A practical critique of antifungal treatment guidelines for haemato-oncologists.

The management of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in the haemato-oncology setting remains a challenge. This article reviews recent guidelines relating to IFD for their similarities and differences, as well as applying the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) criteria. The guidelines' recommendations on antifungal prophylaxis, empirical and definitive treatment of candidiasis and aspergillosis are summarized; also, minimum standards for diagnosis and follow-up are discussed.

Rapid detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacilli in blood cultures.

Objectives: Conventional detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers in blood cultures usually requires overnight incubation. This could delay the prescribing of appropriate therapy. We evaluated whether the chromogenic cephalosporin HMRZ-86, which is hydrolysed by ESBLs, could be used for the rapid detection of ESBL producers directly in blood culture broths.