Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
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Vaccination of immunocompromised patients is challenging both regarding efficacy and safety. True efficacy data are lacking so existing recommendations are based on immune responses and safety data. ⋯ However, vaccination against pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae and influenza are generally recommended. Live vaccines must be used with care because the risk for vaccine-associated disease exists.
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Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Oct 2012
ReviewCompliance with anti-H1N1 vaccine among healthcare workers and general population.
Population protection through vaccination against infectious diseases has been one of the major achievements of public health care. The recent H1N1 influenza virus pandemic reopened the discussion on the strategic arrangements for vaccination in the face of spreading infection. ⋯ Concern about vaccine safety and distrust of health authorities are the commonest reasons given for low compliance with vaccination by healthcare workers. Better communication strategies to improve vaccination acceptance by the general population and by healthcare workers are required.
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Colistin is a re-emerging old antibiotic that is used to treat multidrug-resistant infections in critically ill patients. It corresponds to a mixture of at least 30 different compounds administered as inactive derivatives. ⋯ However specific chromatographic methods have been made available in recent years, leading to a series of modern pharmacokinetic studies after intravenous administration of the prodrug to critical-care patients; these have been conducted by a few groups and have only been recently published. The objective of this article was to conduct a critical review of these very informative modern pharmacokinetic studies and to provide prospective thoughts.
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Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Dec 2011
ReviewThe laboratory of clinical virology in monitoring patients undergoing monoclonal antibody therapy.
The relevant efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has resulted in the successful treatment of several diseases, although susceptibility to infections remains a major problem. This review summarizes aspects of the literature regarding viral infections and mAbs, specifically addressing the risk of infection/reactivation, the measures that can reduce this risk, and the role played by the laboratory of clinical virology in monitoring patients undergoing mAb therapy.
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Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Dec 2011
ReviewProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: an unexpected complication of modern therapeutic monoclonal antibody therapies.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, caused by the reactivation of the ubiquitous JC virus. PML usually occurs during severe immunosuppression, and the most common causes are represented by human immunodeficiency virus infection, lymphoproliferative disorders and other forms of cancer. ⋯ In this review we will discuss clinical, laboratory and imaging findings of PML. In addition, proposed pathogenetic mechanisms promoting the reactivation of JC virus in the context of treatment with monoclonal antibodies will be described.