Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases 
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This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.Procalcitonin as a Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Prognostic Tool: a Critical Review
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe target of this review is to highlight the current evidence about the utility of procalcitonin (PCT) in different clinical conditions, such as sepsis, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and bacteremias. The authors aim to discuss the potential benefits and limitations of this biomarker and propose how to safely individualize antibiotic treatment in clinical practice.Recent findingsMany studies have demonstrated that PCT measurements increase within 6 –12 h after bacterial invasion and correlate with disease severity and outcomes of patients with infection. Consequently, t...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - February 21, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Advances in Infection Control for Clostridioides (Formerly Clostridium ) difficile Infection
AbstractPurpose of reviewWe reviewed seminal papers and recently published articles discussing multiple aspects of infection prevention applied toClostridioides (formerlyClostridium)difficile infection (CDI).Recent findingsWe identified hot topics including the importance of understanding the gut microbiome in CDI and its implications from an infection prevention perspective, the increasing role of antibiotic stewardship including testing stewardship in preventing and mitigating CDI, and the increasing role of clinical decision support systems to improve early diagnosis and decrease inappropriate testing.SummaryIn addition...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - February 18, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Innovations in Quality Improvement of Intravascular Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections
AbstractPurpose of reviewSignificant reductions in catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) have occurred in the United States. Reductions in CRBSIs are attributed to the widespread implementation of the practice-based measures and innovations in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CRBSI.Recent findingsDiagnosis of CRBSI historically required removal of the central venous catheter (CVC) for catheter tip culture. Removing the CVC for CRBSI diagnosis predisposes many patients to potential life-threatening complications. Advances in diagnostic techniques such as culturing catheter hubs, catheter entry site cult...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - February 8, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance: on the Cusp of a Post-antibiotic World
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe specific aim of this article is to provide evidence that antibiotic resistance (AR) has become a human disease unto itself and to describe the current means of preventing, treating, and reversing AR in individuals and in affected populations.Recent findingsAn ever-increasing number of infections are being classified as multidrug resistant (MDR). Low and middle-income countries are most likely to increase the spread of AR due to limited healthcare infrastructure coupled with policies that promote unregulated access to antibiotics. The genetic basis for AR has become more thoroughly understood as...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - January 26, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Treatment of Tuberculosis in Brazil —Past, Present, and Future Challenges
AbstractPurpose of reviewAlmost 75 years since the introduction of chemotherapy for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), it remains the single leading infectious cause of mortality and one of the top 10 causes of deaths in 2016 worldwide. Brazil is one of the countries with the highest burden of disease in the world, and despite the downward trend in disease incidence and mortality, TB is still the third leading cause of death among infectious diseases in the country. Although diagnosis and treatment are performed universally and free of charge, barriers in access result in 69,500 new cases and 4500 deaths each year. This...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - January 26, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Physician barriers to implementation of hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs): a global perspective
AbstractPurpose of reviewAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health issue. Hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are an important component of a “One Health” approach for addressing AMR. However, the adaptation and implementation of ASPs in low-resource settings often faces multiple barriers, which need to be identified and addressed to ensure program effectiveness.Recent findingsBarriers to ASPs adoption have been identified at the health system and hospital levels, within the organization and interpersonal relationships in wards and departments, and at the individual level of kno...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - January 22, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Building a Hepatitis C Clinical Program: Strategies to Optimize Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of reviewAn increasing number of specialists and non-specialists are developing clinical programs to treat and cure hepatitis C virus (HCV). The goal of this paper is to evaluate and describe optimal strategies to improve outcomes related to HCV care delivery.Recent findingsScreening and diagnosis of HCV should be guided by established recommendations. Given the recognized disparity in HCV diagnosis and linkage to care, a multi-modal approach involving care coordination and technology resources should be used to improve patient engagement. Access to HCV treatment may be optimized through systematic document...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - October 18, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Treatment of Chagas Disease in the United States
