MEDSCAPE's Infectious Diseases MedPulse 1-11-02

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>>> MEDSCAPE's Infectious Diseases MedPulse(R) <<<

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MedPulse is a weekly index of key news and features on Medscape's

specialty sites compiled by Medscape's Editors.

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___________________ NEW FEATURE ARTICLES THIS WEEK ____________________

-- MEDSCAPE ORIGINAL ARTICLES --

ANGELS IN OUR MIDST:

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS DEDICATED TO PREVENTING BLINDNESS

For many blind people, money is the only obstacle to restoring their vision.

Medscape Infectious Diseases, 2002

http://id.medscape.com/46988.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46988.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

Other articles in this series:

MAKING A HOME FOR HOMELESS WOMEN

http://id.medscape.com/45306.rhtml

SUMMER CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH HEART DISEASE

http://id.medscape.com/43435.rhtml

TAKING HEALTHCARE TO SCHOOL

http://id.medscape.com/42905.rhtml

TRAINING VILLAGERS TO BECOME HEALTHCARE WORKERS

http://www.medscape.com/41703.rhtml

SPECIAL DELIVERY

http://www.medscape.com/40604.rhtml

-- EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES --

DEVELOPING NEW SMALLPOX VACCINES

More products should be developed to protect the general population against adverse events from vaccinia virus if smallpox immunization is required.

Emerging Infectious Diseases 7(6):920-926, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46955.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46955.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- MMWR --

RACCOON ROUNDWORM ENCEPHALITIS --- CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AND LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, 2000

This report illustrates the importance of reducing exposure to raccoons and their feces in U.S. urban areas.

MMWR 50(51):1153-1155, 2002. Centers for Disease Control

http://id.medscape.com/46964.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46964.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

SUPPLY OF DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXOIDS AND ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS VACCINE

Vaccinating infants on time with the 3-dose primary series of DTaP to protect them from serious disease remains a priority during this vaccine shortage.

MMWR 50(51):1159, 2002. Centers for Disease Control

http://id.medscape.com/46967.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46967.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE IN A CHILD CARE CENTER ---SOUTHWEST GEORGIA, DECEMBER 2000

Most parents had been unaware of the dangers of frequent antibiotic use and of the availability of the conjugate pneumococcal vaccine.

MMWR 50(51):1156-1158, 2002. Centers for Disease Control

http://id.medscape.com/46973.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46973.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL --

BACTEROIDES PERITONITIS ASSOCIATED WITH COLON CANCER IN A CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PATIENT

Peritonitis is not an uncommon complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

South Med J 94(10):1021-1022, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46830.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46830.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

PROSTHETIC VALVE ENDOCARDITIS CAUSED BY PASTEURELLA DAGMATIS

This report reviews two cases of native valve endocarditis due to P dagmatis and its treatment.

South Med J 94(10):1033-1035, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46858.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46858.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

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-- OTHER JOURNALS --

INITIAL PRESENTATION OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS MASQUERADING AS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

Neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are well documented and recently reviewed.

J Am Board Fam Pract 14(6):470-473, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46821.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46821.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

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EFFICACY, ONSET OF ACTION AND TOLERABILITY OF MOXIFLOXACIN IN PATIENTS WITH COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA

Despite recent advances in the treatment of infectious disease, respiratory infections such as community-acquired pneumonia continue to have a major impact on public health.

Clin Drug Invest 21(12):801-811, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46942.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46942.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

COMMON SKIN DISORDERS IN THE ELDERLY

Skin diseases commonly seen in the elderly are more often than not the effects of sun damage or vascular disease. The effects of a lifetime of even casual sun exposure can be dramatic.

Clinical Cornerstone 4(1):39-44, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46979.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46979.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

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UNDERSTANDING DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN PRESCRIBING ABACAVIR

The phenomenon of hypersensitivity to medications has been recognized and described for decades, but medical science is still searching for answers to many key questions.

The AIDS Reader 11(12):620-622, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46991.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

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WHAT IN VITRO MODELS OF INFECTION CAN AND CANNOT DO

The science of pharmacodynamics analyzes the relationship between an antimicrobial's bactericidal effects and its pharmacokinetics.

Pharmacotherapy 21(11s):292s-301s, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46996.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46996.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

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WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW ABOUT ANTIBIOTIC PHARMACODYNAMICS?

Antibiotic pharmacodynamics is an evolving science that focuses on the relationship between drug concentration and pharmacologic effect, which is an antibiotic-induced bacterial death that also can manifest as an adverse drug reaction.

Pharmacotherapy 21(11s):302s-318s, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46997.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46997.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

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PHARMACODYNAMICS OF ANTIINFECTIVE THERAPY: TAKING WHAT WE KNOW TO THE PATIENT'S BEDSIDE

Applied pharmacokinetics has long been a lifeline of clinical pharmacy services.

Pharmacotherapy 21(11s):319s-330s, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/46998.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46998.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

IS PEGYLATED INTERFERON-A PLUS RIBAVIRIN SET TO BECOME THE STANDARD

THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH HEPATITIS C?

