Quest Diagnostics: Infectious Disease Update


	Infectious Disease Update Our Infectious Disease Update provides you with relevant educational and timely news affecting laboratory medicine. Documents below are in PDF Format. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you may download the latest version from Adobe's site. < Back to Healthcare Professionals \| Newsletters February 2010 Volume 17, no. 2 Featured in this Issue: Probiotics: an overview Focus Diagnostics: about the company Antimicrobial susceptibility testing: a primer for clinicians New antibiotics: needed badly On-line newsletter: published by the National Foundation on Infectious Diseases Biostatistics: excellent primer now available on line Chlorhexidine daily bath: may reduce infectious diseases New HIV recommendations: from the World Health Organization (WHO) Infectious diseases: in rural Nigeria Infection control in LTC: revised standards issued by Federal agency MRSA: screening patients Syphilis: using real-time PCR to screen for New tests from Quest Diagnostics January 2010 Volume 17, no. 1 Featured in this Issue: An overview of respiratory viruses: Part I Human Rhinoviruses Cronobacter: old bug, new name Federal government earmarks $17 million to fight healthcare-associated infections CDC publishes new recommendations for diagnosing Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections A possible link between viruses and obesity Staphylococcus aureus is able to escape the host immune response by producing adenosine A survey of Connecticut long-term care employees receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine Immunizing persons with vaccine allergies: is it a safe practice? Herpes zoster (shingles) infections and the risk of stroke No link between vaccination and health problems Rare strain of MRSA is much deadlier than normal! Naegleria infections New tests from Quest Diagnostics Antimicrobial level, sulfamethoxazole, HPLC Brucella Antibody, agglutination December 2009 Volume 16, no. 10 Featured in this Issue: Pneumocystis infection: an overview A new antiviral for influenza may be available soon! New AHRQ planning guide for mass medical care when demand is greater than resources. Chlamydia screening underused Are multiple stool toxin assays of value when diagnosing Clostridium difficile infections? Did aspirin play a role in the mortality associated with the 1918 pandemic influenza outbreak? Good infection control highly effective in reducing transmission of respiratory viruses Acetaminophen and the immune response in children Antiviral drugs getting into the watersheds? Index to Volume 16 (2009) November 2009 Volume 16, no. 9 Featured in this Issue: Babesiosis: an overview Infectious disease: tracking and predicting by satellite MRSA screening: is screening by PCR worth it? Prostate cancer: possible link with Trichomonas vaginalis Helicobacter pylori vaccine: would the effort be worth it? Ventilator-associated pneunomina: effect of chlorhexidine and toothbrushing Aggressive prostate cancer: link with a virus Zoster vaccine: making it more effective in the elderly Cell phones: source of nosocomial pathogens Haemophilus aegyptius: what is it? Klyvera ascorbata: what is it? New Tests from Quest Diagnostics: Streptococcus pneumoniae AB (23 Serotypes) MAID October 2009 Volume 16, no. 8 Featured in this Issue: Facelift: for Infectious Disease Update Parvovirus B19 (Fifth disease): an overview Healthcare-associated infections: how many really occur annually? Iron deficiency: and bacterial infections Clostridium difficile infection (CDI): that's now the new name Alcohol-based hand sanitizers: exposure time is important MRSA: bringing it home from the hospital Portable X-ray equipment: may cause spread of resistant microorganisms in the ICU Probiotics: may aid in colds and flu-like symptoms in children Cold sores: a step towards healing them Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): what does it mean? Scientific paper abstract: how to find it on the Internet New Tests from Quest Diagnostics: Antimicrobial level, Ethanbutol, HPLC Test change: microbiology transport containers September 2009 Volume 16, no. 7 Featured in this Issue: H1N1 swine influenza: Quest Diagnostics announces first commercial test Overview of tickborne diseases. Part II: anaplasmosis MRSA carriage: in long-term care residents and nursing staff Infection control: how has the economy affected it? Germ killers: that contain germs MRSA screening: nasal screening may not be enough Clostridium difficile: incidence may be rising Rheumatoid arthritis: link with oral bacteria Probiotics: value to patients receiving antibiotics Egg handling: FDA releases new regulations Haemophilus influenzae: is it related to influenza? New tests from Quest Diagnostics: Yersinia enterocolitica antibodies (IGG, IgA) Hepatitis B virus DNA, quantitative PCR with reflex to HBV genotype Acid-fast culture with sensitivities HIV-1 coreceptor tropism June 2009 Volume 16, no. 6 Featured in this Issue: Rocky Mountain spotted fever: An overview Another Salmonella outbreak! Chlorhexidine sponges in dressings reduces catheter-related infections The use of the QuantiFERON®–TB Gold test for following treatment of l latent TB A comparison of the QuantiFERON®–TB Gold test with the tuberculin skin test Cell phones as a source of nosocomial infections Is repeat testing for Clostridium difficile of value? Pandemic influenza planning and prevention gets a big boost! A "quadrivalent" flu vaccine being