Prophylactic Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients During the Pre-engraftment Period.

Background: Our institution has used trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) as the antibacterial agent of choice for infection prophylaxis during the pre-engraftment period in the allogeneic transplant (allo-HCT) population.

Methods: This retrospective, single center study was developed to compare the safety of that antibacterial prophylaxis to fluoroquinolones in allo-HCT. The primary endpoint was time to neutrophil engraftment.

Severity of acute gastrointestinal graft-vs-host disease is associated with incidence of bloodstream infection after adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Infections are the most common cause of non-relapse mortality in adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo HSCT) recipients. Acute gastrointestinal graft-vs-host disease (GI GVHD) often leads to friable mucosa as well as treatment interventions which can increase risk of infection. Our primary objective was to describe the relationship between increasing grades of acute GI GVHD and incidence of bloodstream infections (BSI).

Influenza update 2018-2019: 100 years after the great pandemic.

Four influenza pandemics, starting with the historic 1918 pandemic, have killed thousands of people around the world. Vaccination, still the most important means of preventing influenza, is currently recommended yearly for all people age 6 months and older, with a goal of vaccinating 80% of all Americans and 90% of at-risk populations. Neuraminidase inhibitors are underused, and a new drug with a different mechanism of action, baloxavir marboxil, is expected to be approved soon in the United States.

Influenza: Still more important than Zika virus in 2016-2017.

Influenza kills and hospitalizes many people every year. Although the 2015-2016 influenza season was relatively mild, we should remain vigilant in our efforts to reduce the impact of future epidemics or pandemics by implementing universal influenza vaccination and early initiation of antiviral therapy for suspected cases. We don't expect influenza vaccine to prevent all cases of influenza, since immune response varies depending on age, underlying diseases, and immunosuppression.

Primary Cytomegalovirus Syndrome: An Unexpected Cause of Donor Morbidity Shortly After Right Lobectomy for Living-Donor Liver Transplant.

We present a case of initially unexplained fever in a living right liver lobe transplant donor that turned out to be due to primary cytomegalovirus infection.

2012-2013 influenza update: hitting a rapidly moving target.

From the deadly 2009 influenza A H1N1 pandemic to the looming threat of bird flu H5N1, the recent outbreak of swine flu H3N2v at agriculture fairs, and the emergence of drug-resistant H1N1, we are constantly challenged by influenza viruses. Vaccination remains the main strategy for prevention. With the knowledge gained from past pandemics, an adequate vaccine supply, and an updated preventive strategy, we are in a better position to face the challenge.

The resurgence of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1).

Unexpectedly, swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV, informally known as swine flu) appeared in North America at the very end of the 2008-2009 influenza season and began to spread internationally. As the world mobilizes for a potential pandemic, this article summarizes the developments in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.