Factors associated with delay in seeking healthcare for imported malaria: a retrospective study in a French hospital.

Background: Delayed treatment is associated with a higher risk of severe malaria. In malaria-endemic areas, the main factors associated with delay in seeking healthcare are low educational level and traditional beliefs. In imported malaria, determinants of delay in seeking healthcare are currently unknown.

Streptococcal and enterococcal endocarditis: time for individualized antibiotherapy?

Recommendations for the treatment of streptococcal and enterococcal endocarditis are based on old efficacy studies, but the starting doses have never been reassessed and are associated with significant adverse events. Based on data from other serious infections, we suggest that maintaining a concentration of β-lactams higher than 4-6 times the responsible bacteria MIC 100% of the time in the heart of the vegetation would be a pertinent therapeutic objective. The data point to a diffusion gradient of β-lactams in the vegetation.