MSG-15: Super-Bioavailability Itraconazole Versus Conventional Itraconazole in the Treatment of Endemic Mycoses-A Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Comparative Trial.

Background: Invasive fungal disease caused by dimorphic fungi is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Super-bioavailability itraconazole (SUBA-itra) is a novel antifungal agent with pharmacokinetic advantages over currently available formulations. In this prospective comparative study, we report the outcomes of patients with endemic fungal infections (histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and sporotrichosis).

Treatment and Prevention of Histoplasmosis in Adults Living with HIV.

Histoplasmosis causes life-threatening disseminated infection in adult patients living with untreated HIV. Although disease incidence has declined dramatically in countries with access to antiretroviral therapy, histoplasmosis remains prevalent in many resource-limited regions. A high index of suspicion for histoplasmosis should be maintained in the setting of a febrile multisystem illness in severely immunosuppressed patients, particularly in persons with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

A comprehensive approach to ending an outbreak of rare bla gene-positive carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii at a Community Hospital, Kansas City, MO, 2018.

We identified a cluster of extensively drug-resistant, carbapenemase gene-positive, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CP-CRAB) at a teaching hospital in Kansas City. Extensively drug-resistant CRAB was identified from eight patients and 3% of environmental cultures. We used patient cohorting and targeted environmental disinfection to stop transmission.

Treatment of Acute Osteomyelitis with Once-Weekly Oritavancin: A Two-Year, Multicenter, Retrospective Study.

Background: Acute osteomyelitis is typically caused by Gram-positive pathogens, commonly antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus species. Standard antibiotic treatment is challenging due to required multiple daily doses, therapeutic drug monitoring, and parenteral administration for at least 4 weeks. Oritavancin is a long-acting lipoglycopeptide antibiotic approved as a single 1200 mg dose for the treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections.

Peers Keep It Real: Re-engaging Adults in HIV Care.

Background: After diagnosis, a substantial number of people with HIV disease fall out of care. Effective interventions are needed for this priority population.

Methods: The "Peers Keep It Real" study aimed to help adults who were disengaged from HIV treatment.

The Jonas Hypertension Program: An Academic-Community Partnership to Address Hypertension in Four Dominican Bateyes.

Introduction: Adults living in bateyes (i.e., sugarcane plantation villages) in the Dominican Republic have minimal access to health care services.

Infectious Diseases Specialty Intervention Is Associated With Better Outcomes Among Privately Insured Individuals Receiving Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy.

Background: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) can be managed by specialists in infectious diseases (ID) or by other physicians. Better management of OPAT can reduce the likelihood of readmission or emergency department (ED) use. The relative success of ID specialists and other physicians in managing OPAT has received little study.

Histoplasmosis complicating tumor necrosis factor-α blocker therapy: a retrospective analysis of 98 cases.

Background: Histoplasmosis may complicate tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α blocker therapy. Published case series provide limited guidance on disease management. We sought to determine the need for long-term antifungal therapy and the safety of resuming TNF-α blocker therapy after successful treatment of histoplasmosis.

A Peer-Led HIV Medication Adherence Intervention Targeting Adults Linked to Medical Care but without a Suppressed Viral Load.

Background: Non-adherence to antiretroviral (ART) treatment remains a prevalent problem even among the segment of the U.S. HIV population that is 'linked' to medical care.

Does skin care frequency affect the severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis in critically ill patients?

Background: Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a potentially serious skin injury that can lead to pressure ulcers (PUs). Multiple studies have indicated the need for evidence to find the most effective skin care protocol to reduce the incidence and severity of IAD in critically ill patients.

Objective: To compare the incidence and severity of IAD in two groups on a progressive care unit (PCU) using a defined skin care protocol: cleaning with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, then applying a skin protectant/barrier.

Histoplasmosis after solid organ transplant.

Background: To improve our understanding of risk factors, management, diagnosis, and outcomes associated with histoplasmosis after solid organ transplant (SOT), we report a large series of histoplasmosis occurring after SOT.

Methods: All cases of histoplasmosis in SOT recipients diagnosed between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2010 at 24 institutions were identified. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected.

Postexposure prophylaxis for common infectious diseases.

Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is effective in preventing illness after potential or documented exposure to a variety of microbial pathogens and in reducing the risk of secondary spread of infection. Guidelines have been published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for proper use of PEP for bloodborne pathogens, for microorganisms transmitted by either airborne or droplet spread or through direct contact, and for infections acquired after traumatic injuries. Depending on the type of exposure, different forms of PEP are available, including vaccines, immune globulins, antibiotics, and antiviral medications.

Does an oral care protocol reduce VAP in patients with a tracheostomy?

Background: Several studies have demonstrated that oral care with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) 0.12% solution reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically ventilated patients with endotracheal tubes in the ICU. Minimal evidence shows the effectiveness of any oral care protocols in preventing VAP in mechanically ventilated patients with tracheostomies in a step-down or progressive care unit (PCU).

Pulmonary histoplasmosis.

Pulmonary histoplasmosis is an important cause of morbidity in the United States. Several outbreaks of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis have been linked to potentially preventable environmental exposures. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis, which is seen frequently in the growing population of immunocompromised hosts, often presents with prominent pulmonary manifestations and is more commonly encountered in hospitalized patients than acute, subacute, or chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis.

Strategies to improve HIV treatment adherence in developed countries: clinical management at the individual level.

REMARKABLE ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) DISEASE HAVE BEEN BLUNTED BY WIDESPREAD SUBOPTIMAL ADHERENCE (IE, NONADHERENCE), WHICH HAS EMERGED AS A MAJOR BARRIER TO ACHIEVING THE PRIMARY GOAL OF ANTIRETROVIRAL (ARV) THERAPY: suppression of HIV viral load. Nonsuppressed HIV viral load is associated with drug resistance, increased morbidity and mortality, and a higher risk of person-to-person HIV transmission. For HIV-infected individuals who are failing HIV treatment due to nonadherence, becoming adherent is a life-saving behavior change.