J Assoc Med Microbiol Infect Dis Can
October 2024
Introduction: Candidemia is a common bloodstream infection with morbidity and mortality. Both the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Infectious Diseases Society of America have evidence-based recommendations for its management. While infectious diseases consultation (IDC) reduced mortality, effects on guideline concordance remain unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMedical microbiology laboratories play an essential role in patient care-appertaining to infectious diseases diagnostics and treatment, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. Collaboration between clinicians and the microbiology laboratory can promote and enhance the safety, quality, and efficiency of patient care. We review practical, evidence-informed core concepts to explicate how effective partnership between clinicians and the microbiology laboratory improves patient outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBrodie's abscess is a manifestation of subacute to chronic osteomyelitis, characterized as intraosseous abscess formation, usually on the metaphysis of the long tubular bones in the lower extremities of male pediatric patients. Clinically, Brodie's abscess presents with atraumatic bone pain of an insidious onset, with absence of systemic findings. Delay in diagnosis is common, as diagnostic imaging, followed by biopsy for culture and histologic examination are generally required to secure a diagnosis of Brodie's abscess.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEngineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are ubiquitous in contemporary applications, yet their environmental and human health impacts remain inadequately understood. This study addresses the challenge of identifying potential risks associated with ENM exposure by highlighting the significant variability in existing research methodologies. Without a systematic collection of toxicological data that encompasses standardized materials, relevant platforms, and assays, the task of identifying potential risks linked to ENM exposure becomes an intricate challenge.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA 61-year-old male with subacute headache was found to have cryptococcal meningitis despite a negative BioFire FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis panel. This case underscores the importance of liberal cryptococcal antigen testing, and that a negative FilmArray panel is inadequate in excluding cryptococcal meningitis, particularly in a HIV-negative host.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Assoc Med Microbiol Infect Dis Can
January 2024
Clin Case Rep
November 2023
Amebic liver abscesses should be considered in adult males with a liver abscess and a history of travel to endemic areas. Effective treatment includes metronidazole, followed by paromomycin.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAntimicrobials are one of the most administered medications in hospitals. Thoughtful and rational antibiotic prescribing by clinicians are important in reducing the adverse effects to both the host that takes the antibiotic and also the individuals in the host's community. Principles informing antibiotic prescribing in the hospital are commonly rooted in misconceptions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Clin Gastroenterol
September 2023
Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) are a suppurative infection of the hepatic parenchyma responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. PLAs are categorized into a variety of mechanisms: (1) via the portal vein, (2) through the biliary tract, (3) via the hepatic artery, (4) from trauma, (5) contiguously via direct extension, and (6) cryptogenically. The pathogenesis of PLA, which informs treatment, can often be discerned based on host factors, clinical presentation, and causative microorganisms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Candidemia is increasing in frequency and is associated with high mortality. We sought to determine the burden of illness, the population it affects and its resistance profile in our region.
Methods: The Calgary Zone (CZ) provides all care for residents of Calgary and surrounding communities (~ 1.
J Assoc Med Microbiol Infect Dis Can
September 2022
IDCases
September 2022
is a genus of Gram-positive, partially acid-fast bacteria consisting of over 120 species, of which 50 are recognized as human pathogens. spp. are common colonizers in the environment, particularly in soil and water.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStaphylococcus aureus bacteremia is common and associated with fatality rates approximating 25%. We provide a brief overview of S. aureus bacteremia from a clinical and microbiological lens and review the relevant evidence and literature gaps in its management.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe gastrointestinal tract is one of the most common sites for extranodal Burkitt lymphomas (BLs), but an appendiceal BL is extremely rare. We describe a case of appendiceal BL presenting with acute appendicitis and acute kidney injury. A 15-year-old obese male presented to the emergency department with fever and right-sided abdominal pain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA lack of clinical response to empiric antimicrobials behooves the clinician to reflect further on diagnostic considerations. When prescribing antibiotics, determining the correct dose, most optimal route of administration, and considering the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug with respect to clinical and patient factors are crucial.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA), although uncommon in North America, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We sought to re-examine the epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of PLA in a large, diverse Canadian health zone.
Methods: All Calgary Health Zone (CHZ) residents aged ≥20 with PLA between 2015 and 2017 were identified.