J Clin Microbiol 2017 Jun 7. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

2nd Department of Paediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, P. and A. Kyriakou Children's hospital, Athens, Greece.

Objectives: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused by mupirocin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains have recently increased in our settings. We sought to evaluate the characteristics of these cases over a 43-month period.Methods: All community-acquired staphylococcal infections caused by mupirocin-resistant strains were retrospectively reviewed. Read More

Clin Microbiol Rev 2017 Jul;30(3):827-860

Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Bacterial skin infections represent some of the most common infectious diseases globally. Prevention and treatment of skin infections can involve application of a topical antimicrobial, which may be an antibiotic (such as mupirocin or fusidic acid) or an antiseptic (such as chlorhexidine or alcohol). However, there is limited evidence to support the widespread prophylactic or therapeutic use of topical agents. Read More

Int J Med Microbiol 2017 May 29. Epub 2017 May 29.

Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.

Exfoliative toxin B (ETB) encoded by some large plasmids plays a crucial role in epidermolytic diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus. We have found as yet unknown types of etb gene-positive plasmids isolated from a set of impetigo strains implicated in outbreaks of pemphigus neonatorum in Czech maternity hospitals. Plasmids from the strains of clonal complex CC121 were related to archetypal plasmid pETBTY4. Read More

J Infect Chemother 2017 May 25. Epub 2017 May 25.

Department of Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan. Electronic address:

The prevalence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene (pvl)-positive community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 clone, which is designated as the ST8-staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec type IV (ST8-IV) lineage, is a major public health concern worldwide. Thus, to elucidate the prevalence and characteristics of pvl-positive community-onset MRSA in Japan, we conducted a molecular epidemiological analysis for 854 S. aureus isolates obtained from outpatients with skin infections during 2013 and 2014. Read More

Arch Dis Child 2017 May 26. Epub 2017 May 26.

Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

PLoS One 2017 17;12(5):e0177784. Epub 2017 May 17.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, United States of America.

The secreted cysteine proteinase SpeB is an important virulence factor of group A streptococci (GAS), whereby SpeB activity varies widely among strains. To establish the degree to which SpeB activity correlates with disease, GAS organisms were recovered from patients with pharyngitis, impetigo, invasive disease or acute rheumatic fever (ARF), and selected for analysis using rigorous sampling criteria; >300 GAS isolates were tested for SpeB activity by casein digestion assays, and each GAS isolate was scored as a SpeB-producer or non-producer. Highly significant statistical differences (p < 0. Read More

Adv Microb Physiol 2017 20;70:123-191. Epub 2017 Feb 20.

School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Electronic address:

Trace metals such as Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu are essential for various biological functions including proper innate immune function. The host immune system has complicated and coordinated mechanisms in place to either starve and/or overload invading pathogens with various metals to combat the infection. Here, we discuss the roles of Fe, Mn and Zn in terms of nutritional immunity, and also the roles of Cu and Zn in metal overload in relation to the physiology and pathogenesis of two human streptococcal species, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. Read More

PeerJ 2017 27;5:e3226. Epub 2017 Apr 27.

Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacterial Reference Unit, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.

Streptococcus pyogenes group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the most common cause of bacterial throat infections, and can cause mild to severe skin and soft tissue infections, including impetigo, erysipelas, necrotizing fasciitis, as well as systemic and fatal infections including septicaemia and meningitis. Estimated annual incidence for invasive group A streptococcal infection (iGAS) in industrialised countries is approximately three per 100,000 per year. Typing is currently used in England and Wales to monitor bacterial strains of S. Read More

Expert Opin Pharmacother 2017 May 21;18(7):717-725. Epub 2017 Apr 21.

a Dermatology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine , Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy.

Introduction: neonatal and infantile skin diseases are frequently encountered in the clinical practice and represent worldwide a socioeconomic issue. They encompass a wide range of acquired or congenital conditions, including infections, vascular lesions and inflammatory diseases and can present with different degrees of severity, leading in some cases to dramatic complications. Areas covered: In this paper we report the most recent evidences on the management of some common skin diseases in neonates and infants. Read More

Ann Dermatol Venereol 2017 May 10;144(5):341-348. Epub 2017 Apr 10.

