The Effect of Spray Cryotherapy on Microbial Biofilms in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of spray cryotherapy as a biofilm disruption agent in CRS in an in vitro model.Recent FindingsA total of 23 patients with CRS undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were included. Rhinosinusal mucosa samples were harvested. Half of sample was left intact while the other half was treated with spray cryotherapy, so patients served as their own witnesses. Subsequently, they were processed to hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and toluidine blue (TB) staining and analyzed by light microscopy. Biofilms were detected in 17 of 23 patients with CRS. Staining by HE showed strong co...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - August 13, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Zoonotic Influenza and Human Health —Part 1: Virology and Epidemiology of Zoonotic Influenzas
AbstractPurpose of ReviewZoonotic influenza viruses are those that cross the animal-human barrier and can cause disease in humans, manifesting from minor respiratory illnesses to multiorgan dysfunction. They have also been implicated in the causation of deadly pandemics in recent history. The increasing incidence of infections caused by these viruses worldwide has necessitated focused attention to improve both diagnostic as well as treatment modalities. In this first part of a two-part review, we describe the structure of zoonotic influenza viruses, the relationship between mutation and pandemic capacity, pathogenesis of i...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - August 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship: State of the Art
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe aim to systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and antimicrobial stewardship (AS) strategies in the United States (US) inpatient setting. Furthermore, we review current gaps and challenges for unique pediatric populations and those in ambulatory settings.Recent FindingsMisuse and overuse of antimicrobials have been identified as key factors for antimicrobial resistance (AR). Multiple professional organizations support the implementation of hospital-based ASPs to decrease antimicrobial consumption, improve patient outcomes, ...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - August 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Zoonotic Influenza and Human Health —Part 2: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewZoonotic influenza viruses are those influenza viruses that cross the animal-human barrier and can cause disease in humans, manifesting from minor respiratory illnesses to multiorgan dysfunction. The increasing incidence of infections caused by these viruses worldwide has necessitated focused attention to improve both diagnostic as well as treatment modalities. In this second part of a two-part review, we discuss the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and treatment of zoonotic influenza, and provide an overview of prevention strategies.Recent FindingsIllnesses caused by novel reassortant avi...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - August 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Diabetic Foot Infections: Update on Management
In this report, we present the diagnosis and management of DFIs according to their classification.Recent FindingsWhile appropriate antibiotic regiments and surgical techniques for the treatment of DFIs are well established, new technologies and techniques for example in medical imaging, wound care modalities, and supplementary therapy approaches show potentially promising results in preventing DFIs.SummaryAs with every complex disease, fine tuning DFI management can be challenging as it requires careful evaluation of different parameters. It demands timely action, close collaboration of different specialties, and patient c...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - August 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Zoonotic Influenza and Human Health —Part 1: Virology and Epidemiology of Zoonotic Influenzas
AbstractPurpose of ReviewZoonotic influenza viruses are those that cross the animal-human barrier and can cause disease in humans, manifesting from minor respiratory illnesses to multiorgan dysfunction. They have also been implicated in the causation of deadly pandemics in recent history. The increasing incidence of infections caused by these viruses worldwide has necessitated focused attention to improve both diagnostic as well as treatment modalities. In this first part of a two-part review, we describe the structure of zoonotic influenza viruses, the relationship between mutation and pandemic capacity, pathogenesis of i...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - August 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship: State of the Art
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe aim to systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and antimicrobial stewardship (AS) strategies in the United States (US) inpatient setting. Furthermore, we review current gaps and challenges for unique pediatric populations and those in ambulatory settings.Recent FindingsMisuse and overuse of antimicrobials have been identified as key factors for antimicrobial resistance (AR). Multiple professional organizations support the implementation of hospital-based ASPs to decrease antimicrobial consumption, improve patient outcomes, ...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - August 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Zoonotic Influenza and Human Health —Part 2: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewZoonotic influenza viruses are those influenza viruses that cross the animal-human barrier and can cause disease in humans, manifesting from minor respiratory illnesses to multiorgan dysfunction. The increasing incidence of infections caused by these viruses worldwide has necessitated focused attention to improve both diagnostic as well as treatment modalities. In this second part of a two-part review, we discuss the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and treatment of zoonotic influenza, and provide an overview of prevention strategies.Recent FindingsIllnesses caused by novel reassortant avi...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - August 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Diabetic Foot Infections: Update on Management
In this report, we present the diagnosis and management of DFIs according to their classification.Recent FindingsWhile appropriate antibiotic regiments and surgical techniques for the treatment of DFIs are well established, new technologies and techniques for example in medical imaging, wound care modalities, and supplementary therapy approaches show potentially promising results in preventing DFIs.SummaryAs with every complex disease, fine tuning DFI management can be challenging as it requires careful evaluation of different parameters. It demands timely action, close collaboration of different specialties, and patient c...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - August 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Substance Use and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy: What Is Known and What Is Unknown
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPeople who use drugs face multiple challenges to achieve optimal HIV treatment outcomes. This review discusses the current knowledge in substance use and antiretroviral therapy adherence, highlighting recent findings and potential interventions.Recent FindingsStudies continue to demonstrate the negative impacts of substance use and related disorders on antiretroviral therapy adherence, with the exception of cannabis. Evidence-based addiction treatment, in particular, opioid agonist therapy, appears to improve adherence levels. Most individual-level adherence specific interventions did not provide s...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - July 31, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Hospital-Acquired Infections Under Pay-for-Performance Systems: an Administrative Perspective on Management and Change
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to explore the impact of hospital-acquired infection on payment under pay-for-performance systems, and provide perspective on the role of administrators in infection prevention.Recent FindingsHospital-acquired infections continue to pose a serious threat to patient safety and to the fiscal viability of healthcare facilities under pay-for-performance systems. There is mixed evidence that use of pay-for-performance systems leads to prevention of hospital-acquired conditions. Use of evidence-based guidelines has been shown to reduce hospital-acquired infections.SummaryInc...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - July 26, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Acute Flaccid Paralysis and Enteroviral Infections
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe focus of this review is on enterovirus (EV)-associated acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) due to spinal cord anterior horn cell disease. Emphasis is placed on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of AFP caused by polioviruses, vaccine-derived polioviruses, EV-D68, and EV-A71.Recent FindingsSince the launch of The Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, the worldwide incidence of polio has been reduced by 99.9%, with small numbers of poliomyelitis cases being reported only in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria. With the planned phaseout of oral polio vaccine, vaccine...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - June 29, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
