Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Infection 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

S.C.D.U. Medicina Interna I, A.O.U. Maggiore Della Carità, Università del Piemonte Orientale, via Mazzini 18, 28100, Novara, Italy.

Staphylococcus condimenti (S. condimenti) is a coagulase-negative bacterium, generally regarded as not pathogenic. Indeed, S. Read More

Front Microbiol 2019 23;10:10. Epub 2019 Jan 23.

Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS; ) is a leading cause of sepsis in neonates and pregnant mothers worldwide. Whereas the hyper-virulent serogroup III clonal cluster 17 has been associated with neonatal disease and meningitis, serogroup III ST283 was recently implicated in invasive disease among non-pregnant adults in Asia. Here, through comparative genome analyses of invasive and non-invasive ST283 strains, we identified a truncated DNA-binding regulator of a two-component system in a non-invasive strain that was homologous to , encoding the response regulator, which was conserved among GBS strains. Read More

Ir J Med Sci 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland.

Background: Culture yield in osteomyelitis and septic arthritis is low, emphasising the role for molecular techniques.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to review the laboratory investigation of childhood osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.

Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken in an acute tertiary referral paediatric hospital from January 2010 to December 2016. Read More

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Division of Infectious Diseases, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889.

Objectives: Austrian syndrome comprises the triad of pneumonia, meningitis, and endocarditis secondary to Streptococcus pneumonia. We present what we believe to be the first reported case of Austrian syndrome with quadruple heart valve involvement and review the literature detailing cases of quadruple valve infective endocarditis.

Case Presentation And Results: A case is presented of a patient with radiographic evidence of a left lower lobe pneumonia. Read More

AAPS PharmSciTech 2018 Dec 17;20(1). Epub 2018 Dec 17.

Department of Pharmaceutical Informatics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.

Vancomycin (VCM) is an important antibiotic for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. To treat bacterial meningitis caused by MRSA, it is necessary to deliver VCM into the meninges, but the rate of VCM translocation through the blood-brain barrier is poor. Additionally, high doses of intravascularly (i. Read More

Am J Perinatol 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.

Objective:  We sought to examine pathogen distribution and clinical presentation of late-onset sepsis (LOS) at an urban tertiary care center.

Study Design:  We performed a retrospective review of all culture-confirmed cases of LOS presenting to our institution from 2013 to 2017. Medical records were evaluated for demographic information, sepsis risk factors, encounter location, and clinical outcome. Read More

Cureus 2018 Oct 1;10(10):e3392. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Radiology, VA Medical Center, Riviera Beach, USA.

We present a case of a 55-year-old lady with intermittent twitching of the left side of her face, involving her left eyelid and the angle of the mouth, ongoing for two years. She failed multiple trials of botulinum toxin injections as well as oral anti-spasmodic medications. The patient was diagnosed with an ectatic left vertebral artery, causing a compression of cranial nerve VII on the same side on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2018 Nov-Dec;51(6):873-875

Department of Pharmacy, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China.

Vancomycin is a first-line drug for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Thrombocytopenia is a rare adverse reaction to vancomycin treatment, and there are no reports of vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia (VIT) in infants. We describe the case of a 3-month-old girl who was diagnosed with purulent meningitis. Read More

Mymensingh Med J 2018 Oct;27(4):898-903

Dr Shameem Ahmed, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Department of Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals (Unit: International Hospital), Guwahati , India.

Staphylococcus aureus is a global bacterial pathogen. It is an uncommon pathogen causing central nervous system infections, accounting for <1% cases of bacterial meningitis. Sinusitis, trauma and presence of an intracranial device have been reported as risk factors for developing meningitis and brain abscesses. Read More

Infect Disord Drug Targets 2018 Nov 23. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran.

Objectives: To describe the identity and antimicrobial resistance patterns of the causative agents of bacterial meningitis in children referred to Children's Medical Center (CMC) Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

Methods: This retrospective study was performed at CMC Hospital during a six year period from 2011 to 2016. The microbiological information of the patients with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis was collected and the following data were obtained: patients' age, sex, hospital ward, the results of CSF and blood cultures, and the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of isolated organisms. Read More

Arch Argent Pediatr 2018 Dec;116(6):e769-e772

Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela; Hospital General Universitario, Valencia, España.

