Publications by authors named "Tom A Szakacs"
An apparent, locally acquired case of rickettsialpox () in Ontario, Canada.
J Assoc Med Microbiol Infect Dis Can
June 2020
Rickettsialpox, caused by , is a spotted fever group rickettsiae transmitted to humans through the bite of the house mouse mite (). Worldwide, rickettsialpox is most commonly associated with exposure to rodents in urban environments. Here, we present the case of a 47-year-old woman from Brantford, Ontario, with fever, eschar on the right leg, expanding erythema, and right groin lymphadenopathy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAccurate detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is essential in preventing transmission in health care settings. Chromogenic media are widely used for screening VRE because of fast turnaround times (TAT) and high sensitivity. We report an outbreak of Enterococcus faecium bearing vanA yet susceptible to vancomycin (vancomycin-variable Enterococcus [VVE]).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Canadian inner-city shelter.
Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol
July 2007
Article Synopsis
- A study conducted in Ottawa, Ontario, assessed the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among residents and staff in three shelters, revealing a 2.4% overall colonization rate.
- The resident subgroup showed a higher prevalence at 4.5%, while no MRSA was found among the staff participants.
- The findings indicate that MRSA colonization rates among shelter residents are elevated compared to general populations, emphasizing the need for effective control measures against nosocomial MRSA strains to prevent their spread into community settings.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common opportunistic infection in HIV-infected adults in developing countries. Isoniazid (INH) is recommended for treatment of latent TB infection, however non-adherence is common. The purpose of this study was to apply in-house prepared isoniazid (INH) urine test strips in a clinical setting, and identify predictors of positive test results in an adherence questionnaire in HIV-infected adults taking INH for prevention of TB.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF