The use of intravenous palivizumab for treatment of persistent RSV infection in children with leukemia.

Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody used to decrease the threat of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among children at high risk. There are no standard guidelines due to conflicting data on palivizumab's use in the treatment of RSV lower respiratory tract infections. Intravenous (IV) palivizumab was shown to be well tolerated and associated with decreased mortality in high-risk children who have RSV disease.

Deep sequencing reveals mixed infection with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus strains and the emergence of oseltamivir resistance.

Mixed infections with seasonal influenza A virus strains are a common occurrence and an important source of genetic diversity. Prolonged viral shedding, as observed in immunocompromised individuals, can lead to mutational accumulation over extended periods. Recently, drug resistance was reported in immunosuppressed patients infected with the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus within a few days after oseltamivir treatment was initiated.

Meningococcal immunology.

There is a major need for an effective vaccine against serogroup B disease. The long-term efficacy of the serogroups A, C, Y and W135 conjugate vaccines and the need for booster vaccines has to be determined, as does the effect of changing epidemiology in the United States and worldwide. Control of serogroup A disease in sub-Saharan Africa is a major challenge.

Double blind placebo-controlled trial of pleconaril in infants with enterovirus meningitis.

Background: Enterovirus (EV) meningitis is common in infants and may have neurologic complications. Treatment of older children and adults with pleconaril has been associated with reduced severity and duration of symptoms. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of pleconaril in infants with EV meningitis.