A combination of standard interferon-alpha-2b and ribavirin is currently recommended as the treatment of choice for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection considered to be at greatest risk of disease progression.

Drug & Ther Perspect 17(22):5-8, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/47003.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/47003.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

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FIRST REPORTS OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS (ADRS) IN RECENT WEEKS

Adverse drug reactions to third-generation cephalosporins and meropenem are reported.

Drug & Ther Perspect 17(22):15, 2001

http://id.medscape.com/47006.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/47006.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

_______________________________________________________________________

EARLY TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS: CHALLENGES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Does your clinical staff have a high index of suspicion for presentations that could signal onset of virulent infections? Review ID management strategies, risk stratification, and more in

"Challenges in Infectious Disease: Pneumonia, Influenza, and Biologic Weapons of Terror." Now available in the InfluenZone, Medscapeís collection of clinical flu resources.

http://www.medscape.com/mp/rc/usmd/influenzone

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___________________________________ NEWS ______________________________

-- CHOLERA --

AT LEAST 28 PEOPLE DEAD IN MALAWI CHOLERA OUTBREAK

A cholera outbreak in central and southern Malawi killed at least 28 people in December, a health official said on Friday.

http://id.medscape.com/46805.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46805.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- ANTHRAX --

OFFICIALS EYE SERUM DRUG TO FIGHT ADVANCED ANTHRAX DISEASE

Blood from military personnel who have been vaccinated against anthrax is being used to make an experimental drug that may treat deadly advanced inhalation anthrax, federal health officials said on Monday.

http://id.medscape.com/46845.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46845.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

ZIMBABWEAN POSTAL WORKERS ILL WITH SUSPECTED ANTHRAX

Two Zimbabwean mail sorters have fallen ill after handling envelopes suspected of containing anthrax powder, according to a newspaper report.

http://id.medscape.com/46893.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46893.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- BIOTERRORISM --

NEW WEB SITE OFFERS CME CREDIT IN BIOTERRORISM PREPAREDNESS

A new Web site funded by the AHRQ teaches hospital-based physicians and nurses how to diagnose and treat rare infections and exposures to bioterrorist agents such as anthrax and smallpox.

http://id.medscape.com/46948.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46948.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

NEW WEB SITE OFFERS BIOTERRORISM INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE

PROFESSIONALS

A newly launched Web site, www.btresponse.org , created by the American Academy of Family Physicians, contains in-depth information on recognizing, diagnosing, and treating conditions resulting from chemical and biological warfare agents.

http://id.medscape.com/46801.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46801.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- INFLUENZA --

GENETIC CHANGES LINKED TO AVIAN-HUMAN TRANSMISSION OF AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS

Shared gene constellations in avian influenza viruses H5N1 and H9N2 may confer the ability to cause infection and disease in humans, according to a report in the January issue of Journal of Medical Virology.

http://id.medscape.com/46810.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46810.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- MALARIA --

TAFENOQUINE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING P. FALCIPARUM MALARIA

Prophylactic treatment with tafenoquine, a long-acting 8-aminoquinoline, is a well-tolerated, effective method of preventing Plasmodium falciparum malaria, according to a report in the December 15th issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

http://id.medscape.com/46842.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46842.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- HEPATITIS --

LIVER GRAFTS WITH RESOLVED HBV INFECTION TRANSPLANTABLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS

Liver grafts from donors with resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection appear to be suitable for recipients who have been effectively vaccinated against HBV and for those who receive immunoprophylaxis after transplantation, French researchers have determined.

http://id.medscape.com/46904.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46904.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

ADJUVANT PERFORMS WELL IN PHASE III HEPATITIS B VACCINE STUDY

Corixa Corp. and Rhein Biotech NV said on Tuesday that late-stage trials of their combination hepatitis B vaccine showed that the product provided better protection than the use of Rhein Biotech's vaccine alone.

http://id.medscape.com/46914.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46914.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- VACCINES --

DTP VACCINE SHORTAGE MAY MEAN FEWER DOSES

A shortage in the US of the combination diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) vaccine may mean that some American children will temporarily go without the recommended fourth or fifth doses of the 5-dose vaccine, say experts at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

http://id.medscape.com/46806.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46806.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

UK EXTENDS MENINGITIS C VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

Britain's meningitis C vaccination campaign is being extended to include everyone up to the age of 25 years, Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced on Monday.

http://id.medscape.com/46856.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46856.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- FUNGAL INFECTIONS --

SSRIs DEMONSTRATE ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly prescribed for depression are capable of destroying a variety of fungal species, according to a report by Austrian researchers.

http://id.medscape.com/46913.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46913.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- PEDIATRIC ID --

PROLONGED IV ANTIBIOTICS NOT NECESSARY AFTER PERFORATED APPENDIX IN

CHILDREN

Results of a pilot study indicate that a short course of intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics is as effective as a prolonged course of IV antibiotics in children with perforated appendicitis found at laparotomy.

http://id.medscape.com/46785.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46785.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