Septicemia is the main cause of neonatal mortality. The early-onset neonatal sepsis is usually related to maternal factor risks including recto-vaginal colonization. In the late-onset neonatal septicemia it is more difficult to establish the etiology because the majority of the cases are nosocomial or community related. Read More

Paediatr Int Child Health 2018 Nov 19:1-9. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

g Centre for Medical Education , Queen's University , Belfast , UK.

Background: Malawisuccessfully achieved Millennium Development Goal (MDG) four by decreasing the under-5 mortality rate by two-thirds in 2012. Despite this progress child mortality is still high and in 2013, the leading causes of death in under-5s were malaria, acute respiratory infections and HIV/AIDS.

Aims: To determine the causes of inpatient child death including microbiological aetiologies in Malawi. Read More

J Hosp Infect 2018 Nov 16. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

Clinical Microbiology Service, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus meningitis is an uncommon nosocomial infection usually associated with neurosurgical procedures, but spontaneous infections may occasionally appear.

Aims: To compare the features of meningitis caused by meticillin-resistant (MRSA) and meticillin-susceptible (MSSA) S. aureus and examine the prognostic factors for mortality, including MRSA infection and combined antimicrobial therapy. Read More

Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019 Feb 29;63(2). Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Infectious Diseases Department, CHU Nantes and CIC 1413, Inserm, Nantes, France.

A patient received continuous infusion of cefazolin 10 g then 8 g daily for an external ventricular drainage-related methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) ventriculitis. Median free concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid were 11.9 and 6. Read More

MBio 2018 10 16;9(5). Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. colonizes 20 to 80% of humans at any one time and causes a variety of illnesses. Strains that are resistant to common antibiotics further complicate management. Read More

Trop Doct 2018 Oct 14:49475518804695. Epub 2018 Oct 14.

4 Junior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.

This study was conducted to analyse the clinical characteristics of measles in infants and to compare them with those in older children. Clinical and sociodemographic details of all hospitalised children with suspected measles were recorded and confirmed cases were analysed further. Twenty-four infants and 34 children aged >1 year were included. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Oct 12;2018. Epub 2018 Oct 12.

Paediatric Mobile Emergency and Intensive Care Units, Hopital Universitaire Robert-Debre, Paris, France.

We report a case of endocarditis, with large vegetation, in a 17-month-old male infant, complicated with meningitis, ischaemic strokes and osteoarthritis leading to haemorrhagic stroke by aneurysm rupture. He did not present any risk factor for endocarditis. The final course was favourable through, after valve replacement. Read More

Acta Neurol Taiwan 2017 Dec;26(4):144-153

Departments of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristics, laboratory features and prognostic factors of elderly patients with postneurosurgical bacterial meningitis.

Methods: Five hundred and forty patients with adult bacterial meningitis (ABM) were collected from 1986-2015, of whom 167 were ≥ 65 years. Of these 167 elderly patients, 82 had postneurosurgical infections and 85 had spontaneous infections. Read More

Br J Neurosurg 2018 Oct 3:1-4. Epub 2018 Oct 3.

b Department of Neurosurgery , First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou City , China.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of our methods for decreasing the incidence of post-operative central nervous system infections (PCNSI) and to assess the type of microbiology and risk factors associated with PCNSI.

Methods: This prospective study was performed at First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, which is a major medical centre in eastern China. The study included adult patients who underwent cranial surgery from January 2014 to October 2015 at this institution and survived for more than 7 days . Read More

Presse Med 2018 Sep 13;47(9):827-829. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

Abderrahmen Mami Pneumology Hospital, Medical Intensive Care Unit, Ariana, Tunisia; University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia.

Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018 Sep 10;19(13):1489-1494. Epub 2018 Sep 10.

a Department of Pharmacy Practice , Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Dallas , TX , USA.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)is a common pathogen in acute bacterial skin and soft tissue infections (ABSSSIs), nosocomial pneumonia, bacteremia, endocarditis, as well as diabetic foot, bone, and joint infections. Areas covered: This review summarizes the randomized controlled trials that evaluated the clinical efficacy of tedizolid in ABSSSIs, which is currently the only United States Food and Drug Administration-labeled indication for tedizolid. Expert opinion: Tedizolid has several potential advantages over linezolid including once-daily dosing, shorter duration of therapy, and increased tolerability. Read More

