We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify bacterial infections in culture-negative pleural fluid specimens from Alaska Native children hospitalized with empyema. PCR identified ≥1 organism in 11 (79%) of 14 specimens. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 was detected in 6 specimens; all 6 participants had received 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Borealpox virus (BRPV, formerly known as Alaskapox virus) is a zoonotic member of the Orthopoxvirus genus first identified in a person in 2015. In the six patients with infection previously observed BRPV involved mild, self-limiting illness. We report the first fatal BRPV infection in an immunosuppressed patient.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe retrospectively evaluated antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) interventions over a 63-month period. We compared acceptance rates for those interventions communicated telephonically versus those communicated with a temporary note left in the electronic medical record. Telephonic communication produced superior acceptance rates overall and when analyzed by intervention type and provider.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: A case of vancomycin enzyme immunoassay (EIA) interference confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described.
Summary: Therapeutic drug monitoring is standard of practice in vancomycin dosing and monitoring in order to maximize the pharmacodynamic effects and minimize toxicity. After a 52-year-old woman received 5 doses of vancomycin, serum concentrations continued to rise for several days in the absence of ongoing vancomycin administration.