Exploring the role of infection preventionists in antimicrobial stewardship programs through several lenses: A brief report.

This study explored perceptions of the role of infection preventionists (IPs) in antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) among IPs, pharmacists, infectious diseases physicians, and hospital executives. Expert telephone interviews, using a validated survey tool, were conducted from November 1, 2016 to December 12, 2016 (n = 28). Participants with clinical responsibilities reported modest expectations of the IP in ASPs.

A highly sensitive, PCR-based method for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum clones in microtiter plates.

Background: Cloning of parasites by limiting dilution is an essential and rate-limiting step in many aspects of malaria research including genomic and genetic manipulation studies. The standard Giemsa-stained blood smears to detect parasites is time-consuming, whereas the more sensitive parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay involves multiple steps and requires fresh reagents. A simple PCR-based method was therefore tested for parasite detection that can be adapted to high throughput studies.