Low colonization rates with Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in a German hospital-affiliated hemodialysis center.

Background: Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGN) are found with rising prevalence in non-hemodialysis risk populations as well as hemodialysis (HD) cohorts in Asia, Europe and North America. At the same time, colonization and consecutive infections with such pathogens may increase mortality and morbidity of affected individuals. We aimed to monitor intestinal MDRGN colonization in a yet not investigated German HD population.

The burden of seasonal and pandemic influenza in infants and children.

Unlabelled: The burden of influenza is unevenly distributed, with more severe outcomes in children aged <5 years than older children and adults. In spite of this, immunisation policies for young children are far from universal. This article provides an overview of the published evidence on the burden of influenza in children worldwide, with a particular interest in the impact of pandemic influenza in 2009-2010 (caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus).

Pharmacokinetics and penetration of moxifloxacin into infected diabetic foot tissue in a large diabetic patient cohort.

Objectives: Physiological changes occurring in patients with diabetes may affect the pharmacokinetics and penetration of antimicrobial agents into peripheral tissue. We examined the pharmacokinetics and the penetration of moxifloxacin into perinecrotic tissue of diabetic foot lesions in patients with diabetic foot infections (DFI).

Patients And Methods: Adult patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus and hospitalized for DFI (Texas classification of at least B2) were treated with 400 mg moxifloxacin intravenously (IV) or orally (PO) once daily.

Trends in influenza vaccination coverage rates in Germany over six seasons from 2001/02 to 2006/07.

Background And Purpose: Influenza is a considerable health problem all over the world. Vaccination is the most important measure for preventing influenza and reducing morbidity and mortality. The aims of this study were to assess influenza vaccination coverage from 2001 to 2007 in Germany, to understand motivations and barriers to vaccination, and to identify vaccination intentions for season 2007/08.

Complicated skin and skin-structure infections and catheter-related bloodstream infections: noninferiority of linezolid in a phase 3 study.

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) causes substantial morbidity and mortality, but few randomized, controlled studies have been conducted to guide therapeutic interventions.

Methods: To determine whether linezolid would be noninferior to vancomycin in patients with CRBSI, we conducted an open-label, multicenter, comparative study. Patients with suspected CRBSI were randomized to receive linezolid or vancomycin (control group).

Prevalence and characteristics of bacteria and host factors in an outbreak situation of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) represents a clinical entity leading to prolonged hospital stays and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and results in additional costs. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of different bacteria in stools of patients with AAD. The reliability of diagnostic procedures under routine conditions was evaluated.

[Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)].

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral disease, observed primarily in Southern China in November 2002, with variable flu-like symptoms and pneumonia, in approx. 5% leading to death from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The disease was spread over more than 30 states all over the globe by SARS-virus-infected travelers.