UMR 911, Inserm CRO2, « centre de recherche en oncologie biologique et oncopharmacologie », service de dermatologie, hôpital Timone, Aix-Marseille université, Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France.

Background: Scabies has been on the rise in France in recent years and has posed therapeutic problems, mainly due to the withdrawal of benzyl benzoate. The objective of this study was to describe prescribing practices for scabies in children.

Methods: A national survey was conducted by means of a standardized questionnaire covering various clinical situations of scabies and the drugs used preferentially according to age, which was sent out between December 2014 and March 2015 to members of the clinical research group of the French Society of Paediatric Dermatology. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol 2017 Apr 11:1-9. Epub 2017 Apr 11.

a Department of Dermatology , Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark.

A multitude of infectious diseases of viral (genital herpes, herpes zoster, genital warts and molluscum contagiosum), bacterial (syphilis, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, donovanosis, erysipelas, cellulitis and necrotising fasciitis, folliculitis, impetigo, bartholin gland abscess, trichomycosis and erythrasma), fungal (candidiasis and dermatophytosis) and parasitic (pediculosis pubis) origin may affect the vulvar area. Herein, we review the infections and their skin manifestations in the vulvar area. Read More

Rev Med Liege 2017 Mar;72(3):132-137

Service de Pédiatrie, CHU de Liège, Site NDB, Liège, Belgique.

Invasive Group A Streptococcus infections and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome are rare complications of common diseases in children such as scarlet fever or impetigo. These invasive diseases are particulary challenging because of their rapid progression and the lack of predisposing factors in most cases. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are mandatory to reduce the mortality associated with these severe diseases. Read More

PLoS One 2017 29;12(3):e0174464. Epub 2017 Mar 29.

Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus; GAS) causes clinical diseases, including pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. A number of group A streptococcus vaccine candidates have been developed, but only one 26-valent recombinant M protein vaccine has entered clinical trials. Differing from the design of a 26-valent recombinant M protein vaccine, we provide here a vaccination using the polyvalence epitope recombinant FSBM protein (rFSBM), which contains four different epitopes, including the fibronectin-binding repeats domain of streptococcal fibronectin binding protein Sfb1, the C-terminal immunogenic segment of streptolysin S, the C3-binding motif of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B, and the C-terminal conserved segment of M protein. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2017 Mar 15;23(3). Epub 2017 Mar 15.

Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.

Background: Bullous impetigo is a superficial skininfection caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus). Pyogenic granuloma is a common benigntumor frequently associated with prior trauma. Read More

Vaccine 2017 Apr 16;35(16):2007-2014. Epub 2017 Mar 16.

Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia and Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia. Electronic address:

GroupA streptococci (GAS) cause a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from benign pharyngitis and skin infections to severe invasive disease and the immune sequelae rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Pharyngitis, one of the most frequent diseases caused by GAS, is highly prevalent in school-age children in temperate climates and a major cause of antibiotic use. An efficacious vaccine would reduce disease burden associated with pharyngitis and the need of care for sick children. Read More

AAPS J 2017 May 10;19(3):875-881. Epub 2017 Mar 10.

VaxForm, LLC, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA.

Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus (GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause a wide range of diseases, including pharyngitis, impetigo, scarlet fever, necrotizing fasciitis, rheumatic fever, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Despite the increasing burden on global health caused by GAS, there is currently no licensed vaccine available. In this study, we evaluated immunogenicity, induction of neutralizing antibodies, and stability of a new recombinant fusion protein vaccine that targets infections from GAS. Read More

Skinmed 2017 1;15(1):57-59. Epub 2017 Feb 1.

Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX.

Br J Gen Pract 2017 Mar;67(656):e178-e186

University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Background: Unnecessary and non-first-choice antibiotic prescribing is a significant problem in primary care. It is often argued that irrational prescribing is higher during out-of-hours (OOH) consultations.

