The Journal of infectious diseases
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Observational Study
Association of Oseltamivir Treatment With Virus Shedding, Illness, and Household Transmission of Influenza Viruses.
In an observational study of 582 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infections and their household contacts, we found that the initiation of oseltamivir within 24 hours was associated with shorter duration of self-reported illness symptoms (56% reduction in duration; 95% confidence interval, 41%-67%). However, we did not find any association of oseltamivir treatment with duration of viral shedding by polymerase chain reaction or with the risk of household transmission.
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Review Meta Analysis
Effect of corticosteroid therapy on influenza-related mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Most studies have reported that corticosteroid therapy adversely influences influenza-related outcomes. ⋯ No completed clinical trials were identified. Evidence from observational studies, with important limitations, suggests that corticosteroid therapy for presumed influenza-associated complications is associated with increased mortality.
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Acute gonorrhea is characterized by neutrophilic inflammation that is insufficient to clear Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Activated neutrophils release extracellular traps (NETs), which are composed of chromatin and decorated with antimicrobial proteins. The N. gonorrhoeae NG0969 open reading frame contains a gene (nuc) that encodes a putatively secreted thermonuclease (Nuc) that contributes to biofilm remodeling. ⋯ Recombinant Nuc and conditioned medium from Nuc-containing N. gonorrhoeae degraded human neutrophil DNA and NETs. NETs were found to have antimicrobial activity against N. gonorrhoeae, and Nuc expression enhanced N. gonorrhoeae survival in the presence of neutrophils that released NETs. We propose that Nuc enables N. gonorrhoeae to escape trapping and killing by NETs during symptomatic infection, highlighting Nuc as a multifunctional virulence factor for N. gonorrhoeae.
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In recent years, few US adults have had exposure and resultant immunity to hepatitis A virus (HAV). Further, persons with liver disease have an increased risk of adverse consequences if they are infected with HAV. ⋯ Although vaccine-preventable, HAV-related hospitalizations increased greatly, mostly among adults, and liver-related conditions were frequently reported among HAV-infected individuals who died. Public health efforts should focus on the need to assess protection from hepatitis A among adults, including those with liver disease.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomized, controlled trial of high-dose influenza vaccine among frail residents of long-term care facilities.
Despite vaccination, residents of long-term-care facilities (LTCFs) remain at high risk of influenza-related morbidity and mortality. More-effective vaccine options for this population are needed. ⋯ NCT01654224.