Infection Control :: Products and Services
Microbiology
Antibiotics :: Drugs and Medications
Vaccines and Antisera :: Drugs and Medications
Disease Control and Prevention
Infectious Diseases :: Epidemiology
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention :: Department of Health and Human Services
Microbiology :: Biology

NEJM — Collection Updates for Infectious Diseases

EDITORIAL: Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Urinary Tract Infection in Children
Alejandro Hoberman, M.D., and Ron Keren, M.D., M.P.H.Approximately one third of children who have a urinary tract infection — the most frequent serious bacterial infection in young febrile children — have vesicoureteral reflux, a congenital condition in...
EDITORIAL: Yeast Infections — Human Genetics on the Rise
Steven M. Holland, M.D., and Donald C. Vinh, M.D.We lead inextricably mycotic lives: yeasts leaven our bread, ferment our wine and beer, and inhabit our skins, mouths, and gastrointestinal tracts; however, not all is harmony. Hippocrates reported aphthous...
CASE RECORDS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL: Case 34-2009 — A 20-Year-Old Man with Sore Throat, Fever, and Rash
Charles R. Taylor, M.D., Rajesh T. Gandhi, M.D., Jason Handwerker, M.D., and Lyn M. Duncan, M.D.Dr. Robert W. McGarrah (Medicine): A 20-year-old man was admitted to this hospital because of sore throat, fever, and a diffuse rash.The patient had been well until approximately 4 weeks...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Media Briefing on Antiviral Guidance and 2009 H1N1 Flu
Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0500
CDC will host a press conference on its updated guidelines on antivirals as well as an update on 2009 H1N1 flu.
Weekly Update on 2009 H1N1 Flu
Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0500
CDC will host a press conference to update on 2009 H1N1 Flu.
CDC to Distribute $40 Million in Recovery Act Funding to Help States Fight Healthcare-Associated Infections
Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0500
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today announced plans to distribute $40 million to state health departments to help prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