Aim: To obtain insight into the quantity and quality of OOH antibiotic prescribing for commonly presented infectious diseases. Read More

FP Essent 2017 Feb;453:26-32

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine Dermatology Residency Program, 410 Market St. Suite 400 CB#7715, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

Skin infections account for a significant subset of dermatologic conditions of childhood. Common cutaneous viral infections in children include warts, molluscum contagiosum, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and herpes simplex. Although viral infections are self-limited and often only mildly symptomatic, they can cause anxiety, embarrassment, and health care use. Read More

FP Essent 2017 Feb;453:11-17

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine Dermatology Residency Program, 410 Market St. Suite 400 CB#7715, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

Skin findings during the initial month of life are ubiquitous. One study estimated that more than 95% of newborns have cutaneous findings, which often are distressing to parents but frequently are benign and self-limited. Among them are milia, cutis marmorata, congenital dermal melanocytosis, and the benign neonatal pustular eruptions (eg, benign cephalic pustulosis, erythema toxicum neonatorum, transient neonatal pustular melanosis). Read More

Nurse Pract 2017 Mar;42(3):40-44

Kathy VanRavenstein is an instructor at the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, Charleston, S.C. Whitney Smith is an instructor at the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, Charleston, S.C. Catherine O'Connor Durham is an assistant professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, Charleston, S.C. Tiffany H. Williams is an assistant professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, Charleston, S.C.

Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection that involves the superficial layers of the skin, is one of the most common skin infections in children ages 2 to 5 but can occur in individuals across the lifespan. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of impetigo in primary care. Read More

Semin Diagn Pathol 2017 May 14;34(3):250-260. Epub 2016 Dec 14.

Section of Dermatopathology, Division of Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States. Electronic address:

Several dermatoses are typified by the formation of spaces (blisters; bullae) within or beneath the epidermis. These may be acellular or filled with particular species of inflammatory cells. Etiological categories include infectious, immune-mediated, genetic, drug-related, and idiopathic lesions. Read More

Korean J Parasitol 2016 Dec 31;54(6):787-792. Epub 2016 Dec 31.

Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a protozoan disease which is endemic in Iran. It is transmitted by the Phlebotomus sand fly. The eyelid is rarely involved possibly because the movement of the lids impedes the sand fly from biting the skin in this region. Read More

J Pediatr 2017 Mar 9;182:393-393.e1. Epub 2016 Dec 9.

Department of Dermatology University Hospital "Dr José E. González" Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León Monterrey, Mexico.

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2017 Jun 12;31(6):e289-e290. Epub 2016 Dec 12.

Department of Dermatology, Sapporo City General Hospital, North 11, West 13, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8604, Japan.

Eur J Dermatol 2016 Dec;26(6):580-585

University François Rabelais Tours,, CHRU Tours, Department of Dermatology, Unit of Paediatric Dermatology.

Parents are increasingly placing amber necklaces on their infants or toddlers to prevent teething pain. The use of the necklaces can pose a risk of death by strangulation, however, there are no data on the potential infectious risk linked to bacterial colonisation associated with the necklaces. We aimed to analyse bacterial colonisation of amber necklaces worn by children during hospital consultations. Read More

Vet Dermatol 2017 Feb 13;28(1):126-e27. Epub 2016 Nov 13.

Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Division of Animal Life Science, Graduate School, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan.

Background: Impetigo is a bacterial skin disease characterized by intraepidermal neutrophilic pustules. Previous studies have demonstrated that exfoliative toxin producing staphylococci are isolated in the cutaneous lesions of human and canine impetigo. However, the mechanisms of intraepidermal splitting in impetigo remain poorly understood. Read More

Int J Clin Pharm 2017 Feb 15;39(1):61-69. Epub 2016 Nov 15.

Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.

Background Pharmacist's skills are underutilized whilst they are directly involved with antibiotic supply to the community. Addressing this issue could lead to better use of antibiotics and hence decreased resistance. Objective Explore how pharmacists can prescribe oral antibiotics to treat a limited range of infections whilst focusing on their confidence and appropriateness of prescribing. Read More

J Antimicrob Chemother 2017 Feb 17;72(2):372-375. Epub 2016 Oct 17.

National Reference Center for Staphylococci, 59 Bd Louis Pinel, 69677 Bron cedex, Lyon, France.

