Infection
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To study risk factors of neonatal nosocomial infection caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). ⋯ Preterm low birth weight, prolonged mechanical ventilation and prior use of third-generation cephalosporins are risks factors for nosocomial infection with ESBL-producing bacteria in NICU.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Safety and immunogenicity of early vaccination with two doses of tetravalent measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine in healthy children from 9 months of age.
This open, randomized, controlled study [208136/018] assessed the safety and immunogenicity of early vaccination with an experimental tetravalent measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) compared to concomitant administration of separate licensed MMR (Priorix) and varicella (Varilrix) vaccines (MMR+V). ⋯ Early vaccination with two doses of this experimental MMRV vaccine at 9 and 12 months of age was well-tolerated and at least as immunogenic as two doses of separate licensed MMR and varicella vaccines.
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Influenza continues to be a considerable health problem in Europe. Vaccination is the only preventive measure, reducing mortality and morbidity of influenza in all age groups ⋯ The vaccination coverage rate increased from the first season (21.0%) to the third season (23.7%) by 2.6%. The family doctor is the most important source of encouragement for people to be vaccinated against influenza. It seems that the public would be more likely to be vaccinated if they had more information on the efficacy and tolerance of the vaccine, as well as the disease. We therefore suggest that family doctors be better informed on influenza vaccine and the disease itself, so that they can actively inform their patients on these topics.
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The diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) to distinguish blood contamination from bloodstream infection (BSI) due to coagulase-negative staphylococci was evaluated. Patients with BSI had higher PCT concentration than those with blood contamination at day -1, day 0 and day +1 with regard to blood culture collection (p < 0.05), whereas serum C-reactive protein values were significantly higher only on day +1. At a cutoff of 0.1 ng/dl, PCT had a sensitivity of 86% and 100%, and a specificity of 60% and 80% for the diagnosis of BSI on day -1 and 0, respectively. In addition to clinical and microbiological parameters, PCT may help discriminating blood contamination from BSI due coagulase-negative staphylococci.
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Case Reports
Cryptococcus neoformans abscess and osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient with tuberculous lymphadenitis.
Infection with Cryptococcus neoformans usually occurs in immunocompromised hosts and may occur in immunocompetent patients. Of all cryptococcal infections, 10-40% of patients have no apparent immune deficiency. ⋯ Here, we report an immunocompetent patient with cryptococcal vertebral osteomyelitis and concomitant tuberculous lymphadenitis. The patient received 12 weeks of fluconazole and a 1-year course of anti-tuberculous agents, with complete recovery.