Duration of Group A Streptococcus PCR positivity following antibiotic treatment of pharyngitis.

Background: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has high sensitivity and specificity for detection of group A streptococcus (GAS) in throat swabs and is routinely used for GAS pharyngitis diagnosis at our institution. Herein we defined the natural history of throat swab GAS PCR and culture positivity during and following treatment of GAS pharyngitis.

Methods: Fifty children with a PCR positive GAS throat swab were recruited for participation.

Early empiric antibiotic use in preterm infants is associated with lower bacterial diversity and higher relative abundance of Enterobacter.

Objectives: To determine the impact of empiric ampicillin and gentamicin use in the first week of life on microbial colonization and diversity in preterm infants.

Study Design: The 16s ribosomal DNA community profiling was used to compare the microbiota of 74 infants born ≤32 weeks gestational age by degree of antibiotic use in the first week of life. The degree of antibiotic use was classified as 0 days, 1-4 days, and 5-7 days of antibiotic administration.

Immunization issues in pediatric travelers.

An increasing number of children are traveling internationally. In preparation for their journeys, special attention must be given to immunizations. Providers should understand 'routine' vaccine schedules to ensure that pediatric travelers are up to date.