Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiología clínica
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Enferm. Infecc. Microbiol. Clin. · Mar 2011
Review[Scientific evidence supporting the use of micafungin in the treatment of invasive candidiasis].
Micafungin is a semisynthetic lipopeptide developed from Coleophoma empetri, which blocks the synthesis of β-1,3-D-glucan, an essential component of the fungal wall, though non-competitive inhibition of β-1,3-D-glucan synthetase. Micafungin is a dose-dependent candidacidal agent with excellent in vitro efficacy against most Candida spp. including species resistant to amphotericin B, such as Candida lusitaniae, several azoles, such as C. glabrata or C. krusei, and isolates not susceptible to other echinocandins. ⋯ This drug is approved for use in the treatment of invasive candidiasis and Candida esophagitis, as well as in the prophylaxis of Candida infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients or those at risk of prolonged neutropenia. Micafungin can be used both in the treatment and prevention of candidiasis in neonates, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, making it highly useful in patient groups in which the use of other antifungal drugs has not been authorized.
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Enferm. Infecc. Microbiol. Clin. · Jan 2011
Review[Children with cancer and respiratory viral infection: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment options].
Community-adquired respiratory viral infection is the most common cause of febrile infection in children, and an important cause of infection to consider in children with cancer. Nevertheless, there are few well-designed, controlled studies in this population, which makes it difficult to understand the importance, behaviour and management of these viruses in immunocompromised children. ⋯ It is important to design appropriate prospective studies to assess these types of infections in children with cancer. In this review we analyse the main studies published in the literature, evaluating the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of children with cancer and respiratory viral infection.
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Enferm. Infecc. Microbiol. Clin. · Oct 2010
Review Biography Historical Article[100 years of Dr. Ehrlich's magic bullet (1909-2009)].
The aim of this article is to pay tribute to Paul Ehrlich and his contributions to science, in particular those related to antimicrobial therapy, at the end of a prodigious decade of celebrations to fête his person and work. The year 2009 marks the centenary of the discovery of the experimental anti-syphilitic activity of Salvarsan and the first clinical studies showing its efficacy against syphilis. This homage is conveyed through the presentation of bibliographic data, mention of his most important scientific achievements based on his original publications, and by analyzing the film Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet (1940) by William Dieterle.
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Enferm. Infecc. Microbiol. Clin. · Sep 2010
Review[Duration of antibiotic therapy in intraabdominal infections].
The duration of antibiotic treatment in patients with an infectious process is based on empirical considerations and those with intraabdominal infections are no exception. Therefore, the recommended duration of antibiotic therapy in intraabdominal infection is controversial and no consensus has been reached due to the lack of controlled studies that would provide sufficient scientific evidence. ⋯ These considerations have led to the exploration of "short-term treatment" strategies, lasting 3-5 days, with encouraging results. However, the development of biomarkers such as procalcitonin opens the door to individualized treatment that might allow the duration of antibiotic treatment in intraabdominal and other infections to be individually tailed to patient response.
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Enferm. Infecc. Microbiol. Clin. · Sep 2010
Review[Role of new carbapenems in nosocomial intraabdominal infection].
Complicated intraabdominal infections require surgical intervention and the earliest possible empiric broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy. Doripenem, a broad-spectrum carbapenem, provides coverage of key Gram-negative and positive aerobes and anaerobes encountered in complicated intraabdominal infections. In two trials in patients with complicated intraabdominal infections, doripenem was not inferior to meropenem. ⋯ Microbiological cure rates were 84.3% with doripenem and 84.5% with meropenem. Doripenem was more effective in the treatment of patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion, doripenem is a valuable addition to the options available for the empirical treatment of hospitalized patients with serious intraabdominal infections.