discussed Breaking through Clostridium difficile's suit of armor! Treatment of Clostridium difficile infections: We've been looking in the wrong place! Disinfection for Clostridium difficile New Tests from Quest Diagnostics HIV-1 RNA, Qualitative TMA Rubella Virus RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR May 2009 Volume 16, no. 5 Featured in this Issue: An overview of the genus Streptococcus MRSA infections - not all doom and gloom Corticosteroid inhalers and pneumonia Helping antibiotics do their job! Treating children with secretory otitis media Vitamin D plays important role in upper respiratory tract infections The quest for a better influenza vaccine DNA versus RNA viruses Hepatitis E virus New tests from Quest Diagnostics: Antimicrobial level, Pyrazinamide, HPLC Clostridium difficile DNA and toxin B gene, qualitative, real-time PCR Epstein-Barr virus, ISH with interpretation Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, IHC with interpretation HIV-1 RNA, quantitative real-time PCR, CSF April 2009 Volume 16, no. 4 Featured in this Issue: Human metapneumovirus infections – an overview MRSA among pigs and workers New class of antibiotics found Free antibiotics at the grocery store? Immunizing against measles. Does it work? The “Superbugs” – running out of options? Influenza and dry air in the winter Vaccines and autism – there is no evidence A new Streptococcus emerging? U.S. Government gets first shipment of new anthrax drug Do face masks stop respiratory tract infections? Several States may pass MRSA screening laws What is Sphingomonas? Re-testing of C. difficile-infected patients after treatment Shedding of Norovirus particles after infection New tests from Quest Diagnostics: BK Virus, DNA, Qualitative Real- Time PCR, Urine BK Virus, DNA, Quantitative Real-Time PCR, Urine March 2009 Volume 16, no. 3 Featured in this Issue: Rat bite fever: an overview Water quality: in a Pakistani hospital Not ready for pandemic influenza: according to report from Homeland Security Committee of Congress Influenza immunization rates: among the elderly Influenza immunization rates: among employees of Connecticut long-term care facilities Pneumovax for smokers: now recommended by CDC Anti-influenza drugs: two new ones being studied Healthcare-associated pneumonias: more severe than community-acquired ones Healthcare-acquired infections: Federal government roles out plan to prevent them Human metapneumovirus: no longer just among children BK virus: and prostate cancer MRSA on stethoscopes: of emergency medical personnel Bocavirus: a new one found New tests from Quest Diagnostics: Human metapneumovirus, FDA Fungal identification, phenotypic and sequencing Fungal sequencing, ITS region February 2009 Volume 16, no. 2 Featured in this Issue: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) — an overview Surgical scrubs outside surgery More alcohol hand sanitizer means less MRSA! Cutting the size of an influenza vaccine dose Promising vaccines for malaria A new class of antibiotics that "hugs" ribosomes The economic "down turn" leads to an "up turn" for infections An unusual sore throat How long does immunity towards smallpox last? Health and Human Services releases guideline for use and stockpiling of antiviral drugs for pandemic influenza The risks associated with personal hygiene products New tests from Quest Diagnostics: Coxiella burnetti DNA, qualitative real-time PCR Treponema pallidum DNA, qualitative real-time PCR January 2009 Volume 16, no. 1 Featured in this Issue: Dengue Fever: An overview CDC releases new guidelines for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities Screening for single pathogens in facilities may not be worth it! How does bleach kill bacteria? Clostridium difficile survey released An intranasal TB vaccine may be feasible Faster detection of enterococci leads to better treatment Bacteria on your hands: men versus women Quest Diagnostics study documents impact of Rotavirus immunization on incidence of disease Can the rotavirus vaccine be given with other infant vaccines? Salmonella in pet food CDC issues recommendations for managing chronic Hepatitis B infections KPC-producing microorganisms New tests from Quest Diagnostics: Chlamydia trachomatis and eisseria gonorrhoeae RNA by TMA in throat and rectal swabs December 2008 Volume 15, no. 10 Featured in this Issue: Sister Bernadette Washy, Quest Diagnostics employee, honored for service Malaria – An overview On the ground in Tanzania: protecting the population against malaria Community-acquired Clostridium difficile infections in absence of antibiotics Acinetobacter baumannii among war wounded Norovirus may be the most infectious virus ever studied How to reduce treating asymptomatic bacteriuria in long-term care MRSA is a major cause of vulvar abscesses CDC launches National MRSA Educational Initiative How long are noroviruses shed after infection? Can norovirus infections be fatal? Pneumococcal immunization may lower the risk of heart attack Screening for HPV infections in men November 2008 Volume 15, no. 9 Featured in this Issue: Unusual microorganisms, Part IV – Francisella tularensis Unusual microorganisms, Part IV – Tatumella ptyseos Measles rate reaches its highest in 12 years Federal government changes payment rules for hospital-acquired infections What is the burden of hospitalacquired infections? 