BMC Infectious Diseases - Latest Articles

Uptake of meningococcal conjugate vaccine among adolescents in large managed care organizations, United States, 2005: Demand, supply and seasonality.
Suchita LorickDaniel FishbeinEric WeintraubPascale WortleyGrace LeeFangjun ZhouRobert Davis Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0000
Background: In February 2005, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the new meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) for routine use among 11- to 12-year-olds (at the preadolescent health-care visit), 14- to 15-year-olds (before high-school entry), and groups at increased risk. Vaccine distribution started in March; however, in July, the manufacturer reported inability to meet demand and widespread MCV4 shortages were reported. Our objectives were to determine early uptake patterns among target (11-12 and 14-15 year olds) and non-target (13- plus 16-year-olds) age groups. A post hoc analysis was conducted to compare seasonal uptake patterns of MCV4 with polysaccharide meningococcal (MPSV4) and tetanus diphtheria (Td) vaccines. Methods: We analyzed data for adolescents 11-16 years from five managed care organizations participating in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). For MCV4, we estimated monthly and cumulative coverage during 2005 and calculated risk ratios. For MPSV4 and Td, we combined 2003 and 2004 data and compared their seasonal uptake patterns with MCV4. Results: Coverage for MCV4 during 2005 among the 623,889 11-16 years olds was 10%. Coverage for 11-12 and 14-15 year olds was 12% and 11%, respectively, compared with 8% for 13- plus 16-year-olds (p<0.001). Of the 64,272 MCV4 doses administered from March-December 2005, 73% were administered June-August. Fifty-nine percent of all MPSV4 doses and 38% of all Td doses were administered during June-August. Conclusions: A surge in vaccine uptake between June and August was observed among adolescents for MCV4, MPSV4 and Td vaccines. The increase in summer-time vaccinations and vaccination of non-targeted adolescents coupled with supply limitations likely contributed to the reported shortages of MCV4 in 2005.
Downregulation of MIP-1alpha/CCL3 with praziquantel treatment in Schistosoma haematobiumand HIV-1 co-infected individuals in a rural community in Zimbabwe
R Zinyama-GutsireE GomoP KallestrupC ErickstrupH UllumA ButterworthS MunyatiT Mduluza Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Chemokines have been reported to play an important role in granulomatous inflammation during Schistosoma mansoni infection. However there is less information on their role in Schistosoma haematobium infection, or on the effect of concurrent HIV-1 infection, as a potential modifying influence. Methods: To determine levels of MIP-1α/CCL3 chemokine in plasma of S. haematobium and HIV-1 co-infected and uninfected individuals in a rural black Zimbabwean community.A cohort was established of HIV-1 and schistosomiasis infection and co-infection comprising 379 participants. Outcome measures consisted of HIV-1 and schistosomiasis status and levels of MIP-1α/CCL3 in plasma at baseline and three months post treatment. An association was established between MIP-1α/CCL3 plasma levels with HIV-1 and S. haematobium infections. Results: A total of 379 adults formed the established cohort comprising 76 (20%) men and 303 (80%) women. Mean age was 33.25, range 17 - 62 years. The median MIP-1α/CCL3 plasma concentration was significantly higher in S. haematobium infected compared with uninfected individuals (p = 0.029). In contrast, there was no difference in the median MIP-1α/CCL3 levels between HIV-1 positive and negative individuals (p = 0.631). MIP-1α/CCL3 concentration in plasma was significantly reduced at three months after treatment with praziquantel (p = 000). Conclusion: The results of our study show that the MIP-1α/CCL3 levels were positively associated with S. haematobium egg counts at baseline but not with HIV-1 infection status. MIP-1α/CCL3 levels were significantly reduced at three months post treatment with praziquantel. We therefore conclude that MIP-1α/CCL3 is produced during infection with S haematobium. S. haematobium infection is associated with increased MIP-1α/CCL3 levels in an egg intensity-dependent manner and treatment of S. haematobium is associated with a reduction in MIP-1α/CCL3.
Acute sensorineural hearing loss and severe otalgia due to scrub typhus
Ji-In KangDong-Min KimJun Han Lee Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi.Case presentations: We encountered a patient with sensorineural hearing loss complicating scrub typhus, and three patients with scrub typhus who complained of otalgia, which was sudden onset, severe, paroxysmal, intermittent yet persistent pain lasting for several seconds, appeared within 1 week after the onset of fever and rashesrash. The acute sensorineural hearing loss and otalgia were resolved after antibiotic administration. Conclusion: When patients in endemic areas present with fever and rash and have sensorineural hearing loss or otalgia without otoscopic abnormalities, clinicians should suspect scrub typhus and consider empirical antibiotic therapy.
Immune control of HIV-1 infection after therapy interruption: immediate versus deferred antiretroviral therapy
Paola PaciRossella CarelloMassimo BernaschiGianpiero D'OffiziFilippo Castiglione Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0000
Background: The optimal stage for initiating antiretroviral therapies in HIV-1 bearing patients is still a matter of debate. Methods: We present computer simulations of HIV-1 infection aimed at identifying the pro et contra of immediate as compared to deferred Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Results: Our simulations highlight that a prompt specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes response is detected when therapy is delayed. Compared to very early initiation of HAART, in deferred treated patients CD8+ T cells manage to mediate the decline of viremia in a shorter time and, at interruption of therapy, the virus experiences a stronger immune pressure. We also observe, however, that the immunological effects of the therapy fade with time in both therapeutic regimens. Thus, within one year from discontinuation, viral burden recovers to the value at which it would level off in the absence of therapy.In summary, simulations show that immediate therapy does not prolong the disease-free period and does not confer a survival benefit when compared to treatment started during the chronic infection phase. Conclusion: Our conclusion is that, since there is no therapy to date that guarantees life-long protection, deferral of therapy should be preferred in order to minimize the risk of adverse effects, the occurrence of drug resistances and the costs of treatment.
Newly formed cystic lesions for the development of pneumomediastinum in Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Ju-Yeon ChoDong-Min KimYong Eun KwonSung Ho YoonSeung Il Lee Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly named Pneumocystis carinii, is one of the most common opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.Case presentationsWe encountered two cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema in HIV-infected patients being treated for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that cystic lesions and bronchiectasis can develop in spite of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole treatment for P. jirovecii pneumonia. The newly formed bronchiectasis and cyst formation that were noted in follow up high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) but were not visible on HRCT at admission could be risk factors for the development of pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema in HIV-patients.
Protective measures and H5N1-seroprevalence among personnel tasked with bird collection during an outbreak of avian influenza A/H5N1 in wild birds, Ruegen, Germany, 2006
Wei CaiBrunhilde SchweigerUdo BuchholzSilke BudaMartina LittmannJorg HeuslerWalter Haas Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0000
Background: In Germany, the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 occurred among wild birds on the island of Ruegen between February and April 2006. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of recommended protective measures and to measure H5N1-seroprevalence among personnel tasked with bird collection. Methods: Inclusion criteria of our study were participation in collecting wild birds on Ruegen between February and March 2006. Study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire, and to provide blood samples. For evaluation of the use of protective measures, we developed a personal protective equipment (PPE)-score ranging between 0 and 9, where 9 corresponds to a consistent and complete use of PPE. Sera were tested by plaque neutralization (PN) and microneutralization (MN) assays. Reactive sera were reanalysed in the World Health Organization-Collaborating Centre (WHO-CC) using MN assay. Results: Of the eligible personnel, consisting of firemen, government workers and veterinarians, 61% (97/154) participated in the study. Of those, 13% reported having always worn all PPE-devices during bird collection (PPE-score: 9). Adherence differed between firemen (mean PPE-score: 6.6) and government workers (mean PPE-score: 4.5; p = 0.006). The proportion of personnel always adherent to wearing PPE was lowest for masks (19%). Of the participants, 18% had received seasonal influenza vaccination prior to the outbreak. There were no reports of influenza-like illness. Five sera initially H5-reactive by PN assay were negative by WHO-CC confirmatory testing. Conclusion: Gaps and variability in adherence demonstrate the risk of exposure to avian influenza under conditions of wild bird collection, and justify serological testing and regular training of task personnel.

