International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Aug 2012
Comparison of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immune responses to pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus before and after H1N1 2009 influenza vaccination of elderly subjects and healthcare workers.
The recent H1N1 pandemic virus that emerged in 2009 resulted in high morbidity rates mainly in younger individuals, albeit with relatively low mortality. We investigated both humoral and cellular immune responses against the pandemic H1N1 2009 virus before and after immunization with inactivated H1N1 2009 vaccine. ⋯ Influenza vaccination elicits significant neutralizing antibody and T-cell responses to pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus. However, in response to vaccination, increases in neutralizing antibody titers were comparatively lower but T-cell responses were higher in older participants. Therefore, our study suggests that memory T-cells may play a crucial role in protecting older individuals against pandemic H1N1 2009 infection.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jul 2012
Using a checklist to identify barriers to compliance with evidence-based guidelines for central line management: a mixed methods study in Mongolia.
This study aimed to determine the extent to which a checklist has potential for identifying barriers to compliance with central line management guidelines, to evaluate the potential utility of checklists to improve the management of central lines in Mongolia, and to define the gap between current and best practices. ⋯ The health authorities of Mongolia need to adequately address the prevention and control of CLABSIs in their hospitals. Updating local standards and guidelines and implementing adequate multifaceted interventions with behavioral, educational, and logistical components are required. Use of a checklist as a baseline evaluation tool was feasible. It described current practice, showed areas that need urgent attention, and provided important information needed for future planning of CLABSI interventions.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jul 2012
Emerging clinico-epidemiological trends in melioidosis: analysis of 95 cases from western coastal India.
To study the clinico-epidemiological trends in melioidosis, an emerging disease in the western coastal region of India. ⋯ Melioidosis is quite prevalent in the western coastal region of India, and is strongly associated with rainfall, age, and diabetes mellitus. Higher proportions of musculoskeletal, dental, and lymph node melioidosis were seen in this region as compared to endemic areas. Bacteremic melioidosis has a poorer prognosis than non-bacteremic melioidosis. The presence of septic shock is a strong predictor of mortality. Percutaneous inoculation may not be the main portal of entry for Burkholderia pseudomallei in this region.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jul 2012
Case fatality associated with a hypervirulent strain in patients with culture-positive Clostridium difficile infection: a retrospective population-based study.
Clostridium difficile is a major infectious cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea. The epidemiology of C. difficile infection (CDI) is changing, with evidence of increased incidence and severity. The first patient with a hypervirulent strain type in Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Finland was reported in September 2008. ⋯ Infection due to a hypervirulent strain is a factor associated with increased case fatality in CDI. Blood leukocytes are significantly higher in CDI caused by a hypervirulent strain. Leukocyte count and CRP are useful prognostic biomarkers in patients with CDI.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jul 2012
Circulating nucleosomes as a predictor of sepsis and organ dysfunction in critically ill patients.
Sepsis is a leading cause of death in critically ill patients, and apoptosis plays a major role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Elevated levels of circulating nucleosomes released by apoptotic cells have been detected in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic/prognostic value of circulating nucleosomes in sepsis. ⋯ The level of circulating nucleosomes in the serum has a predictive value for sepsis and organ dysfunction and may serve as a candidate biomarker for the diagnosis/prognosis of sepsis. Further studies are warranted to confirm the present findings.