Ann Emerg Med 2019 Feb 23;73(2):130-132. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO. Electronic address:

A 22-year-old man with a history of intravenous methamphetamine use presented with severe headache for 5 days, was afebrile, and had nuchal rigidity. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging results were interpreted as revealing acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Twenty-four hours later, he developed acute neurologic deterioration. Read More

Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018 Oct 16;38(7):1349-1368. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

This review aims to elucidate the different mechanisms of blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption that may occur due to invasion by different types of bacteria, as well as to show the bacteria-host interactions that assist the bacterial pathogen in invading the brain. For example, platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) is responsible for brain invasion during the adhesion of pneumococci to brain endothelial cells, which might lead to brain invasion. Additionally, the major adhesin of the pneumococcal pilus-1, RrgA is able to bind the BBB endothelial receptors: polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), thus leading to invasion of the brain. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Nov 1;119:e534-e540. Epub 2018 Aug 1.

Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India. Electronic address:

Objective: To study the effect of a staphylococcal decolonization regimen (SDR) and change in antibiotic prophylaxis regimen on postoperative meningitis (bacterial and aseptic) rates in patients undergoing elective cranial surgery.

Methods: Data on elective craniotomy (supratentorial and infratentorial) were collected retrospectively for a total of 4 years-2 years before (2011-2012; group A) and 2 years after (2014-2015; group B) initiation of a SDR and a change in the antibiotic prophylaxis regimen (from chloramphenicol to ceftriaxone) in a neurosurgical unit of a tertiary care hospital. The SDR consisted of a 4% chlorhexidine scrub bath once a day and 10% betadine ointment application intranasally twice daily for ≥2 days before surgery. Read More

Neurol India 2018 Jul-Aug;66(4):1045-1049

Department of Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Objectives: To study the epidemiology, clinical profile, and the role of rapid tests in the diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in children (1-59 months).

Materials And Methods: A total of 250 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and 187 blood samples received from clinically suspected cases of ABM were processed based on standard microbiological protocols. CSF samples were also subjected to antigen and nucleic acid detection. Read More

Molecules 2018 Jul 19;23(7). Epub 2018 Jul 19.

Drug Development Laboratory, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical, Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone 1007, Santiago 8380492, Chile.

A rapid emergence of resistant bacteria is occurring worldwide, endangering the efficacy of antibiotics and reducing the therapeutic arsenal available for treatment of infectious diseases. In the present study, we developed a new class of compounds with antibacterial activity obtained by a simple, two step synthesis and screened the products for in vitro antibacterial activity against ATCC strains using the broth microdilution method. The compounds exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 1⁻32 μg/mL against Gram-positive ATCC strains. Read More

Infect Dis (Lond) 2018 Oct 3;50(10):764-770. Epub 2018 Jul 3.

a Faculty of Health Sciences , Ben Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel.

Objective: To compare demographic and clinical features of neonates with late-onset sepsis due to coagulase-negative-staphylococcus with those due to other bacterial pathogens.

Study Design: Retrospective, population-based cohort study. Data on infants less than 90 days old diagnosed with late-onset bacterial sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit were reviewed. Read More

Surg Neurol Int 2018 25;9:107. Epub 2018 May 25.

Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, New York, USA.

Background: Infectious endocarditis (IE) clinically manifests as either subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) or acute bacterial endocarditis (ABE). Neurologic manifestations are markedly different for these two entities. ABE is caused by invasive, highly virulent pathogens (e. Read More

New Microbes New Infect 2018 Jul 12;24:42-46. Epub 2018 Apr 12.

Paramedics College, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.

Some important adverse effects of local and regional anaesthesia including injection-site infection, epidural abscess and meningitis, are usually caused by bacteria such as and These infections can even cause the patient's death in severe cases. In the present study, the antimicrobial activity of tramadol was investigated on and in BALB/c-sensitive mice. This experimental multigroup research study evaluated the effect of two different concentrations of injectable tramadol (12. Read More

PLoS One 2018 11;13(6):e0198772. Epub 2018 Jun 11.

Sanofi Pasteur Inc, Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, United States of America.

Bacterial meningitis is a global public health concern, with several responsible etiologic agents that vary by age group and geographical area. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the etiology of bacterial meningitis in different age groups across global regions. PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched for English language studies on bacterial meningitis, limited to articles published in the last five years. Read More

J Vet Med Sci 2018 Aug 11;80(8):1219-1222. Epub 2018 Jun 11.