YOUNG INFANTS LACK HIV-SPECIFIC CD8+ T CELL RESPONSE

Infants younger than 6 months commonly lack a CD8+ T cell response to vertically transmitted HIV infection, according to a report in the December 15 issue of the Journal of Immunology.

http://id.medscape.com/46791.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46791.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS AT INCREASED RISK OF CMV TRANSMITTED THROUGH BREAST MILK

Extremely low-birth weight infants are at high risk of acquiring a symptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection when they receive breast milk from CMV-positive mothers, according to a report by German investigators.

http://id.medscape.com/46911.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46911.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

POOR ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE LEADS TO MAJOR COMPLICATIONS OF CHRONIC EAR DISEASE

The incidence of major complications in patients requiring surgical treatment for chronic otitis media in a US metropolitan hospital parallels rates seen in developing countries.

http://id.medscape.com/46887.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46887.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- HIV/AIDS --

MOST JUNIOR PHYSICIANS HAVE POOR KNOWLEDGE OF PEP FOR HIV

The results of a recent study suggest that, despite being at risk of occupational exposure, most junior physicians have inadequate knowledge about post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV.

http://id.medscape.com/46800.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46800.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

CERVICOVAGINAL ANTIBODY RESPONSE MAY PROTECT SOME WOMEN FROM HIV

INFECTION

Genital resistance to HIV infection, involving an HIV-specific cervicovaginal antibody response plus other factors, seems to protect some highly HIV-exposed but HIV-seronegative women, researchers report.

http://id.medscape.com/46877.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46877.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

SPECTRUM OF HIV-RELATED LUNG DISEASES HAS CHANGED WITH HAART

The pulmonary manifestations of HIV have changed since highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) became available, according to a report in the December 2001 issue of Chest.

http://id.medscape.com/46882.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46882.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

HAART DOES NOT ALTER COURSE OF ANAL CANCER PRECURSOR LESIONS IN

HIV-POSITIVE MEN

Despite the ability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to restore CD4 cell counts in HIV-positive men, treatment has little or no effect overall on halting the progression of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASIL) and anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, San Francisco researchers report.

http://id.medscape.com/46908.rhtml?srcmp=id-01110 2

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46908.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

CONTROL OF HSV-2 INFECTIONS COULD HELP PREVENT HIV SPREAD

Efforts to lower STD rates to reduce the incidence of HIV infection need to include control of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) as well as bacterial pathogens if the strategy is to succeed, University of Washington researchers suggest.

http://id.medscape.com/46851.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46851.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

HIV/AIDS PREVALENCE ON THE RISE IN VIETNAM

While the rate of HIV infection has begun to drop in neighboring Cambodia, Vietnamese public health officials are warning that the country's number of AIDS cases is escalating at an alarming rate.

http://id.medscape.com/46853.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46853.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

MAC/PCP PROPHYLAXIS UNDERUSED BY HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS IN THE US

Only about 40% of HIV-infected patients in the US who should receive Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) prophylaxis actually do, according to a recent report.

http://id.medscape.com/46855.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46855.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

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PEER EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR GAY MEN INFLUENCES SEXUAL HEALTH BEHAVIOR

A peer education program instituted in Scotland appears to increase HIV testing, hepatitis B vaccination, and use of sexual health services among gay men, according to a recent report.

http://id.medscape.com/46922.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46922.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- CJD/BSE --

BSE IN SHEEP COULD POSE THREAT TO HUMANS

If bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), which is responsible for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans, can be transmitted to sheep, and if the prion is subsequently transmitted to humans, up to 150,000 people in the UK could die, scientists reported on Wednesday.

http://id.medscape.com/46924.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46924.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

-- OTHER ID NEWS --

SUBURBAN PARENTS MOST LIKELY TO MISUSE ANTIBIOTICS

Suburban parents may be more likely than their urban counterparts to give their children antibiotics for a viral infection, researchers report in the January issue of Academic Emergency Medicine.

http://id.medscape.com/46912.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46912.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

ROUNDWORM ENCEPHALITIS ACQUIRED VIA RACCOON FECES

Two cases of severe encephalitis that resulted from ingestion of soil contaminated with raccoon feces have been reported by the US CDC.

http://id.medscape.com/46798.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46798.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

EURO COULD PASS PATHOGENS ACROSS BORDERS

The introduction of the euro is not just easing cross-border spending for millions of Europeans, but could also allow bacteria greater freedom to travel, according to an Italian virologist.

http://id.medscape.com/46892.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46892.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

Here</a>

BORNA DISEASE VIRUS LINKED TO PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Controversial evidence presented at a microbiology meeting here on Wednesday could, if confirmed, trigger another revolution in our understanding of mental illness.

http://id.medscape.com/46929.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46929.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

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COATING URINARY CATHETERS WITH E. COLI INHIBITS COLONIZATION BY

ENTEROCOCCUS

Inoculating urinary catheters with Escherichia coli reduces the subsequent growth of Enterococcus faecalis, researchers in Houston report.

http://id.medscape.com/46934.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102

<a href="http://id.medscape.com/46934.rhtml?srcmp=id-011102"> Read it

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