Expert review of anti-infective therapy
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Jan 2010
ReviewA clear and present danger: tick-borne diseases in Europe.
Ticks can transmit a variety of viruses, bacteria or parasites that can cause serious infections or conditions in humans and animals. While tick-borne diseases are becoming an increasing and serious problem in Europe, tick-borne diseases are also responsible for major depressions in livestock production and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Asia. This review will focus on the most important circulating tick-transmitted pathogens in Europe (Borrelia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., tick-borne encephalitis virus, Rickettsia spp. and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus).
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Dec 2009
Antibiotic stewardship implementation in the EU: the way forward.
There is an urgent need for an agreement on the principles and key components of antibiotic stewardship to support the EU member states in developing their national or regional programs. A proposal for a conceptual framework was drafted during an international expert workshop on hospital antibiotic stewardship organized under the Czech presidency in Prague on 15 April 2009. ⋯ Antibiotic stewardship is of relevance to hospital as well as community care. To progress on antibiotic stewardship implementation in the EU, we suggest that three issues need to be addressed: the need for further research on the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of antibiotic stewardship strategies and interventions in different healthcare settings, the development of expert consensus on key elements of evidence-based best practice in hospital and community antibiotic stewardship, and strengthening the legal basis and core funding of antibiotic stewardship programs as integral components of quality and efficiency of care promotion initiatives.
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by the tick-borne bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. Symptoms range from moderate illness to severe illness, including cardiovascular compromise, coma and death. The disease is prevalent in most of the USA, especially during warmer months. ⋯ Other signature symptoms include headache and abdominal pain. The antibiotic therapy of choice for R. rickettsii infection is doxycycline. Preventive measures for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other tick-borne diseases include: wearing long-sleeved, light colored clothing; checking for tick attachment and removing attached ticks promptly; applying topical insect repellent; and treating clothing with permethrin.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Nov 2009
ReviewPreventing infections due to intravascular catheters in burn victims.
Venous catheters are associated with severe complications that present high morbidity and mortality rates. The objective of this study was to identify the available scientific evidence regarding nursing interventions for the prevention of infections related to the presence of central or peripheral venous catheters in burn patients. ⋯ There is only limited evidence regarding interventions that may have a positive impact in preventing venous catheter-related infection in burn victims. We recommend the interpretation of the CDC guidelines as a basis to organize protocols to prevent catheter-related infection in burns.