Acellular pertussis vaccine boosters combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoid boosters for adolescents: safety and immunogenicity assessment when preceded by different 5-dose DTaP/DTwP schedules.

A sixth dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in adolescents might produce a differing reactogenicity and/or immunogenicity response depending on the composition of the 5 prior doses of DTaP or DT-whole cell pertussis (DTwP) vaccine. Reactions and immune responses following receipt of the Sanofi Pasteur (Adacel) and GlaxoSmithKline (Boostrix) Tdap vaccines were assessed in 229 adolescents. No differences were observed for reactions to either Tdap vaccine regardless of the prior DTaP/DTwP vaccination history.

Efficacy of cephalexin two vs. three times daily vs. cefadroxil once daily for streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.

The purpose of this study was to compare the bacteriologic and clinical efficacy of oral cephalexin twice vs. three times daily vs. cefadroxil once daily as therapy for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) tonsillopharyngitis.

Efficacy of penicillin vs. amoxicillin in children with group A beta hemolytic streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.

The purpose of this study was to compare the bacteriologic and clinical efficacy of oral penicillin versus amoxicillin as first-line therapy for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) tonsillopharyngitis. The prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months (January 2000-June 2001). Children enrolled had acute onset of symptoms and signs and a laboratory-documented GABHS tonsillopharyngitis illness.

White blood cell count can aid judicious antibiotic prescribing in acute upper respiratory infections in children.

Fifty percent or more of children with upper respiratory infections (URIs) and nonspecific febrile illnesses (e.g., children febrile, anorexic, decreased activity, irritable) receive unnecessary antibiotics from community-based physicians.