Articles tagged with Acute Infections
A recent study found that approximately 40 percent of hospitalizations for severe sepsis can be prevented or treated early to avoid rehospitalization. The most common readmission diagnoses included ambulatory care sensitive conditions such as heart failure and pneumonia.
A study conducted by McMaster University researchers found that hospitalized patients wash their hands infrequently, with rates as low as 3% when entering and leaving their rooms. The research emphasizes the importance of educating patients on hand hygiene practices to reduce the spread of infection.
A recent study found that healthy individuals carry an average of five types of viruses on their bodies, with some individuals harboring up to 15 viruses. The researchers discovered seven families of viruses, including strains of herpes viruses not associated with sexually transmitted infections.
A new study suggests that minor infections like colds and flu can increase short-lived stroke risk in vulnerable children. The study found that the risk of stroke was highest within a three-day period after an infection, highlighting the need for infection prevention and vaccination to protect at-risk kids.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America releases practical recommendations to help acute care hospitals prioritize prevention efforts and reduce central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The guidance includes evidence-based strategies such as engaging healthcare personnel, educating staff, and standardizing c...
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine shows that dalbavancin is as effective as vancomycin in treating serious bacterial skin and skin-structure infections, including MRSA. The antibiotic has been proven to be an effective therapy for these infections, allowing for treatment once a week instead of several times a day.
Researchers analyzed nearly 300,000 patients and found that surgical site infections are relatively rare after ambulatory surgery but the absolute number is substantial. Early access to a clinician can help identify and treat these infections early and reduce overall morbidity.
Acute respiratory tract infections account for nearly 10% of ambulatory care visits in the US. Despite efforts to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, it remains a problem among adult patients, with no decrease seen in emergency room visits from 2001-2010.
A University of Southampton study has found that ibuprofen provides no benefit for patients with respiratory tract infections, including colds and sore throats. The research also showed that steam inhalation has no clear symptom-relieving effect, while ibuprofen may actually contribute to the progression of illness in some individuals.
Pediatric patients with culture-positive Staphylococcus aureus infections saw a significant increase in methicillin-resistant MRSA cases, leading to longer hospital stays and more surgeries. MRSA-infected patients were also more likely to experience complications such as deep vein thrombosis and septic shock.
A study found that women had higher rates of spontaneous viral clearance, with an average time to clearance of 16.5 weeks. The gene IL28B and HCV genotype 1 were also independent predictors of spontaneous clearance in females.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified a potential drug target for brucellosis, a chronic and debilitating bacterial disease. The study found that PPARγ is responsible for altering the metabolism of immune cells to supply bacteria with energy, enabling its survival and replication.
A new study published in The Lancet found that internet-based training can significantly lower antibiotic prescribing rates for acute respiratory tract infections. Clinicians who received training in using CRP tests or enhanced communication skills reduced their prescribing rates by 47% and 32%, respectively. Combining both types of tr...
Researchers detected a new virus, CyCV-VN, in 4% of patients with central nervous system infections and up to 58% of farm animal fecal samples, raising concerns about animal-to-human transmission
A study found that an intervention improving clinician education and personalized audit and feedback reduced broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing for common pediatric bacterial ARTIs by nearly half. Antibiotic prescribing for viral infections remained low, with no significant change after the intervention.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that current use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics increases the risk of acute kidney injury by two-fold. The risk was highest with ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin, and concurrent use with renin-angiotensin-system blockers further increased the risk.
A study found that nearly one percent of newly incarcerated inmates with IV drug history have acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Systematic screening could identify over 7,000 new HCV cases across the U.S. annually among asymptomatic inmates.
Research reveals a steady increase in UK children's emergency hospital admissions since 2003, primarily driven by common infections. The trend shows a particularly significant rise among under-5s, with projected population increases suggesting up to 230,000 more admissions by 2020.
A recent study found that older patients hospitalized with critical illness are at increased risk of developing dementia. The study, published in Critical Care, identified infection, neurological dysfunction, and acute renal failure as independent risk factors for dementia diagnosis.
Children's hospital admissions for acute throat infections increased by 76% between 1999 and 2010, according to new research. The study found that short hospital stays accounted for the majority of admissions, but suggested that improved healthcare access could reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.