 

Subscribe to Infectious_Diseases RSS feed

A Focus on Infectious Diseases - Information on influenza, infections in children, HIV/AIDS, shingles, sexually transmitted diseases, oral infections, and pelvic infections.
Meta Description: [ /Find Infectious Disease health articles and videos and other Infectious Disease health topics ]

BioMed Central - Offers the current infectious disease reports.

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Electronic Edition - Published by the University of Chicago for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Features news, articles, and practice guidelines.

Communicable Disease and Immunizations - Communicable disease information for HIV/AIDS, pertussis, influenza, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, chickenpox, and others.
Meta Description: [ Communicable Diseases and Immunizations webpage including fact sheets on diseases. ]

Communicable Disease and Public Health - A journal published by the Health Protection Agency in association with the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health. Find back and current issues and info about the CDPH.

Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diseases - Complete electonic version the book in .pdf format.
Meta Description: [ A complete guide to the diagnosis and management of all infectious diseases and an account of medically relevant viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites ]

Disease Outbreak News - Information about disease outbreaks anywhere in the world, searchable by time period, with archives by disease; from the Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response (CSR), World Health Organization.

eMedicine Health - Consumer health resource center providing information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of swollen lymph glands.
Meta Description: [ Lymph glands (also called nodes) are a part of your lymphatic system, which is one of your body's barriers to infection and plays a role in the immune responses. When ... ]

eMedicine Health - Finger Infection - Consumer health resource center providing information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of injury or infection to a finger.
Meta Description: [ Injury or infection to a finger or fingers is a common problem. Infection can range from mild to potentially serious. Often these infections start out small and are relatively easy ... ]

eMedicine Health - Sepsis - Consumer health resource center providing information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of blood infection.
Meta Description: [ Learn about sepsis (blood infection) in which the number of people dying from it has doubled in the last 20 years. Causes of sepsis include pneumonia, bladder, kidney, or urinary tract infection, cellulitis, appendicitis, and meningitis. ]

Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal - Extensive e-journal from the CDC.

