arrays and gene therapy, it becomes increasingly challenging to advance the investigative needs of what I call “high impact orphan diseases.” These conditions occur commonly, present remarkably high morbidity and mortality, yet receive little if any research funding. Perhaps their common occurrence generates a sense of tolerance to their public health impact and encourages resources to flow toward less “garden-variety” conditions that promise cutting edge diagnostics and therapies. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health) Journal of Infection and Public Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395446 Thu, 07 May 2009 22:49:25 +0100 2395446