International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jan 2013
Review Meta AnalysisNeutrophil CD64 expression as a biomarker in the early diagnosis of bacterial infection: a meta-analysis.
Neutrophil CD64 expression is widely reported as an efficacious biomarker to differentiate infected patients from other non-infected patients. This meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively and quantitatively summarize the accuracy of neutrophil CD64 in the early diagnosis of bacterial infection. ⋯ On the basis of our meta-analysis, neutrophil CD64 expression could be a promising and meaningful biomarker for diagnosing bacterial infection. Nevertheless, more large prospective studies should be carried out before the neutrophil CD64 test is used widely in the clinical setting because of the various cut-off values.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Dec 2012
ReviewNeonatal tetanus elimination in Pakistan: progress and challenges.
Pakistan is one of the 34 countries that have not achieved the neonatal tetanus (NT) global elimination target set by the World Health Organization (WHO). NT, caused by Clostridium tetani, is a highly fatal infection of the neonatal period. It is one of the most underreported diseases and remains a major but preventable cause of neonatal and infant mortality in many developing countries. ⋯ To successfully eliminate NT, women of reproductive age must be made aware of the benefits of TT vaccine, not only to themselves, but also to their families. Effective communication strategies for TT vaccine delivery and health education focusing on increasing awareness of NT are strongly suggested. It is imperative that the private and government sectors work cooperatively to report NT cases and improve routine TT vaccination coverage.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2012
Review Meta AnalysisIs primary prevention of Clostridium difficile infection possible with specific probiotics?
The efficacy of probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is highly controversial, particularly with regard to the prevention of recurrent CDI. We hypothesize that primary prevention of CDI among patients receiving antibiotics might be a more achievable goal for probiotics than prevention in patients with previous CDI where the host flora is markedly altered. ⋯ While potential flaws in study design were identified, a review of the available literature suggests that the primary prevention of CDI with specific probiotic agents may be achievable. Additional studies of sufficient size and with rigorous design are needed to confirm these findings.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Sep 2012
Review Case ReportsImported Loa loa filariasis: three cases and a review of cases reported in non-endemic countries in the past 25 years.
The aim of this study was to highlight the increasing chance of Western physicians encountering patients (both immigrants and expatriates/travelers) seeking help for loiasis. ⋯ Due to increasing travel and the migration of people from the endemic countries of West Africa to Europe and the USA, we speculate on the possible emergence of loiasis. Western physicians should be aware of the typical (eye worm migration and Calabar swellings) as well as unusual clinical presentations.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Aug 2011
ReviewHealthcare-associated pneumonia: diagnostic criteria and distinction from community-acquired pneumonia.
Traditionally, pneumonia developing in patients who receive healthcare services in the outpatient environment has been classified as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, recent investigations suggest that this type of infection, known as healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP), is distinct from CAP in terms of its epidemiology, etiology, and risk for infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. ⋯ All patients hospitalized with suspected HCAP should be evaluated for their underlying risk of infection with MDR pathogens. Because HCAP is similar to hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), both clinically and etiologically, it should be treated as HAP until culture data become available.