Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
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J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc · Jun 2014
Risk Factors for Pneumococcal Colonization of the Nasopharynx in Alaska Native Adults and Children.
Alaska Native children have high invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) rates, and lack of in-home running water has been shown to have a significant association with infection. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines reduced IPD; however, this population saw substantial replacement disease and colonization with nonvaccine serotypes. We evaluated risk factors for nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization in Alaska Native adults and children. ⋯ Higher colonization prevalence may partially explain increased IPD rates seen in those lacking in-home water services. Improving availability of sanitation services and reducing household crowding may reduce the burden of IPD in this population.
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J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc · Jun 2014
A National Study of the Impact of Rapid Influenza Testing on Clinical Care in the Emergency Department.
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) may influence physician decision-making. Single-center studies suggest that influenza diagnosed in association with RIDT reduces ancillary testing and antibiotic prescribing. The extent of RIDT use in US emergency departments (EDs) and their impact on patient management are unknown. We examined the use of RIDT and its effect on influenza management, using a national sample of ED visits. ⋯ Influenza diagnoses made in association with RIDT resulted in fewer tests and antibiotic prescriptions and more frequent use of antivirals. This finding suggests that test results influence physician behavior.