Current opinion in infectious diseases
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Apr 2015
ReviewEvidence update on prevention of surgical site infection.
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common healthcare-associated infection and complicates up to 10-20% of operations with considerable strain on healthcare resources. Apart from the widely adopted use of appropriate hair removal, antibiotic prophylaxis, avoidance of hypothermia and perioperative glycaemic control to reduce SSIs, this review has considered new research and systematic reviews, and whether their findings should be included in guidelines. ⋯ The incidence of SSI after surgery is not falling. Based on this review of published trials and evidence-based systematic reviews some advances might be included into these care bundles. More research is needed together with improved compliance with care bundles.
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To review the recent advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to adults presenting with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ An effective strategy is needed to improve the diagnosis of UTIs in acute care. Further research regarding biomarker-guided triage might improve the management of patients with febrile UTI. Future efforts should be directed toward the improvement of adherence to UTI treatment guidelines.
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To consider new treatment options for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, review recent trials, and anticipate their use in clinical practice, focussing on bone marrow transplantation, congenital infection, and intervention during pregnancy. ⋯ The ability to diagnose CMV infections reliably in different clinical settings through application of molecular laboratory methods has ushered in new ways of evaluating potential new treatments for CMV. Several of these may help control the diseases caused by this important human pathogen.
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Oct 2014
ReviewCoronaviruses: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in travelers.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is currently the focus of global attention. In this review, we describe virological, clinical, epidemiological features and interim travel advice and guidelines regarding MERS-CoV. We compare and contrast these with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). ⋯ Like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV threatens global health security. All physicians and travelers to the Middle East should be aware of the new threat caused by MERS-CoV and follow CDC and WHO guidelines. Those who develop ill health during their trip or soon after their return should seek medical care.
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As viral respiratory infections are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, and are associated with numerous challenges for infection control, we provide an overview of the most recent publications on healthcare-associated respiratory infections. ⋯ Infection control measures can be supplemented with use of polymerase chain reaction testing to determine causes, but the cornerstone of prevention relies on enforcing appropriate isolation measures for patients: hand hygiene; appropriate use of personal protective equipment by healthcare workers; illness screening of visitors; and influenza vaccination of healthcare workers, patients and families.