Health Protection Agency: Infections - CDSC is a division of the Health Protection Agency and is the UK information and response center for surveillance and control of infectious diseases.
Meta Description: [ Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections ]

Infections - MCW HealthLink - Information about infectious and communicable diseases from the physicians of the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Meta Description: [ MCW HealthLink articles on Infections/Infectious Diseases ]

Infectious Disease Control Unit - Factsheets and news releases related to diseases and various health topics.
Meta Description: [ Infectious Disease Control Unit Home Page ]

Infectious Disease News - Online version of the magazine. Includes breaking news, archives, online seminars, and specialty forums.

404 Infectious Diseases - Articles in .pdf format - requiring Adobe Acrobat reader. Plus a link directory.

Infectious Diseases in Children - Online version of the journal. Includes case studies, articles, and monographs.

Infectious Diseases Society of America - Includes information about the IDSA, a career center, newsroom, practice guidelines, and journals and publications.

International Society for Infectious Diseases - ISID consists of individuals interested in infectious diseases, including specialists, microbiologists, immunologists, epidemiologists, public health workers, parasitologists, virologists, mycologists, and molecular biologists. Find publications, resources, memberships and programs.

500 Johns Hopkins Infectious Diseases - Information on infectious diseases including hepatitis, STDs, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, research, education, and epidemiology.
Meta Description: [ Physicians/Clinicians: search by bug/drug/diagnosis; find current, concise information on antibiotics for treating infectious diseases; ask questions of Hopkins' experts at Johns Hopkins Infectious Diseases Antibiotics Guide. ]

Karolinska Institute: Library and Information Center - Compilation of medical microbiology and infectious diseases sites.

Kidshealth: Infections - Directory of factsheets covering common infections affecting children.
Meta Description: [ Every child gets sick from time to time. When your child isn't feeling well, you'll want to know how to recognize the symptoms, how to help, and when to call the doctor. Find out what you need to know about all the common and not-so-common infections. ]

Medical Microbiology - Online textbook with scientific and medical information on many disease causing organisms.

Medical Microbiology - Information on the microorganisms that cause diseases in humans. Lecture notes, laboratory notebook, computerized clinical cases, and most common causes of infectious diseases file.
Meta Description: [ Neal Chamberlain, PhD Medical Microbiology Educational Site, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine ]

Mediscover - Infectious Diseases - Content includes topical news from the world or research, recent releases from the world of clinical practice - antivirals, antibiotics and vaccines, regular feature articles, specialist resources.

Medlineplus - Infectious Diseases - Articles about infectious disease and infectious disease links.
Meta Description: [ Infectious Diseases ]

Medscape Infectious Diseases - Directory of news, articles, research reports, and sites. Free registration required to view most of the material.
Meta Description: [ Find Infectious Diseases Continuing Medical Education (CME), Infectious Diseases medical journal articles, MEDLINE, Infectious Diseases medical news, Infectious Diseases conference coverage and comprehensive drug information on Medscape, a free resource for physicians. ]

Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines - Latest medical news and information from Medscape.com.

Microbes: in Sickness and in Health - Publication of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Microbial Threats to Health: Emergence, Detection, and Response (2003) - Covers emerging diseases, resurgence of known pathogens, and the human factors that converge to provide an environment where diseases can spread. Complete 350-page report from the Board on Global Health of the National Academy of Science, in Open Book and PDF formats.