Background: MRSA is a therapeutic concern worldwide, and a major agent of community-acquired skin and soft tissue infections (CA-SSTIs). While the US epidemiology of MRSA in CA-SSTIs is well described and reports the high prevalence of the USA300 clone, data on the European situation are lacking.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and clonal characteristics of MRSA in CA-SSTIs in seven European emergency departments. Read More

Trends Parasitol 2016 Nov 13;32(11):843-854. Epub 2016 Sep 13.

Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Group A Streptococcal Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.

Many neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect the skin, causing considerable disability, stigma, and exacerbation of poverty. However, there has been relatively little investment into laboratory research, epidemiology, diagnostic tools or management strategies to control tropical skin disease. Integration may advance the control of skin disease across a range of domains, including mapping, diagnosis, clinical management, and community control measures such as mass drug administration. Read More

Aust Prescr 2016 Oct 1;39(5):159-163. Epub 2016 Oct 1.

Senior specialist.

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2016 Oct 16. Epub 2016 Oct 16.

GSK Vaccines, Research Center, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy.

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most common infections worldwide. They range in severity from minor, self-limiting, superficial infections to life-threatening diseases requiring all the resources of modern medicine. Community (CA) and healthcare (HA) acquired SSTIs are most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus . Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2016 Oct;15(10):1238-1243

Background: Currently available treatment options for impetigo are limited by either systemic side effects (for oral therapy) or lack of ease of use (for topical ointment). A novel foam formulation of minocycline for topical use may improve convenience and treatment utilization for pediatric patients with impetigo.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topically applied minocycline foam (FMX-102 1% and 4%) in the treatment of impetigo and to determine the optimal therapeutic active ingredient concentration. Read More

N Z Med J 2016 Oct 14;129(1443):77-83. Epub 2016 Oct 14.

Community Paediatrician, Starship Children's Health, Auckland.

Admissions for skin and soft-tissue infections have been increasing steadily in children and in the general population. Concerns have been raised recently about the increasing widespread use of topical fusidic acid and concurrent increase of fusidic acid-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Fusidic acid resistance and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are both more prevalent in youngest age group (<5 year-olds) and particularly in the North island. Read More

Arthritis Rheumatol 2017 Mar;69(3):668-675

Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), and University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter study of patients with JIA-associated uveitis that was refractory to conventional immunosuppressive drugs and anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents.

Results: We assessed 25 patients (21 female; 47 affected eyes) with a mean ± SD age of 18. Read More

Syst Rev 2016 Sep 23;5(1):162. Epub 2016 Sep 23.

Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, West Perth, Australia.

Background: Impetigo, scabies, and fungal skin infections disproportionately affect populations in resource-limited settings. Evidence for standard treatment of skin infections predominantly stem from hospital-based studies in high-income countries. The evidence for treatment in resource-limited settings is less clear, as studies in these populations may lack randomisation and control groups for cultural, ethical or economic reasons. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2016 Apr 18;22(4). Epub 2016 Apr 18.

Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego.

Background:  Bullous impetigo results from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) release of exfoliative toxins type A and type B thatresults in flaccid, easily ruptured, bullae in the upper layers of the epidermis.  Physiologic, gestation-associated, and incidental skin changes can occur in pregnancy. Read More

Arch Dermatol Res 2016 Nov 9;308(9):661-664. Epub 2016 Sep 9.

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Colonization with staphylococcus aureus (SA) is associated with disease activity and progression in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) secondary to T-cell activation by bacterial superantigens. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible role of SA as an etiologic factor affecting CTCL initiation. We conducted a nested case-control study in a large population-representative database from the UK. Read More

Pediatr Dermatol 2016 Nov 7;33(6):627-631. Epub 2016 Sep 7.

Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.

Background/objectives: Bullous impetigo (BI) is a common dermatologic condition, particularly in children, yet confusion regarding its diagnosis and treatment persists. This study measured pediatricians' ability to diagnose and appropriately treat BI and explored factors that might influence pediatricians' accuracy in managing BI.

Methods: We administered an expert-validated survey to 64 pediatrics house staff and faculty at three Johns Hopkins Medicine facilities. Read More

Med Mycol J 2016 ;57(3):E59-61

Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine Mizonokuchi Hospital.

