Atypical Invasive Aspergillosis Caused by Neosartorya udagawae
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Among 36 cases attributed to <$EMPH_O>A. fumigatus,<$EMPH_C> 4 were caused by <$EMPH_O>N. udagawae<$EMPH_C>; disease was prolonged, and the infecting organisms demonstrated widespread antifungal resistance.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
July 22, 2009
Covering:
Vinh DC et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jul 1; 49:102
Microevolution of P. aeruginosa During CF Lung Infection
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
<$EMPH_O>Pseudomonas aeruginosa<$EMPH_C> isolates obtained over time from cystic fibrosis patients show genotypic and phenotypic changes but retain the ability to induce chronic lung infection.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
July 22, 2009
Covering:
Bragonzi A et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 Jul 15; 180:138
IGRA Variability and the Effect of TST
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Seven days after TST placement, IGRA responses were boosted beyond the defined baseline variability; such boosting persisted for up to 3 months.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
July 22, 2009
Covering:
van Zyl-Smit RN et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 Jul 1; 180:49
Spore Formation by Mycobacteria
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Sporulation could explain the ability of these pathogens to lie dormant for years before causing active disease.
Pathogenicity of the Swine-Origin 2009 A (H1N1) Influenza Virus
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
In animal models, this virus caused more morbidity than seasonal H1N1 viruses but was not as readily transmissible.
Current Statin Use and Risk for Pneumonia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Statin use did not lower risk among immunocompetent community-dwelling older adults.
Pulmonary TB — Or Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection?
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
In a series of 445 mycobacteria-positive pulmonary patients, 32% had TB, and 6% had nontuberculous mycobacterial infections with symptoms suggestive of TB.
By Thomas Glück, MD
July 8, 2009
Covering:
Grubek-Jaworska H et al., Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2009 Jul; 28:739
Risk Factors for Extensively Drug-Resistant Pulmonary TB
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Previous TB treatment, HIV infection, homelessness, and alcohol abuse were risk factors.
Severe Respiratory Disease in Mexico: Past vs. Present
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Free
During the spring 2009 outbreak of H1N1 influenza in Mexico, most deaths and cases of severe pneumonia occurred in younger individuals.
Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) in Mexico: A Clinical Characterization
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
A case series of 18 hospitalized patients with this viral infection demonstrated morbidity and mortality in previously healthy young to middle-aged individuals.
Rifampin-Resistant TB During Boosted PI Therapy in HIV Patients
In New York City, three HIV patients with tuberculosis developed rifampin resistance after being switched to boosted PI therapy and alternate-day rifabutin.
By Carlos del Rio, MD
June 29, 2009
Covering:
Jenny-Avital ER and Joseph K., Clin Infect Dis 2009 May 15; 48:1471
Severe RSV Infection and Asthma
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Free
Results from a twin study suggest that severe RSV infection does not cause asthma, but rather indicates a genetic predisposition to asthma.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
June 24, 2009
Covering:
Thomsen SF et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 Jun 15; 179:1091
Dosing of Influenza Vaccine in Older Adults: More Is Better
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Phase III trial data further support the use of high-dose influenza vaccine in older adults.
By Larry M. Baddour, MD
June 24, 2009
Covering:
Falsey AR et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jul 15; 200:172
Poland GA and Mulligan MJ., J Infect Dis 2009 Jul 15; 200:161
Enteral Nutrition in the ICU: Where Should the Feeding Tube Go?
Hospital Medicine Summary and Comment
Critically ill patients who received duodenal versus gastric feeding had better nutritional support and fewer episodes of VAP, but length of stay and short-term mortality were unaffected.
TNF Antibodies, T Cells, and Tuberculosis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
How does anti-TNF immunotherapy affect host mechanisms that control TB? The findings are suggestive.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
June 12, 2009
Covering:
Bruns H et al., J Clin Invest 2009 May; 119:1167
Miller EA and Ernst JD., J Clin Invest 2009 May; 119:1079
Acid Suppression and Risk for Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
PPI use raised risk for acquiring pneumonia by about 30%.
Before You Refill the Quinolone, Think of TB
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Mistaking TB for CAP can induce quinolone resistance, although only rarely.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
June 9, 2009
Covering:
Long R et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 May 15; 48:1354
ART for HIV/TB-Coinfected Patients Taking Rifampicin: Efavirenz or Nevirapine?
A study conducted in Thailand suggests that an efavirenz-based regimen might be preferable to a nevirapine-based one in HIV/TB-coinfected patients taking rifampicin.
By Salim S. Abdool Karim, MD, PhD , and Tanuja Gengiah, M Clin Pharm, MS(Epi)
June 8, 2009
Covering:
Manosuthi W et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jun 15; 48:1752
Lalloo UG., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jun 15; 48:1760
How to Lessen Antibiotic Prescription Rate for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Prescribing rates were lower after introduction of C-reactive protein testing and communication skills training.
TB Screening of U.S.-Bound Immigrants and Refugees
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Free
For those diagnosed overseas with sputum smear–negative or inactive TB, follow-up evaluation after U.S. arrival is critical for detecting cases of active pulmonary TB.
A New Drug for MDR-TB?
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
A phase II study demonstrated encouraging results for the diarylquinoline TMC207, which inhibits mycobacterial ATP synthase.
By Larry M. Baddour, MD
June 3, 2009
Covering:
Diacon AH et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Jun 4; 360:2397
Barry CE III., N Engl J Med 2009 Jun 4; 360:2466
PPIs and Pneumonia, Revisited
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Among non–critically ill inpatients, PPI therapy was associated with a 30% increase in risk for hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Characteristics of the Novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Virus
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Free
Genetic analysis reveals marked homogeneity and the absence of expected human-adaptation markers.
Hospitalized H1N1 Patients — A Profile
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Details are provided for 30 patients hospitalized in California with confirmed or probable novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.
By Stephen G. Baum, MD
May 27, 2009
Covering:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2009 May 18
Reducing Antibiotic Use for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Communication skills training and use of bedside C-reactive protein testing reduce antibiotic prescribing for lower respiratory tract infections without affecting patient outcomes.
By Kristi L. Koenig, MD, FACEP
May 22, 2009
Covering:
Cals JWL et al., BMJ 2009 May 5; 338:b1374
Hay AD and Jüttner KV., BMJ 2009 May 5; 338:b834
