A gene deletion that up-regulates viral gene expression yields an attenuated RSV vaccine with improved antibody responses in children.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading viral cause of severe pediatric respiratory illness, and a safe and effective vaccine for use in infancy and early childhood is needed. We previously showed that deletion of the coding sequence for the viral M2-2 protein (ΔM2-2) down-regulated viral RNA replication and up-regulated gene transcription and antigen synthesis, raising the possibility of development of an attenuated vaccine with enhanced immunogenicity. RSV MEDI ΔM2-2 was therefore evaluated as a live intranasal vaccine in adults, RSV-seropositive children, and RSV-seronegative children.

Accuracy of tobramycin levels obtained from central venous access devices in patients with cystic fibrosis is technique dependent.

Objective: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) frequently require prolonged aminoglycoside antibiotic therapy administered via central venous access devices (CVADs). Therefore, the effect of the volume of saline flush used prior to drawing blood on tobramycin levels obtained from CVADs was investigated to determine the potential for inappropriate drug dosing decisions.

Patients And Methods: This was a prospective study comparing tobramycin levels in blood samples obtained simultaneously from CVADs and from venipuncture.