Treatment and prevention of community-acquired bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that requires immediate treatment. Recommended empiric antimicrobial therapy is based upon the most likely pathogen, according to a patient’s age and immune status. Antimicrobial therapy should be modified after identification of the causative microorganism and results of susceptibility tests. Preventive measures include the use of vaccines that target Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as the use of chemoprophylaxis in selected situations. Pharmacists are in a key position to recommend appropriate antimicrobial therapy for the treatment and prophylaxis of bacterial meningitis and to ensure that patients are receiving recommended vaccinations.

[The effect of mobile air filter systems on aerosol concentrations in large volume scenarios against the background of the risk of infection of COVID-19. Can classroom teaching be resumed?] / Der Effekt von mobilen Luftfiltersystemen auf die Aerosolbelastung in Großraumszenarien vor dem Hintergrund des Infektionsrisikos der COVID-19-Erkrankung. Kann die Präsenzlehre wieder aufgenommen werden?

BACKGROUND: As a consequence of the corona pandemic, universities nationwide had stopped classroom teaching by the start of the summer semester 2020. As part of the second lockdown, in many states schools and day care centers were also closed or reduced to a minimum. In this context the effect of room air filters has already been discussed multiple times; however, mobile devices for air filtration are currently not recommended by the German Federal Environment Agency. The following investigation shows the real effects of mobile air filters on aerosol concentrations when used in lecture theaters, canteens or school learning centers. METHODS: The effects of a mobile air purifier (DEMA-airtech, Stuttgart, Germany) were measured in three large rooms (a lecture theater, a company canteen and a learning center of a grammar school). Aerosol and carbon dioxide concentrations were determined with devices from the company Palas (Karlsruhe, Germany). RESULTS: All three scenarios showed a relevant and permanent decrease in aerosol concentrations through the use of air filters. The effect partly even surpassed the effectiveness of simple ventilation by opening the windows. CONCLUSION: In addition to social distancing and wearing highly efficient face masks, the use air filters is recommended. This measure could enable classroom teaching to be resumed.

TELECOVID: Remote Vital Signs Monitoring of COVID-19 Risk Patients in Home Isolation With an In-Ear Wearable

The TELECOVID study (https://www.telecovid.de) is designed to remotely monitor the physiological health status of COVID-19 positive-risk patients in home isolation. Key vital parameters are measured day and night using an in-ear biosensor technology. These data are streamed to the clinic in real time to enable timely interaction in case of deterioration.