Division of Pathology and Pathophysiology, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agricultural and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan.

A 2-year-female arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) developed anorexia, dehydration, and emaciation during the quarantine period for importation from Norway, and died 17 days later. At necropsy, a fistula was observed on the left gluteal region, and the left eye, left brain, and kidneys were discolored. Histologically, severe diffuse suppurative meningoencephalitis and renal abscesses were detected. Read More

Auris Nasus Larynx 2019 Feb 7;46(1):147-150. Epub 2018 Jun 7.

Department of Otolaryngology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan. Electronic address:

Although nasal septal abscess (NSA) was formerly common, it has become rare since the development of antibiotics. NSA, if left untreated, can lead to intracranial complications such as meningitis and eventually result in saddle-nose deformity. NSA often occurs after injury, and indigenous skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus are frequently detected. Read More

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi 2018 Jun;56(6):421-428

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics (pathogenic bacteria distribution, clinical menifestations and outcomes) of neonatal bacterial meningitis in parts of Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A retrospective epidemiological study was carried out in the infants with bacterial meningitis admitted to 12 hospitals in Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2011 to December 2016. The distribution of pathogenic bacteria and epidemiological characteristics were analyzed during different periods (2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016), between early-onset and late-onset cases, preterm infants and term infants. Read More

Eur J Pediatr Surg 2018 Jun 1. Epub 2018 Jun 1.

Department of Orthodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Introduction:  Congenital dermal sinuses (CDS) are uncommon lesions. They are most often noted in lumbosacral region and may lead to meningitis or spinal abscess. Intramedullary spinal cord abscess (IMSCA) due to CDS is rare and often co-exists with an inclusion tumor such as dermoid/epidermoid cyst. Read More

J Neurol Surg Rep 2018 Apr 25;79(2):e36-e40. Epub 2018 May 25.

Department of Surgery - Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, United States.

A pituitary abscess is an often-overlooked diagnosis in the clinical presentation of a sellar mass. Due to its rare incidence and nonspecific presentation, diagnosis and treatment is often delayed. The authors describe a 56-year-old male patient presenting with acute onset of severe headache, visual field deficit, and radiologic findings of an expansile sellar lesion. Read More

J Pediatr 2018 09 18;200:210-217.e1. Epub 2018 May 18.

Department of Pediatrics and of Emergency Medicine, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Electronic address:

Objectives: To help guide empiric treatment of infants ≤60 days old with suspected invasive bacterial infection by describing pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibilities.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study of infants ≤60 days old with invasive bacterial infection (bacteremia and/or bacterial meningitis) evaluated in the emergency departments of 11 children's hospitals between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2016. Each site's microbiology laboratory database or electronic medical record system was queried to identify infants from whom a bacterial pathogen was isolated from either blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2018 05 18;18(1):226. Epub 2018 May 18.

Infectious Disease, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.

Background: Defined by an infection of the ventricular system of the brain, ventriculitis is usually known as a health-care associated infection. In contrast, primary pyogenic ventriculitis complicating community-acquired meningitis is uncommon, and mainly described in infants. Only seven cases that have occured in adults have been found in the international literature. Read More

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2018 Apr;43(4):410-414

Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical Colleges, Beijing 100730, China.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and microbiological profile of meningitis and/or bacteremia after craniotomy in patients with glioma and analyze the risk factors relevant to postoperative meningitis.
 Methods: All demographic data, etiological data and clinical data for hospitalized patients who underwent craniotomy in Dept. of Neurosurgery of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between Jan. Read More

J Heart Valve Dis 2017 09;26(5):606-609

Cardiac Surgery Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.

The case is reported of a 55 year-old woman, with a previously known congenital septal defect, who was admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of meningoencephalitis, septic shock, and rapid clinical deterioration. Echocardiography revealed a vegetation occupying the right-side heart. Endocarditis affectation of the septal defect, aortic and tricuspid valves was noted and blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Read More

PLoS One 2018 10;13(5):e0196722. Epub 2018 May 10.

