Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
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Recent scrutiny of relationships between medical professionals and the pharmaceutical and medical device industries has highlighted many opportunities for conflicts of interest and has prompted calls for reforms in the way we conduct such business. This article reviews ways in which industry influences health care epidemiologists and considers a range of strategies that might be considered for reshaping these influences to preserve the benefits while eliminating the conflicts of interest.
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The incidence of myositis has been increasing since the advent of the epidemic of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin has been implicated as a factor contributing to more-severe muscle injury. We report a case of severe myositis accompanying septic osteomyelitis and necrotizing fasciitis caused by a Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive S. aureus strain. Immunostaining showed strong binding of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin to necrotic muscle tissues.
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The actual risk of prosthetic joint infection as a result of dental procedures and the role of antibiotic prophylaxis have not been defined. ⋯ Dental procedures were not risk factors for subsequent total hip or knee infection. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures did not decrease the risk of subsequent total hip or knee infection.
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Editorial Comment
Oseltamivir resistance: what does it mean clinically?
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Health care-associated, central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Needleless connectors (NCs) are an important component of the intravenous system. NCs initially were introduced to reduce health care worker needlestick injuries, yet some of these NCs may increase HA-BSI risk. ⋯ We found strong evidence that MV-NCs were associated with increased HA-BSI rates, despite similar BSI surveillance, definitions, and prevention strategies. Hospital personnel should monitor their HA-BSI rates and, if they are elevated, examine the role of newer technologies, such as MV-NCs.