A training tool called DECISION+2 helps physicians involve patients in decision-making, reducing the need for antibiotics for acute respiratory infections. The study found that patients who used DECISION+2 were significantly less likely to report using antibiotics immediately after consultation.
A new wound care meta-review has drawn firm conclusions from Cochrane published studies, identifying strong clinical evidence for treating specific wound issues. The review covered 44 Cochrane Systematic Reviews and found evidence for treating acute and chronic wounds, including venous ulcers and diabetic ulcers.
Researchers at BUSM discovered the liver's regulatory function in responding to lung infections. The study found that hepatocytes generate blood proteins that change concentration during an acute phase response, which prevents bacterial spread.
A study found that a strain of MRSA bacteria acquired resistance to antibiotics on farms and can now infect humans. The researchers sequenced the genomes of 88 different S. aureus isolates and found that the MRSA strain ST398 likely evolved from an antibiotic-sensitive human strain.
Research presented at American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2012 links common childhood infections to a high risk of ischemic stroke. Acute infections are more critical in triggering stroke than chronic infections over time.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that the bacterial toxin alpha-hemolysin triggers bladder cell shedding and disables immune responses, contributing to persistent urinary tract infections. The toxin causes degradation of proteins involved in cellular responses to infection, leading to more severe clinical symptoms.
Memory T cells that initially developed against a virus upon first encounter can be lost during chronic infections, making it challenging for vaccine development. Researchers at the Emory Vaccine Center have identified a molecule called 2B4 on memory cells that slows them down during chronic infections.
A study on a cruise ship norovirus outbreak found that infected passengers were more likely to have an ill cabin mate and resided or dined on the deck level where a vomiting incident occurred. Quick reporting by sick passengers and crew is crucial in preventing the spread of illness.
Researchers found that recent bus or tram use within five days of symptom onset was associated with a six-fold increased risk of going to the doctor. Daily users may be protected against seasonal influenza and pandemic risks due to repeated exposure, experts say.
Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh found that antibiotics are more effective than a placebo in relieving symptoms of middle-ear infections in young children. The study, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, involved 291 children between 6 and 23 months old with acute middle ear infections.
A new study found that antibiotics provide only modest benefits for treating acute ear infections in children, while also increasing the risk of side effects. The review of published research suggests that careful examination of the eardrum by a clinician is critical for accurate diagnosis.
Researchers analyzed 135 studies to support new AOM practice guidelines, identifying otoscopic findings as key to accurate diagnosis. They also found that heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine use is associated with changes in AOM microbial epidemiology.
A recent study published in JAMA found that black patients experience a higher rate of severe sepsis compared to white patients. The study attributes this disparity to higher rates of infection and increased risk of acute organ dysfunction, with younger adults being disproportionately affected.
Up to 200,000 children under-5 each year could be dying due to RSV-accelerated acute lower-respiratory tract infections. The Lancet study finds that RSV is the most important viral pathogen causing these infections in young children.
A study found that people with infections were more likely to experience memory loss and cognitive decline compared to those without infections. The study suggests that reducing inflammation may be beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by Queensland University of Technology found that hospital infections cost the Australian healthcare system over 850,000 lost bed days annually. Reducing these rates could release up to 150,158 bed days, allowing for an estimated 38,500 additional admissions.
The study found that antibiotic prescription rates for acute respiratory tract infections decreased by 27% among children under 5 years old between 1995-1996 and 2005-2006, while rates remained stable for adults. The shift was attributed to a decline in ambulatory visits for ear infections and initiatives promoting judicious use of ant...
Researchers found that 62% of patients with chronic uSpA had Chlamydia infection, significantly higher than controls. This suggests Chlamydia may play a role in causing this type of arthritis.
Two new studies explore ways to clear hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) from patients' bodies. Researchers found that HBV superinfection can lead to clearance of HCV in chronic HCV patients, while interferon-based therapies show promise for treating chronic HBV.
Researchers from MIT indicate that underlying gastrointestinal infections increase severity of acute diarrhea and delay recovery. The analysis provides a model for evaluating new preventive strategies or therapeutic treatments.
