The Pediatric infectious disease journal
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · May 2010
Comparative StudyCommercial interferon gamma release assays compared to the tuberculin skin test for diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in childhood contacts in the Gambia.
We compared the performance of tuberculin skin test (TST), Quantiferon-TB Gold in-tube (QFT-GIT), and T-SPOT.TB in diagnosing latent tuberculosis (LTBI) among childhood TB contacts in a TB endemic setting with high BCG coverage. We evaluated the performance of interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) and TST when combined in an algorithm. ⋯ IGRAs and TST are similar in their diagnostic performance for LTBI. An approximate 10% sensitivity benefit for using the TST and an IGRA in combination is associated with a slightly greater specificity loss. Testing strategies combining an IGRA and TST with an "or" statement may be useful only in situations where there is a high pretest probability of latent infection.
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · May 2010
Case ReportsRaoultella ornithinolytica bacteremia in an infant with visceral heterotaxy.
A case of Raoultella ornithinolytica bacteremia in an infant with visceral heterotaxy is reported. Physical examination was remarkable for markedly red skin flushing, not unlike that seen during histamine fish poisoning. R. ornithinolytica is a histamine-producing bacterium recently elucidated as a major cause of histamine fish poisoning. Only 2 other cases of human infection by R. ornithinolytica have been reported.
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · May 2010
Infectious complications of peripherally inserted central venous catheters in children.
Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are frequently used in infants and children. However, only limited data are available on current infectious and noninfectious complications of PICCs in this patient population. The aim of the study is to define the current rate of infectious and noninfectious complications of PICCs, the causative agents, and to define possible risk factors associated with these complications. ⋯ PICCs are safe and may be used for prolonged periods. In our center, the rates of infectious complications are lower than for tunneled central venous catheters. Accidental dislodgement is not uncommon and may be prevented by use of sutures, occlusive dressing, and education of patients, families, and medical staff.