Healthcare-associated risk factors of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization among outpatients undergoing hemodialysis.

Stool specimens and data were obtained from 399 outpatients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in order to estimate the colonization rate of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and to determine risk factors for VRE acquisition. The prevalence of VRE colonization in outpatients ranged from 0%-22.2%.

Two cases of Plasmodium vivax Malaria with the clinical picture resembling toxic shock.

Fatal complications of Plasmodium falciparum malaria have been reported. However, complicated P. vivax malaria is rare.

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection in an immunocompetent pregnant woman.

Background: Disseminated mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) occurs mainly in immunocompromised hosts, which is associated with abnormal cellular immunity.

Case Presentation: A 26-year-old pregnant woman presented with fever and general weakness. Miliary lung nodules were noted on chest X-ray.

Prognostic significance of infection acquisition sites in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: nosocomial versus community acquired.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an ascitic fluid infection as a complication of end stage liver disease. The outcome is related to the severity of hepatorenal function, gastrointestinal bleeding, and many others; however it is not well known whether the infection acquisition sites have an effect on the prognosis of SBP. In order to identify the prognostic significance of the acquisition sites, we studied 106 patients who were diagnosed as culture positive SBP between October 1998 and August 2003.

Effect of a hospital campaign for influenza vaccination of healthcare workers.

Objective: To identify the factors that inhibit or motivate influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods: In March 2000, we prepared 34-item questionnaire for both vaccine recipients and nonrecipients regarding demographic characteristics, factors motivating and inhibiting vaccination, and knowledge and attitudes about influenza vaccination. On the basis of the results of our survey, an aggressive hospital vaccination campaign was undertaken.