A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that parasitic worm infections can increase the risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS. The study showed that rhesus macaques with acute schistosomiasis were more susceptible to an HIV-like virus, with higher peak viral loads and memory cell concentrations.
Researchers found that newly HIV-infected men in the US dramatically shifted their behavior to choosing only unprotected sex with other infected individuals. This change reflects a systematic shift among men, mostly gay, to protect their partners from HIV infection.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute found that CD8 T cells generated to fight chronic infections operate under a different maintenance scheme than those in acute infections. These cells have a rapid turnover and are dependent on the virus for their continuation, which could be manipulated to design new therapeutic options.
A recent study found that antibiotics are prescribed for approximately 82% of acute and chronic sinus infections, despite viruses being the most frequent cause. This overprescription has significant concerns, including drug resistance and virulent bacteria, as well as increased healthcare costs.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that Gallium inhibits the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and prevents biofilm formation, offering a potential therapeutic solution for cystic fibrosis patients. Inhalation of Gallium also protected mice from P. aeruginosa lung infections.
Researchers at NC State University are developing mathematical and statistical models to aid in designing new treatment strategies for acutely infected HIV patients. The goal is to predict the best course of treatment based on individual patient variables, which could lead to improved quality of care and personalized treatment.
A study published by Infectious Diseases Society of America found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are causing an increase in muscle infections, particularly among children. The researchers discovered a specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus associated with more severe disease, and emphasized the need for physicians to consider ini...
A large-scale study in the UK found that both respiratory and urinary tract infections increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The risk is particularly high in the first two weeks after infection. Researchers suggest a causal relation between infections and venous thromboembolism.
A clinical decision system (CDSS) helped decrease inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing rates by 10% in communities with the intervention. The CDSS tool guided diagnosis and management of acute respiratory infections, reducing the use of macrolides and antibiotics for viral respiratory tract infections.
A study published in PLoS Medicine reveals that the body's T cell response to parvovirus B19 persists long after symptoms have cleared, contradicting previous assumptions about the virus. This finding has significant implications for vaccine development and treatment of this viral infection.
Researchers evaluated the relationship between routine childhood vaccines and hospitalization for infectious diseases not targeted by vaccination. The study found no adverse associations between multiple vaccinations and increased risk of nontargeted infectious disease hospitalizations.
A new study estimates that S. aureus infections cause an average of 292,045 hospital stays per year, resulting in 3 times longer stays, triple the total charges, and five times higher risk of in-hospital death compared to non-infected patients. The study also found that antibiotic-resistant strains are becoming increasingly common.
A recent study found that a 'watch and wait' approach to treating kids' ear infections could significantly reduce the overuse of antibiotics. The study surveyed over 2,000 parents in Massachusetts communities, revealing mixed attitudes towards this treatment method.
The report lists 58 substances as 'known human carcinogens' due to evidence from human studies, including HBV, HCV, and HPV. Eleven new substances have been added to the list of 'reasonably anticipated human carcinogens', including naphthalene, MeIQx, and lead.
A randomized controlled trial found that amoxicillin was more effective than placebo in treating middle ear infections in children, but showed no significant difference in adverse events or recurrence rates. The study suggests that antibiotics may be a useful treatment option for this common childhood illness.
The RetS gene product in P. aeruginosa activates virulence factors for acute infection while repressing those required for long-term, chronic infection. This system may orchestrate the transition from acute colonization to chronic infection in this human pathogen.
Research by Emory University scientists found that chronic viral infections fail to develop long-term immune memory cells due to poor cytokine response. The study suggests that rest from antigen exposure is crucial for developing these memory cells.
Research found a direct correlation between viral levels in blood and semen, with acutely infected individuals being hyper-infectious before symptoms occur. Transmission rates during heterosexual sex are likely to be much higher than previously thought during this period.
Chronic HIV infection causes non-specific premature maturation of T-cells, resulting in replicative senescence and exhaustion of the immune system. This leads to an increased likelihood of opportunistic infections, making HIV so deadly.
A 1998 Finnish outbreak was traced to contaminated iceberg lettuce grown on open fields with roe deer, which carry the Y. pseudotuberculosis pathogen. Researchers investigated and proposed prevention methods, including fenced fields and disinfection strategies.