Infectious Diseases

Pneumonia is one of the most common conditions encountered by primary care providers. Certain organisms cause pneumonia in particular age groups. For example, group B streptococci, Gram-negative bacilli Escherichia coli in particular) and, rarely, Listeria monocytogenes cause pneumonia in neonates. In infants younger than 3 months, group B streptococci and organisms encountered by older children occasionally cause pneumonia, as does Chlamydia trachomatis. Older infants and preschoolers are at risk for infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. In children older than 5 years, S pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are the key pathogens. Let the patient's age, history, clinical presentation, and radiographic findings guide your choice of therapy. Even though most patients with uncomplicated pneumonia can be treated as outpatients, close follow-up is important. Hospitalize patients younger than 6 months and those with complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that approximately 81% of the nation's toddlers are receiving all the vaccinations in the recommended series."These results are terrific news," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the CDC. "They illustrate the tremendous progress we've made in preventing what were once common childhood diseases. Most importantly, these results show that parents have high levels of confidence in our vaccination recommendations. It's encouraging to see that parents recognize the importance of protecting their children against diseases that while relatively uncommon, can cause serious harm."

The incidence of community-based methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in healthy children is increasing. This review discusses possible reasons for that rise, reviews antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and presents management guidelines.

Over the past 5 years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates have become widespread throughout the United States as well as the world.1 In some regions, including our own Gulf Coast, MRSA accounts for the majority of S aureus isolates recovered from patients with community-acquired infections.

With the recent licensing of conjugated, quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) and likely approval of other "childhood" vaccines to prevent disease during adolescence and adulthood, the national immunization program ventures onto new ground.

ORT is an effective yet underused treatment for acute gastroenteritis. Here's a look at the specifics and benefits of this "low-tech" approach.

The parents of this child are concerned that her eyes are “crossed.” Is this condition cause for concern?

Saying that child immunization rates in America are a disaster, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter on Monday called for universal immunization registries.

Concerned about the logistics of vaccinating patients this flu season, now that even healthy children younger than 2 years are to be immunized? Worried about reimbursement? For a practical approach to vaccinating against influenza--without putting a financial strain on your practice--read on.

Investigators compared four protocols for treating major depressive disorder in adolescents who ranged from 12 to 17 years old.

Most infectious disease researchers believe that a pandemic of influenza--like the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and 1919 that killed 50 million people--is inevitable. That fear has gained new urgency with the resurgence in Asia of avian influenza.

It has been difficult to determine the impact of influenza infection on infants and young children, because annual outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus infection often overlap influenza outbreaks. But careful epidemiologic tests, combined with accurate, simple-to-perform viral diagnostic studies, have now clearly demonstrated that young children--particularly those younger than 2 years--are hospitalized because of influenza at a rate that equals or exceeds the influenza hospitalization rate for the elderly.

A 6-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy each presented for evaluation of an erythematous, pruritic, papular rash that developed after swimming in a Wisconsin lake.

2004 immunization schedule for January to June 2004

Herpes simplex infection is often misdiagnosed. Here is a look at distinguishing features of type 1 infections and a review of associated disorders, diagnostic tools, and treatment options.

Prophylactic antibiotics have long provided asplenic children with a measure of protection against bacteremia and sepsis. Recent progress in vaccines promises to strengthen the defense.