Travel-related MERS-CoV cases: an assessment of exposures and risk factors in a group of Dutch travellers returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 2014.

Background: In May 2014, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, with closely related viral genomes, was diagnosed in two Dutch residents, returning from a pilgrimage to Medina and Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). These patients travelled with a group of 29 other Dutch travellers. We conducted an epidemiological assessment of the travel group to identify likely source(s) of infection and presence of potential risk factors.

[Evaluation of diagnosis and therapy of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: recommended minimum treatment duration of 2 weeks not always met].

Objective: Bacteraemia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (SA bacteraemia) can run a relatively mild course, but can also be complicated by focal infections in bones, joints, soft tissue and the heart. The Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) advises a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) be taken in each case of SA bacteraemia in order to rule out endocarditis, in addition to sampling blood for culture 2-3 days after the start of treatment. Both the IDSA and the Dutch Stichting Werkgroep Antibiotica Beleid (SWAB - Foundation for Antibiotic Policy Work Groups) recommend that patients with SA bacteraemia be treated intravenously for at least 14 days; longer if a complicated course is expected.

[Diarrhoea and fever in chemotherapy patients due to listeriosis].

We present two patients with colorectal carcinoma who were admitted with fever and diarrhoea during treatment with chemotherapy. Blood cultures taken from both patients revealed an infection with Listeria monocytogenes. A contaminated ice cream was probably the source of infection in one patient.

[Neuroschistosomiasis; an unexpected finding in a Dutch woman].

A 67-year-old Dutch woman presented with neurological symptoms of several months duration. MRI scans of the brain showed intracerebral lesions. Brain biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation and remnants of worm eggs.