A 41-year-old man visited our dermatology clinic because an eruption, which was resistant to steroid ointment treatment, had appeared on his right forearm. An oval, soybean-sized erythematous infiltrated lesion with scales and crusts was located in the central part of the extensor surface of the right forearm and showed partial erosion with attached yellow crusts. The lesion had an impetigo-like appearance. Read More

Acta Derm Venereol 2017 03;97(3):410-411

Department of Dermatology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu , 807-8555, Japan.

Nat Microbiol 2016 Jan 18;1:15004. Epub 2016 Jan 18.

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 100 Galvin Life Sciences Center, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.

Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a human bacterial pathogen that can manifest as a range of diseases from pharyngitis and impetigo to severe outcomes such as necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome. GAS disease remains a global health burden with cases estimated at over 700 million annually and over half a million deaths due to severe infections(1). For over 100 years, a clinical hallmark of diagnosis has been the appearance of complete (beta) haemolysis when grown in the presence of blood. Read More

Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2016 Jul 29;5(2):101-7. Epub 2016 Jul 29.

International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Korea.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections cause substantial worldwide morbidity and mortality, mostly associated with suppurative complications such as pharyngitis, impetigo, and non-suppurative immune syndromes such as acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Deaths occur mostly in children, adolescents, and young adults in particular pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries. GAS strains are highly variable, and a GAS vaccine would need to overcome the issue of multiple strains. Read More

World J Clin Cases 2016 Jul;4(7):191-4

Shalini Dewan Duggal, Tanisha Bharara, Pragnya Paramita Jena, Avinash Kumar, Abha Sharma, Renu Gur, Department of Microbiology, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Rohini, Delhi 110085, India.

An otherwise healthy, full-term neonate presented at day 15 of life to the pediatric emergency with generalized papulo-pustular rash for 2 d. This was finally diagnosed as bullous impetigo caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Read More

Vet Dermatol 2017 Feb 18;28(1):107-e23. Epub 2016 Jul 18.

Comparative Medicine Institute, NC State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.

Background: The microscopic and microbial features of the spreading epidermal collarettes of canine exfoliative superficial pyodermas are poorly characterized.

Objectives: To characterize the clinical, cytological, microbial and histopathological features of epidermal collarettes in five dogs.

Results: Cytology from the margins of collarettes identified neutrophils, extracellular and intracellular cocci within neutrophils but no acantholytic keratinocytes. Read More

Curr Top Med Chem 2017 ;17(5):576-589

Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.

New infection treatments are urgently needed to combat the rising threat of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Despite early clinical set-backs attention has re-focused on host defense proteins (HDPs), as potential sources for new and effective antimicrobial treatments. HDPs appear to act at multiple targets and their repertoire includes disruptive membrane and intracellular activities against numerous types of pathogens as well as immune modulatory functions in the host. Read More

Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi 2016 Jul;55(7):505-9

Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.

Objective: To investigate the cutaneous manifestations in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and related factors.

Methods: Patients admitted to Department of Gastroenterology Peking University First Hospital from January 1994 to December 2014 and diagnosed as UC were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Skin disorders were confirmed by the dermatologists. Read More

J Clin Neurosci 2016 Sep 28;31:127-32. Epub 2016 Jun 28.

Department of Radiology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, POB 12000, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. Electronic address:

In recent years, there has been high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection among soldiers in the Israeli military, with devastating sequelae in several cases. Emergency department physicians have developed a high level of suspicion for spinal epidural abscess (SEA) in patients presenting known risk factors; however, SEA is a particularly elusive diagnosis in young healthy adults with no history of drug abuse. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016 06 27;10(6):e0004803. Epub 2016 Jun 27.

Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Background: Scabies and impetigo are common, important and treatable skin conditions. Reports from several Pacific island countries show extremely high prevalence of these two conditions, but for many countries, including the Solomon Islands, there is a paucity of epidemiological data.

Methodology: Ten rural villages in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands were included in the study, chosen so that data collection could be integrated with an existing project investigating clinical and serological markers of yaws. Read More