Current opinion in infectious diseases
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To assess new information from peer-reviewed publications in 2005 regarding emerging respiratory viral threats. ⋯ Progress has been made in development of possible specific interventions for influenza and possibly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, but effective antivirals and vaccines for most other respiratory viruses are currently lacking.
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Feb 2006
ReviewEpidemiology of intensive care unit-acquired urinary tract infections.
The development of urinary tract infections in critically ill adult patients is associated with considerable morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and greater healthcare expenditures. We review the occurrence, microbiology, risk factors for acquisition, and outcomes associated with intensive care unit-acquired urinary tract infections. ⋯ Urinary tract infection is a common complication of critical illness that is associated with increased patient morbidity but not mortality. There is a relative paucity of research on nosocomial urinary tract infection specifically acquired in the intensive care unit and further studies are needed to better define the epidemiology and management of these infections.
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Dec 2005
ReviewRole of new antifungal agents in prophylaxis of mycoses in high risk patients.
For pancreas, liver, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, no antifungal prophylaxis led to a high rate of and high morbidity from fungal infection. With the use of fluconazole as prophylaxis since the early 1990s, there have been shifts in the types of infecting fungal pathogens, documentation of resistance among fungal organisms, and changes in transplant practices. The aim of this article is to review recent clinical trials regarding antifungal chemoprophylaxis among several populations of high risk patients. ⋯ Fluconazole remains the standard agent for prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections for pancreas, liver, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Micafungin is superior to fluconazole with minimal toxicity for use in the pre-engraftment period of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The optimal agent for prophylaxis later following transplant, if mold coverage is desired during prolonged immunosuppression, has not been determined.
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Aug 2005
ReviewChanging face of health-care associated fungal infections.
The purpose of this review was to evaluate recent publications on the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections. ⋯ Recent data suggest that the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections may be changing with the emergence of uncommon molds and the occurrence of invasive aspergillosis in 'nonclassical' immunocompromised hosts. New diagnostic tools and improved antifungal agents are available to facilitate early diagnosis and offer new treatment options.