Infection
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Although there is consensus in the international literature on the benefits of using perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP), there is still considerable scope for improving its use in many hospitals. ⋯ There is still great uncertainty regarding the point in time at which PAP should be administered and its duration. Additional efforts are necessary to improve PAP in accordance with published evidence-based guidelines.
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Comparative Study
Klebsiella bacteremia in children in southern Israel (1988-1997).
Klebsiella spp. have emerged in recent years as a major cause of gram-negative bacteremia in infants and children. We therefore aimed to document the epidemiology, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and outcome of both community-acquired and nosocomial Klebsiella spp. bacteremias in children. ⋯ An increase in Klebsiella bacteremia was recorded in southern Israel during the 10 years of the study. A marked increase in the rate of nosocomial Klebsiella bacteremia occurred at all departments. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins emerged frequently at PICU and NICU during the last period of the survey.
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HIV-infected patients with pulmonary tuberculosis exhibit atypical radiological presentation and negative sputum smear more frequently than their HIV-negative counterparts. ⋯ Decreased survival was observed in HIV-infected patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and with both negative sputum smear and normaL chest X-ray presentation. This may primarily be a resuLt of delayed tuberculosis diagnosis and initiation of antituberculous therapy. The latter delay may also lead to a faster progression of HIV infection in SS-/CXR patients, in whom diagnostic oversight may be common.
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A 54-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital suffering from fever and personality changes. Laboratory examination of her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed 270 mononuclear cells, 30 polynuclear cells and a clinically low number of erythrocytes/mm3. Empirical clinical findings from this case suggested treatment with acyclovir. ⋯ PCR with specific primer for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 were negative. There was no elevation of oligoclonal antibodies specific to HSV in CSF after 2 weeks. Although we did not prove the presence of the agent microbiologically at the clinical onset of the disease, the MRI and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings, erythrocytes in CSF and the dramatic response to acyclovir therapy are suggestive of a diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE).
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We analyzed the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of adults with meningitis caused by viridans streptococci. ⋯ Adult bacterial meningitis caused by viridans streptococci is not uncommon and otopharyngeal infection appears to be an important portal of entry. Clinical manifestations varied according to the different underlying conditions. The results of this study also demonstrate the high incidence of intracranial focal suppuration and cerebral vasculitis concomitant with meningitis. Penicillin remains the treatment of choice for patients with meningitis caused by viridans streptococci. Therapeutic outcome is favorable for patients who receive prompt treatment.