Clearing the Dust-Off Abiotrophia defectiva.

Abiotrophia defectiva (ABI), a nutritional variant Streptococcus (NVS), is an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis (IE) involving both native and prosthetic heart valves. Due to the fastidious nature and special nutritional requirements, contribution of ABI to IE had been underestimated. Here we describe a case of Abiotrophia spp. native valve endocarditis in a 40-year-old female intravenous drug user who did not have any other potential source of infection. Blood cultures grew ABI along with Acinetobacter spp. perhaps from licking the needle before injecting. Transesophageal echocardiogram showed mobile vegetations attached to tricuspid and mitral valves. Susceptibility testing is important due to underlying differences in susceptibility to both penicillin and ceftriaxone between ABI and other genera of NVS, though both antibiotics are recommended alternate empiric first-line therapies along with synergistic gentamicin use in accordance with established guidelines to treat NVS endocarditis. She was successfully treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and gentamicin for 6 weeks with clinical and echocardiographic resolution of IE. This case highlights the importance of modern microbial techniques and equipment for accurate and rapid identification of challenging pathogens.

Pertussis infections and vaccinations in Bolivia, Brazil and Mexico from 1980 to 2009.

Global coverage with three doses of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine (DTP3) increased from less than 5% in 1974 to 82% in 2009 due to worldwide focus on universal vaccination. Nonetheless, pertussis remains the fifth-leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths. This study examines DTP3 vaccination from 1980 through 2009 in three countries within Latin America, Bolivia, Brazil and Mexico, selected for their distinct health care systems and vaccination strategies. Similar to global trends, these nations have achieved dramatic improvements in pertussis immunization. In Bolivia, immunization rates increased from 11% to 85%; in Brazil, rates increased from 37% to 97%; and in Mexico, the immunization rates increased from 44% to 72%. Pertussis infections have concomitantly decreased from 1980 to 2009. In Bolivia, cases decreased from 44.4 per 100,000 people to zero reported cases. In Brazil, the incidence decreased from 37.6 to 0.5 cases per 100,000. The incidence in Mexico decreased from 8.2 to 0.5 cases per 100,000. In order to increase vaccination rates further, health systems must continue to raise awareness about disease prevention, expand health surveillance systems, and improve access to health services.

MRSA prevention and control in county correctional facilities in Southwestern Ohio.

The number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in correctional facilities around the country has been increasing. Considering the potential health impact of MRSA, it is important that correctional facilities have prevention and control protocols in place. The study results summarize the prevention and control preparedness activities of county jails in the Greater Dayton area of Ohio. Protocols and control measures were in place for environmental control (95.4%), MRSA screening (88.4%), standard precautions (84.3%), treatment (83.6%), personal hygiene (80.6%), and education (80.4%). Statistical analysis found no significant difference between rural and urban county jails in their handling of MRSA issues. The findings suggest significant compliance with MRSA prevention and control protocols among county jails in the Greater Dayton area.