Department of Biology, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Background: Asymptomatic pharyngeal colonization by potential bacteria is the primary reservoir for bacterial species within a population and is considered a prerequisite for development of major childhood diseases such as sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. However, there is dearth of data on the colonization and drug resistance pattern of the main bacterial pathogens in the pharynx of HIV infected children in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study determined the pharyngeal colonization and drug resistance profile of bacterial pathogens in HIV infected children attending ART clinic of Felegehiwot Referral Hospital (FHRH), Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Read More

Crit Care Med 2018 Aug;46(8):e811-e814

All authors: Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, UT Health McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX.

Objectives: To report the prevalence of delayed cerebral injury in adults with bacterial meningitis and explore its association with adjunctive steroids.

Design: Retrospective analysis of adults with bacterial meningitis between 2005 and 2016.

Setting: Ten hospitals in the Greater Houston area. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2018 Oct 24;179(4):951-958. Epub 2018 Jul 24.

School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY11 9TF, U.K.

Background: Carriage rates of Staphylococcus aureus on affected skin in atopic dermatitis (AD) are approximately 70%. Increasing disease severity during flares and overall disease severity correlate with increased burden of S. aureus. Read More

Wiad Lek 2018 ;71(2 pt 1):301-305

Department of Therapy and Family Medicine, Faculty of Postgraduate Education and Pre-University Training, Uzhhorod National University, Uzhhorod, Ukraine.

Objective: Introduction:S. aureus is the main pathogen of skin, soft tissue and otorhinolaryngological infections as well as the cause of osteomyelitis, meningitis and endocarditis. In recent years the importance of S. Read More

Childs Nerv Syst 2018 Aug 4;34(8):1541-1547. Epub 2018 May 4.

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

Purpose: Recurrent meningitis in children is a rare condition. However, its early recognition is important in order to prevent serious complications. This study aims to review cases of recurrent meningitis in children. Read More

Rev Port Cardiol 2018 May 26;37(5):449.e1-449.e4. Epub 2018 Apr 26.

Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra, Serviço de Cardiologia Pediátrica, Coimbra, Portugal.

Infective endocarditis is a microbial infection of the endocardium and it is rare in the pediatric population. In children, congenital heart disease is one of the most important risk factors for developing infective endocarditis and can involve other structures in addition to cardiac valves. The prognosis is generally better than in other forms of endocarditis, although the average mortality rate in the pediatric population is 15-25%. Read More

Pediatr Neurosurg 2018 26;53(4):243-246. Epub 2018 Apr 26.

Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a common cause of pediatric ventricular shunt infections. The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends vancomycin serum troughs of 15-20 µg/mL when treating CoNS shunt infections in adult patients. We report a series of pediatric cases of CoNS shunt infections in which clinical cure was obtained with troughs < 15 µg/mL. Read More

J Med Case Rep 2018 Apr 25;12(1):106. Epub 2018 Apr 25.

Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.

Background: Staphylococcus epidermidis can cause nosocomial meningitis in the presence of prosthetic devices. We describe a case of Staphylococcus epidermidis meningitis in a patient with neutropenia who had no intracranial foreign body, and we review the literature on meningitis that is caused by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. without a neurosurgical device. Read More

Front Immunol 2018 9;9:641. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Preclinical Research, GSK Vaccines, Siena, Italy.

Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective health interventions and, with the exception of water sanitization, no other action has had such a major effect in mortality reduction. Combined with other approaches, such as clean water, better hygiene, and health education, vaccination contributed to prevent millions of cases of deaths among children under 5 years of age. New or improved vaccines are needed to fight some vaccine-preventable diseases that are still a threat for the public health globally, as reported also in the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2012. Read More

J Med Case Rep 2018 Apr 12;12(1):93. Epub 2018 Apr 12.

Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, 11010, Sri Lanka.

Background: Common etiological agents of neonatal meningitis include group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Here we report a rare pathogen - Streptococcus bovis - causing meningitis in a premature neonate with Down syndrome.

Case Presentation: A 26-day-old Asian male neonate with Down syndrome presented with a history of high-grade fever, poor sucking, poor cry, and reduced activity. Read More

FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018 05;42(3):388-423

GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena.

Cell surface carbohydrates have been proven optimal targets for vaccine development. Conjugation of polysaccharides to a carrier protein triggers a T-cell-dependent immune response to the glycan moiety. Licensed glycoconjugate vaccines are produced by chemical conjugation of capsular polysaccharides to prevent meningitis caused by meningococcus, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Read More