Coccidioides Species: A Review of Basic Research: 2022.

and are closely related fungal species that cause coccidioidomycosis. These dimorphic organisms cause disease in immunocompetent as well as immunocompromised individuals and as much as 40% of the population is infected in the endemic area. Although most infections resolve spontaneously, the infection can be prolonged and, in some instances, fatal.

Utility of DNA sequencing for direct identification of invasive fungi from fresh and formalin-fixed specimens.

Objectives: To describe and discuss the utility and potential pitfalls of ribosomal RNA locus sequencing for direct identification of invasive fungi from fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens.

Methods: DNA was extracted from fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting ITS2 and D2 regions of fungal ribosomal RNA locus. Cycle sequencing was performed on PCR products, and the identity of sequences was determined using a public database.

Ceftobiprole: a new cephalosporin for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections.

Ceftobiprole is among the first of a new generation of cephalosporins with activity against aerobic Gram-negative bacilli, which extends to cefepime-sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and activity against Gram-positive organisms, which includes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Ceftobiprole is currently undergoing evaluation by the US FDA for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections, with a decision pending further evaluation of study site monitoring. It is also being evaluated for the treatment of community-acquired and healthcare-associated pneumonia.

Expert opinion: what to do when there is Coccidioides exposure in a laboratory.

Inadvertent exposure to Coccidioides species by laboratory staff and others as a result of a mishap is not an uncommon cause of infection in clinical microbiology laboratories. These types of infection may occur in laboratories outside the endemic areas, because the etiologic agent is unexpected in the submitted specimens and because personnel may be unfamiliar with the hazards of dealing with Coccidioides species in the laboratory. Coccidioidal infections are often difficult to treat, and outcomes can be poor.

Management of infections due to KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The emergence of the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases in K. pneumoniae and other Gram-negative bacteria, usually on a background of multidrug resistance, has led to difficult therapeutic choices. Among available antibiotics, tigecycline and the polymyxins are the most frequently active against these organisms in vitro.

The efficacy and safety of ceftobiprole in the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections: evidence from 2 clinical trials.

Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSIs) are common and are associated with significant health and economic costs. These infections are predominantly characterized by infection with Staphylococcus aureus, and SENTRY Surveillance data indicate that the occurrence of this pathogen in cSSSIs has increased and that almost half of the isolated pathogens are methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

Caspofungin.

Caspofungin, the first inhibitor of fungal beta-1,3 glucan synthesis to receive approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration, is effective for the treatment of mucosal and invasive candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis. It is also active in vitro and in animal models against a number of other filamentous and dimorphic endemic fungi and in animal models of Pneumocystis carinii infection. In vitro studies and some animal studies almost always indicate an absence of antagonism when caspofungin is combined with azole or polyene antifungal agents.

Safety and immunogenicity of hepatitis A vaccine in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

The safety and immunogenicity of inactivated hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine was assessed in 133 hepatitis A virus-seronegative, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults. Patients were randomly assigned to receive, in a blinded fashion, either 2 doses of vaccine (1440 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay units) or placebo 6 months apart. Seroconversion at month 9 was observed in 68% of those with CD4 cell counts >/=200 cells/mm(3) but in only 9% of those with lower CD4 cell counts (P=.