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Daptomycin: Safe at Higher Doses?

Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic that exhibits concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against a wide array of gram-positive organisms.

Multiple Test Methods for the Detection of Novel H1N1

The energetic Christine Ginocchio (Director of Clinical and Molecular Microbiology Laboratories for North Shore-Long Island Jewish Healthcare System) began receiving an unusual gift beginning on April 24, 2009.

Treatment of Kawasaki Disease

A study of immunoglobulin-resistant kawasaki disease in the United States was conducted using data from the Pediatric Health Information System. All patients diagnosed and treated for Kawasaki disease, including readmissions, were identified during 2001 to 2006 among 27 hospitals representing all geographic regions of the country.

Cefepime: Out of the Doghouse

In response to a published metanalysis that concluded that cefepime use was associated with excess mortality, on November 14, 2007, the FDA published an "Early Communication About an Ongoing Safety Review of Cefepime (marketed as Maxipime)."

IXIARO®: A New Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a flavivirus, is transmitted by rice field-breeding mosquitoes who have fed on wild birds, the natural hosts, and domestic pigs, which serve as amplifying hosts.

Coartem® for Malaria in the United States

On April 8, 2009, the fda approved the use of Coartem® tablets in the treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria in adults and in children weighing at least 5 kg. Coartem® tablets contain 20 mg artemether and 120 mg lumefantrine, each of which is a blood schizonticide but with dissimilar modes of action.

Updates By Carol A. Kemper, MD, FACP

A recent case of a 17-year-old presenting with acute psychiatric symptoms and possible meningoencephalitis prompted examination of this review article on Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS).

Pharmacology Watch: Meta-analysis Compares Antihypertensive Classes

In this issue: Comparing blood pressure medications, determining optimal length of androgen-deprivation therapy, red yeast rice for LDL reduction, and FDA Actions.

Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement

Infectious Disease Alert – August 1, 2009

August 1, 2009