90 Years after the 1918 Flu Pandemic! The use of corticosteroids in treating infectious diseases Clostridium difficile and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) New alcohol-based hand sanitizer effective against norovirus New tests from Quest Diagnostics: Chikungunya antibodies with reflexes to titer (includes IgG and IgM) Enterovirus/Parechovirus RNA, qualitative, Real-time PCR Mumps virus RNA, qualitative, Real-time PCR October 2008 Volume 15, no. 8 Featured in this Issue: Unusual microorganisms – Part III: Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis Unusual microorganisms – Part III: Pantoea agglomerans Name of "infection control practioners" is changed! Leprosy in Mississippi reported Heavy alcohol consumption and infections in the ICU Most nursing homes have no plan for pandemic influenza Are anaerobic blood cultures necessary? Cranberry juice really does prevent bacterial attachment to uroepithelial cells lining the bladder5 The cost of post-operative infections HPV infections among men How well does the flu vaccine protect the elderly? "Priming" may improve response to avian influenza vaccine Janthinobacterium: what is it? Sapoviruses: what are they? September 2008 Volume 15, no. 7 Featured in this Issue: Patients and physicians to share diagnostic test results on-line with launch of Google Health Unusual Microorganisms Part II — Plesiomonas shigelloides Unusual Microorganisms Part II — Aeromonas hydrophila Invasive streptococcal infections in long-term care facilities Number of Clostridium difficile infections in hospitals doubles between 2000 and 2005 Antipsychotic medications and pneumonia in the elderly China takes steps to combat Kaschin-Beck disease Honey used to eradicate microorganisms on the skin Pandemic influenza ("avian influenza") — out of mind but not out of existence! June 2008 Volume 15, no. 6 Featured in this issue: Correction: article on shigellosis in May issue Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: an overview Staphylococcus lugdunensis: an overview Clostridium difficile deaths: in the U.K. Corynebacterium ulcerans: and human disease MRSA: value of screening for carriers MRSA: from cats? Staphylococcus aureus: why they are able to survive in the nares TB rate: U.S. rate the lowest ever! Reducing hospital infections: Congressional report critical of country's efforts Urinary tract infections: fighting with E. coli Chaga's disease: what is it? Horses: diseases from New lab tests: available from Quest Diagnostics May 2008 Volume 15, no. 5 Featured in this issue: Genus Shigella: an overview Influenza immunization in long-term care facilities: Connecticut 2007-2008 MRSA strains from animals: increased in the Netherlands Daptomycin versus vancomycin: for treating MRSA infections TB: untreated latent cases in the U.S. Multidrug-resistant TB: reaches new world high Pneumococcal vaccine: use greatly reduces disease in children New infectious diseases: where do they come from? New flu vaccine: for the elderly Malaria: it can be beaten! April 2008 Volume 15, no. 4 Featured in this Issue: Adenovirus Infections: an overview Vaccination among adults: CDC is concerned Influenza antivirals: effective even when given late Live attenuated influenza vaccine: debunking myths Diarrhea: is your computer the culprit? MRSA Infections: prevalence in U.S. hospitals Clostridium difficile Infections: cost to U.S. Hospitals Influenza A: ordinary strains may becoming resistant to oseltamivir Bacterial colonization in newborns: may play a role in asthma Alcohol-based hand sanitizers: may not be the answer Influenza A: becoming resistant to oseltamivir Clostridium difficile: cases cause more cases Chikungunya virus: Focus Diagnostics develops first blood test March 2008 Volume 15, no. 3 Featured in this Issue: Hand-foot-and-mouth disease: an overview Alcohol hand sanitizers: disappearing from facilities? Influenza immunization programs: how to increase participation Treating avian influenza cases: WHO issues new guidelines Avian influenza: one case of spread identified in a family Recent respiratory infections: effect on risk for myocardial infarct and stroke Childhood multiple sclerosis: hepatitis B vaccine shown not to be linked Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: new strain spread among homosexual men Dengue fever: may spread in U.S. February 2008 Volume 15, no. 2 Featured in this Issue: Mycoplasma pneumoniae: An overview How prevalent is MRSA in US healthcare facilities? Do immunizations work? How to increase influenza immunization participation Using bacteriophage lysins to kill MRSA Why does influenza spread mostly in the winter? Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections New Jersey to require influenza immunizations for children Staphylococcus intestinal colonization Many medical residents lack knowledge concerning TB symptoms How long have bacteria been around? How accurate is the "rapid" test for influenza? January 2008 Volume 15, no. 1 Featured in this Issue: Septicemias: An overview Cleansing with chlorhexidine reduces bloodstream infections Chlorhexidine and catheter-related infections Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus may attack white blood cells New variant of adenovirus serotype 14 emerging in U.S. United Kingdom to take hard stand on hospital-acquired infections How many patients does MRSA kill in the U.S.? Methamphetamine use and MRSA infections MRSA from animals? Using nitrofurantoin for UTIs New test being investigated for detecting Clostridium difficile New Test available from Quest Diagnostics < Back to Healthcare Professionals \| Newsletters