A randomized Phase 2 trial of telavancin versus standard therapy in patients with uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: the ASSURE study.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is a common infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Telavancin is a bactericidal lipoglycopeptide active against Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

Derivation and validation of a simple clinical bedside score (ATLAS) for Clostridium difficile infection which predicts response to therapy.

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) continues to be a frequent and potentially severe infection. There is currently no validated clinical tool for use at the time of CDI diagnosis to categorize patients in order to predict response to therapy.

Methods: Six clinical and laboratory variables, measured at the time of CDI diagnosis, were combined in order to assess their correlation with treatment response in a large CDI clinical trial database (derivation cohort).

Effect of age on treatment outcomes in Clostridium difficile infection.

Objectives: To determine the effect of advancing age on the clinical outcomes of Clostridium difficile (CDI) treatment.

Design: Regression modeling of results from two double-blind randomized multicenter studies on the treatment of primary and first recurrent cases of CDI to examine for effects of age and study drug on outcomes of cure (resolution of diarrhea), recurrence within 4 weeks of completing successful therapy, and cure without recurrence.

Setting: Participants were randomized into studies in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Prevalence of beta-lactam nonsusceptible Gram-negative bacilli and use and interpretation of current susceptibility breakpoints: a survey of infectious disease physicians.

Beta-lactam-resistant Enterobacteriaceae represent an important public health problem; however, questions exist about their prevalence and the impact of recent breakpoint changes on clinical practice. We surveyed infectious disease physicians to better understand these issues. Many reported encountering resistant Enterobacteriaceae; respondents generally favored a more conservative interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility results.