Findings of the 1998 Infectious Diseases Society of America membership survey.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) conducted a survey in 1998 to characterize its membership and to determine their needs. The response rate was 39%. Although only 23% of the respondents spent most of their time in the field of teaching and research, 62% of the respondents listed an academic institution as their primary employer. According to survey results, 17% of respondents indicated that care of HIV-infected patients comprised one-half or more of their practices. Respondents noted shortcomings in their training as a result of recent changes in the clinical practice arena and the health care system; more than one-fourth of the respondents identified deficits in their preparation for administration, infection control, pharmacoeconomics, quality assurance, transplantation, and outcomes research. This survey discloses that the IDSA membership perceives a need for changes in IDSA-sponsored fellowship training programs and graduate educational activities.

Outpatient antibiotic therapy in long-term care facilities.

OPAT in LTCFs is a viable clinical tool that should optimize patient care while limiting expenditures. Numerous opportunities exist to investigate avenues to improve this vehicle and articulate the standards by which this care should be delivered.

Effects of erythromycin and ciprofloxacin on chronic fecal excretion of Campylobacter species in marmosets.

Ciprofloxacin was compared with erythromycin for the eradication of Campylobacter species that were chronically excreted in the stools of marmosets (Saguinus labiatus labiatus, Saguinus fuscicollis nigrifrons, and Saguinus fuscicollis illigeri). Stool cultures were negative within 48 h of the beginning of treatment with either agent. Within 10 days after the end of therapy, however, Campylobacter species were again isolated from the stools of six animals that had received erythromycin. During an 8-week follow-up period, no animal that had received ciprofloxacin relapsed. High levels of ciprofloxacin in the stool (mean, 49.2 micrograms/g) possibly contributed to the efficacy of this agent.

Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in the presence of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt.

Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in the presence of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt has been reported uncommonly. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, the most common etiological agents, are usually acquired by contiguous spread from an intraoperative or perioperative source. These infections usually occur within 2 months of shunt insertion and are rarely associated with bacteremia. Review of the literature shows that infection with H. influenzae typically occurs later than with the more common pathogens, is commonly associated with bacteremia, and frequently can be treated with antibiotics alone.

Comparative in vitro activities of twelve antimicrobial agents against Campylobacter species.

The in vitro susceptibility of 27 Campylobacter jejuni, 31 Campylobacter coli, and 30 Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus strains to 12 antimicrobial agents was determined. Ciprofloxacin, a new quinoline derivative, was the most active agent tested. Antimicrobial susceptibility differed among the three species tested.