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Infectious Disease Alert – August 1, 2021

August 1, 2021

View Archives Issues

  • MIS-C: Steroids and/or IVIG?

    Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can be a devastating post-COVID-19 complication, but treatment seems effective. High-dose steroids and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) are commonly used, although new studies give conflicting findings as to whether it is best to use both treatments together.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination: The Heart of the Matter

    The occurrence of myocarditis after receipt of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines is most frequent in young males and generally is benign, with rapid resolution with only supportive care. Careful analysis indicates that the benefit of vaccination outweighs the risk in all groups for whom the vaccine is recommended — including young males.
  • Clostridioides difficile Infection: Guideline Update

    Fidaxomicin is preferred over vancomycin for both initial and recurrent cases. Bezlotoxumab is recommended in many cases of recurrent infection and initial infection in patients at high risk of recurrence.
  • Amebic Meningoencephalitis

    Primary amebic meningoencephalitis is a rarely diagnosed worldwide disease associated with exposure to fresh water that causes highly lethal, rapidly progressive central nervous system infection but may be treatable in some cases, necessitating maintenance of a high index of suspicion in appropriate cases.
  • The Use of Proton-Pump Inhibitors and the Risk of Acquiring Community-Associated Clostridioides difficile Infection

    A nationwide cohort study of adults in Denmark found that proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use was associated with a moderately increased risk of community-associated Clostridioides difficile infection, and the risk remained elevated up to one year after PPI treatment had stopped.
  • Quinacrine for Refractory Giardiasis

    Quinacrine is highly effective in the treatment of giardiasis that is recalcitrant to initial therapy with other agents, but patients must be warned about neuropsychiatric effects.
  • Infectious Disease Alert Updates

    Sepsis Bundle Erodes Gains in Stewardship; Asymptomatic Transmission of COVID-19 in Households; When Is Hand Hygiene Personally Protective?