spp. Deep Sternal Wound Infections: A Consequence of Antibiotic use?

A cluster of deep sternal wound infections caused by spp. occurred at our institution. Investigation did not disclose a common environmental source.

Use of Infliximab to Treat Paradoxical Tuberculous Meningitis Reactions.

We documented dramatic responses to infliximab in 4 tuberculous meningitis cases with severe paradoxical reactions after effective antibacterial treatment, despite high-dose steroids. In every instance, infliximab was used as a last resort after all other options were exhausted, resulting in delayed initiation that may have adversely affected patient outcomes.

Management of pyogenic liver abscess: a South Australian experience.

Background: There have been declining mortality rates associated with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) in recent decades due to improvements in percutaneous drainage techniques, access to imaging and improvements in supportive care. The aim of this study was to analyse the aetiology, management and outcome of PLA at a tertiary hospital in Adelaide.

Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from 80 patients who were admitted with a PLA between 2011 and 2018.

Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Hospital in the Home.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) experienced by patients treated within the Hospital in the Home (HITH) service of a major metropolitan hospital in South Australia.

Methods: A retrospective case note audit of 100 HITH episodes among adults who received continuous intravenous antimicrobial therapy via an elastomeric or electronic infusion device was undertaken. Age- and sex-adjusted binomial logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify factors associated with major and minor AEs.

Very early-onset of Cryptococcus neoformans disease following liver transplantation: Report of two cases and a review of the literature.

Cryptococcosis is the third most common invasive fungal infection following solid organ transplantation, and mortality is high. Most cases occur late and are due to reactivation of latent infection; however, very early reactivation and donor-derived transmission can occur. Routine screening pre-transplant and antifungal prophylaxis for cryptococcosis post-transplant in solid organ transplantation are not standard practice.

Case report: Identification of intra-laboratory blood culture contamination with Staphylococcus aureus by whole genome sequencing.

Staphylococcus aureus in blood cultures is rarely considered a contaminant. We report a case of intra-laboratory contamination between blood culture bottles which was confirmed by whole genome sequencing, highlighting the importance of molecular analysis in the clinical laboratory setting.

Nocardia farcinica bacteraemia presenting as a prostate abscess.

Nocardia is characterised as a Gram positive filamentous rod and is found worldwide in soil, decaying vegetable matter and aquatic environments. Localised pulmonary infection is the most common clinical presentation. However, Nocardia can present in a wide variety of clinical manifestations, especially in the immunocompromised individual.

INITIAT-E.D.: Impact of timing of INITIation of Antibiotic Therapy on mortality of patients presenting to an Emergency Department with sepsis.

Objectives: To analyse the association between time from triage to administration of initial antibiotics and mortality in all patients presenting with sepsis to a tertiary hospital ED.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients presenting to the ED with sepsis from January to December 2012 was conducted at Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia. Outcome measures were: time elapsed from triage to administration of initial antibiotic therapy and in-hospital mortality.