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChagas disease (CD) is endemic to much of Latin America, but also present in the United States (U.S.). Following a lengthy asymptomatic period, CD produces serious cardiac or gastrointestinal complications in 30 –40% of people. Less than 1% of the estimated six million cases in the Americas, including 326,000–347,000 in the U.S., are diagnosed. Infected persons are typically unaware and the bulk of clinicians are unfamiliar with current treatment guidelines. This review provides U.S. and other clinician s with the latest knowledge of CD treatment.Recent FindingsChagas cardiomyopathy (CCM) cause...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - September 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Cutaneous Botryomycosis and Staphylococcus aureus : Diagnosis, Management, and a Systemic Literature Review
We present a case and provide a review of the literature of all confirmed cases of cutaneous botryomycosis due toStaphylococcus aureus between January 1, 1990 and January 31, 2018.Recent findingsCutaneous botryomycosis occurs in diverse age groups and more frequently in men. Immunodeficiency increases risk for botryomycosis. Preceding trauma commonly occurs, and after bacterial inoculation, patients develop a variety of chronic skin lesions. Culture and biopsy of lesions aid in diagnosis. Pathology usually displays the Splendore-Hoeppli reaction. Culture confirms the identity of the bacterium and provides antimicrobial sen...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - September 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Advances in Clinical Diagnosis and Management of Chikungunya Virus Infection
AbstractPurpose of reviewIn this review, we attempt to give the reader an update on clinical diagnosis, management, and treatment of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection regarding the course of the disease and the role of clinical laboratory. CHIKV infection evolves through three phases: acute, sub-acute, and chronic. Protocol for patient assessment and management should be in agreement with each phase requirements.Recent findingsDespite its benignity, CHIKV infection has shown an increase in severe cases during recent outbreaks. Among the most affected group are neonates, elderly population, and patients with co-morbiditie...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - September 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
An Overview of the Treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans Infection (Buruli Ulcer)
AbstractPurpose of reviewBuruli ulcer is a major cause of morbidity in the regions where it is endemic across 33 countries. The treatment of the disease has changed drastically over the last 15 years with a move away from reliance on wide surgical excision, increased confidence in the efficacy of antibiotics and a better understanding of the pathogenesis ofMycobacterium ulcerans infections.Recent findingsAntibiotic regimens based on rifampicin for 8 weeks combined with either streptomycin, clarithromycin or a quinolone companion drug are highly effective againstM. ulcerans. Excisional surgery and thermotherapy are othe...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - September 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
New Advances in the Treatment of Trichuriasis
AbstractPurpose of reviewInfection with the intestinal nematodeTrichuris trichiura is a common public health relevant human infection. Since the commonly used drugs show low efficacy against this infection, recent literature about the state-of-the-art treatment of trichuriasis is reviewed particularly with regard to current efforts to improve the situation.Recent findingsThe drugs albendazole and mebendazole are widely used in preventive chemotherapy in high-risk areas around the world, since they are easy to administer and also effective against other soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Unfortunately, both drugs s...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - September 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Recent Advances in the Diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis
AbstractPurpose of reviewNeurocysticercosis (NCC) results from the localization in the central nervous system (CNS) of larval stages of the cestode parasiteTaenia solium. NCC is the most common helminthic parasitic disease of the nervous system and the main cause of acquired epilepsy. This literature review presents an update in NCC diagnostic techniques, including neuroimaging, immunological assays, molecular assays, and clinical manifestations.Recent findingsNCC can cause a wide array of neurological manifestations, most of them being non-pathognomonic. Diagnosis of this infection represents a challenge due to its nonspe...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - September 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Current Challenges in Antibiotic Stewardship in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
AbstractPurpose of reviewASPs are key tools in the time where an increase in the rates of bacterial resistance and cases ofClostridium difficile disease is observed worldwide, forcing a more efficient use of antibiotic therapy. We review some examples of the actual state of bacterial resistance in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), as well as some of the proposed strategies for the establishment of ASPs in resource-constrained environments.Recent findingsIn LMIC, there are important challenges in antimicrobial prescription; although not all inhabitants have access to adequate antibiotic therapy, the consumption of th...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - September 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Current Treatment of Mycetoma
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to update the status of treatment of actinomycetoma and eumycetoma. Specific information is presented to describe the best medical management for uncomplicated and complicated actinomycetic and fungal mycetomas.Recent findingsLocalized actinomycetoma that involves the skin without affecting underlying organs is treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for 3 to 12 months. In extensive infections with bone or deep organ involvement and in those with no therapeutic response, amikacin can be added. Duration of treatment varies from 5 to 20 weeks and will depend on cli...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - September 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