National Center for Infectious Diseases - A large, searchable database of articles about diseases; resources for scientists, physicians, travelers; publications; training programs.
Meta Description: [ Homepage for the CDC's National Center for Infectious Diseases. Source for infectious disease information, programs, organizational information. ]

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases - NFID supports research into the causes, cures, and prevention of infectious diseases and sponsors public and professional education programs. Virtual library, factsheets, vaccine research conference information, National Coalition for Adult Immunization.
Meta Description: [ The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases is dedicated to educating the public and health care professionals about causes, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. ]

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) - Provides major support for scientists conducting research aimed at developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent the many infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases.
Meta Description: [ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Home Page ]

New York State Department of Health: Communicable Diseases - Directory of factsheets on infectious diseases, plus press releases.
Meta Description: [ Communicable Disease Fact Sheets ]

404 OHSU Health: Infectious Diseases - Overview, symptom and treatment information about infectious diseases.
Meta Description: [ Detailed information on the most common infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, chickenpox, chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold, diphtheria, E. coli, giardiasis, infectious mononucleosis, influenza (flu), lyme disease, malaria, measles, meningitis, mum ]

Pediatric Investigator Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada - PICNIC official web site to learn about new research, technologies, and to connect to each other. Offers information about the organization, publications, links and a member only area.
Meta Description: [ The official Paediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada (PICNIC) website. ]

Research and Training in Tropical Diseases - Co-sponsored by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO). It helps co-ordinate global efforts to combat infectious diseases of the poor and disadvantaged.
Meta Description: [ Website of the UNICEF-UNDP-World Bank-WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases ]

Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health - Information on communicable diseases and environmental health hazards, travel and veterinary health risks including statistical data.
Meta Description: [ This is a holding page for users accessing the HPS website from SCIEH Online. ]

The Bad Bug Book - This handbook provides basic facts regarding foodborne pathogenic microorganisms and natural toxins. Each chapter focuses on either one bacteria, virus, parasite, or natural toxin, providing basic facts.
Meta Description: [ This handbook provides basic facts regarding foodborne pathogenic microorganisms and natural toxins. ]

The American Medical Association's Resources on Infectious Diseases - Current resources for physicians and the public on important issues in infectious diseases. Features news, forums, articles, and archives.
Meta Description: [ News and information on infectious diseases and vaccinations. ]

500 The Core Center - Comprehensive range of outpatient care to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.
Meta Description: [ A freestanding outpatient clinic devoted to the prevention, research and treatment of infectious diseases ]

The Global Infectious Disease Threat and Its Implications for the United States - Extensive report from the US Central Intelligence Agency.

404 The Internet Pathology Laboratory for Medical Education: Infection Index - Images of organisms and their effects on organs.

The Lancet: Infectious Diseases - Online version of the journal. Includes full text articles and abstracts. Requires registration to see most of the content. Basic registration is free. Some articles are pay per view.

The Merck Manual - Infectious Diseases - Specific and general clinical information on infectious diseases and their treatment.

The New England Journal of Medicine: Infectious Disease - The Infectious Diseases collection covers topics such as sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia.
Meta Description: [ The Infectious Diseases collection covers topics such as sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia and includes research articles, case reports, reviews, and editorial commentary. ]

U.S. Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya - Research and surveillance of tropical diseases, including virology, parasitology, and immunology, to develop and test improved means for predicting, detecting, preventing, and treating infectious disease threats in East Africa.

USAMRIID - The United States Army Medical Research Institute for infectious diseases.

Vads Corner - Emerging viruses, Outbreaks, Haze, Nipah virus, enterovirus 71, Influenza, H5N1 Influenza A, Chikungunya virus, West Nile virus, Dioxin, Arsenic, Medline, Medical Journals.

WHO/OMS - Infectious diseases - Articles from the World Health Organization.

BMC Infectious Diseases - Latest articles - The latest articles from BMC Infectious Diseases (ISSN 1471-2334) published

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Office of Communication Media Relations

Clin Infect Dis Latest Articles - Clin Infect Dis Latest Articles

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases - Current Table Of Contents - Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, August 2007, Volume 20, Issue 4

J Infect Dis Latest Issue - J Infect Dis Latest Issue

NEJM Updates for Infectious Diseases - The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) updates for Infectious Diseasea

Infectious Diseases background and GIDEON