Use of Advanced Diagnostics for Timely Identification of Travel-associated Leptospira santarosai Infection in Four Adolescents Through Plasma Microbial Cell-free DNA Sequencing With the Karius Test.

Background: Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic infection worldwide. Diagnosis of leptospirosis is challenging given its nonspecific clinical symptoms that overlap with other acute febrile illnesses and limitations with conventional diagnostic testing. Alternative advanced diagnostics, such as microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA), are increasingly being used to aid in the diagnosis of infections and can be applied to pathogens with public health importance such as Leptospira , a nationally notifiable disease.

Impact of a school-based influenza immunization program on disease burden: comparison of two Tennessee counties.

Outpatient burden of laboratory-confirmed influenza among children in Knox and Davidson Counties was compared in 2006-2007 when only Knox County had a school-based influenza vaccine campaign. Of 1016 eligible children seeking outpatient care, 87% were enrolled and 20% were influenza-positive. Estimated influenza vaccination coverage was similar in Knox and Davidson for preschool-age children (36% versus 33%) but higher in Knox County for school-age children (44% versus 12%).

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis in children.

Background: Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) is a tick-borne illness caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Data about disease in children have been largely derived from case reports or small case series.

Methods: A retrospective review of all medical and laboratory records from 6 sites located in the "tick belt" of the Southeastern United States was carried out.

Clinical and laboratory features, hospital course, and outcome of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in children.

Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and course of children with laboratory-diagnosed Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and to identify clinical findings independently associated with adverse outcomes of death or discharge with neurologic deficits.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review of 92 patients at six institutions in the southeastern and southcentral United States from 1990 to 2002. Statistical analyses used descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.

Clinical comparisons of La Crosse encephalitis and enteroviral central nervous system infections in a pediatric population: 2001 surveillance in East Tennessee.

Background: La Crosse encephalitis (LAC) is a mosquito-borne illness that primarily affects children. In 1997, an initial cluster of cases was identified by the regional pediatric referral center in East Tennessee. Since that time, public health officials, pediatric infectious disease physicians, infection control nurses, laboratory personnel, entomologists, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consultants have collaborated to provide ongoing surveillance activities.

Linezolid for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections in children.

Background: Gram-positive pathogens are a major cause of complicated skin and skin structure infections (CSSSIs) in children. Many pathogens are developing decreased susceptibility to currently used antibiotics, increasing the need for new therapies. Linezolid is well-tolerated and effective in the treatment of these infections in adults.

La Crosse encephalitis in Eastern Tennessee: clinical, environmental, and entomological characteristics from a blinded cohort study.

A blinded cohort study was conducted in 2000 to better understand the emergence of La Crosse virus infection in eastern Tennessee, with special emphasis on the potential mosquito vector(s). Children with suspected central nervous system infection were enrolled at the time of clinical presentation at a large pediatric referral hospital. Clinical, environmental, and entomological data were collected prior to case confirmation.