Next Steps: Studying Diabetic Foot Infections with Next-Generation Molecular Assays
In 2019, the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot voiced six concerns regarding the use of molecular microbiology techniques for routine diagnosis of infection complicating diabetic foot ulcers. The purpose of this review is to evaluate contemporary evidence addressing each of these concerns and describe promising avenues for continued development of molecular microbiology assays.
Updates on Malaria Epidemiology and Prevention Strategies
The objective of this review was to provide an update on recent malaria epidemiology, both globally and in non-endemic areas, to identify the current distribution and repercussions of genetically diverse Plasmodium species and summarize recently implemented intervention and prevention tools.
Healthcare Personnel Hand Hygiene Compliance: Are We There Yet?
Poor hand hygiene is well documented as a factor in healthcare-associated infections and excellent rates of hand hygiene remains elusive.
and genital health: molecular clues to an enigmatic vaginal species
Vaginal lactobacilli are recognized as important drivers of genital health including protection against bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections. is distinct from , and by its high global prevalence in vaginal microbiomes, relatively small genome, production of only L-lactic acid, and inconsistent associations with genital health outcomes. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the role of in the vaginal microbiome, highlight the importance of strain-level consideration for this species, and explain that while marker gene-based characterization of the composition of the vaginal microbiota does not capture strain-level resolution, whole metagenome sequencing can aid in expanding our understanding of this species in genital health.
Bacterial Vaginosis in Postmenopausal Women
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection worldwide, but most research has been conducted in premenopausal women. After menopause, endogenous estrogen production decreases, often leading to the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), characterized by vulvovaginal dryness and irritation. The estrogen-deficient postmenopausal state results in an elevated vaginal pH and depletion of vaginal lactobacilli. Use of traditional BV diagnostics (Amsel criteria, Nugent score) is difficult in post-menopausal women, especially those not on estrogen replacement therapy, as these methods were originally developed in premenopausal women. In this review, we discuss recent clinical data on BV in postmenopausal women, difficulties in diagnosis using traditional methods, the role of BV molecular diagnostics, and our current expert opinion for managing BV in this population.
Antifungal Resistance and the Role of New Therapeutic Agents
Advances in health care over time have led to an evolution in the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections. There is an increasing concern for antifungal resistance and emergence of less common fungal species for which optimal therapies are not well defined. The purpose of this review is to describe mechanisms of antifungal resistance and to evaluate the modern role of new and investigational antifungals.
West Nile virus: another emerging arboviral risk for travelers?
West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitos of the genus . Manifestations of WNV infection range from asymptomatic to devastating neuroinvasive disease leading to flaccid paralysis and death. This review examines WNV epidemiology and ecology, with an emphasis on travel-associated infection.
Travel in the Time of COVID: A Review of International Travel Health in a Global Pandemic
This review critically considers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel and the practice of travel medicine, highlights key innovations that have facilitated the resumption of travel, and anticipates how travel medicine providers should prepare for the future of international travel.
Nosocomial Extracardiac Infections After Cardiac Surgery
Nosocomial extracardiac infections after cardiac surgery are a major public health issue affecting 3-8.2% of patients within 30-60 days following the intervention.
Therapeutic Options for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Where Are We Now?
Rapidly evolving treatment paradigms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) introduce challenges for clinicians to keep up with the pace of published literature and to critically appraise the voluminous data produced. This review summarizes the clinical evidence from key studies examining the place of therapy of recommended drugs and management strategies for COVID-19.
Advances in Liver Transplantation for Persons with Human Immunodeficiency Infection
Advanced liver disease is a leading cause of non-AIDS-related morbidity and mortality in persons with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. As a result, persons with HIV are increasingly seeking liver transplantation.
Correction to: : A Parallel Between Antimicrobial Resistance and COVID‑19 in Underdeveloped and Developing Countries
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s11908-022-00788-z.].
Chikungunya: An Emerging Public Health Concern
The worldwide spread of chikungunya over the past two decades calls for greater knowledge and awareness of the virus, its route of transmission, methods of diagnosis, and the use of available treatment and prevention measures.
Climate Change and Travel: Harmonizing to Abate Impact
With climate change being the single biggest health threat facing humanity, this review aims to identify the climate-sensitive health risks to the traveler and to recognize the role that travel plays in contributing to the detrimental effects of climate change. With this understanding, adaptations for transformational action can be made.
Challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship in Solid Organ Transplant Patients
Without effective antimicrobials, patients cannot undergo transplant surgery safely or sustain immunosuppressive therapy. This review examines the burden of antimicrobial resistance in solid organ transplant recipients and identifies opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship.
COVID-19 Infection in Children: Diagnosis and Management
Due to the rapidly changing landscape of COVID-19, the purpose of this review is to provide a concise and updated summary of pediatric COVID-19 diagnosis and management.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification-Based Microfluidic Platforms for the Detection of Viral Infections
Easy-to-use, fast, and accurate virus detection method is essential for patient management and epidemic surveillance, especially during severe pandemics. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) on a microfluidic platform is suitable for detecting infectious viruses, regardless of the availability of medical resources. The purpose of this review is to introduce LAMP-based microfluidic devices for virus detection, including their detection principles, methods, and application.
2021 Update on the Clinical Management and Diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease
Provide an updated review of the clinical management and diagnosis of Kawasaki disease with inclusion of potential diagnostic difficulties with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
: a Parallel Between Antimicrobial Resistance and COVID-19 in Underdeveloped and Developing Countries
The COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for more than 6.3 million deaths worldwide. During the pandemic, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has increased, contributing to the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this review, we aim to determine the spread and impact of antibiotic treatments in patients with COVID-19, focusing on underdeveloped and developing countries.
Pediatric Infectious Diseases Encountered During Wartime-Part 1: Experiences and Lessons Learned From Armed Conflict in the Modern Era
Armed conflicts occur globally, with some regions experiencing heightened instability for many years. A better understanding of the infectious disease impact on children in armed conflict will allow aid organizations to anticipate and mitigate the most serious problems.
Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis (JE), a clinical indication of JE virus-induced brain inflammation, is the most prevalent cause of viral encephalitis in the world. This review gives a comprehensive update on the epidemiology, clinical features, therapeutic trials and approaches for preventing the spread of JE. It also outlines the different JE vaccines used in various countries and recommendations for administration of JE vaccines.