Pneumonia

Study finds antibiotic-rich wastewater affects bacterial diversity

Originally published by CIDRAP News on Nov 4.

A study of a plant that treats wastewater from bulk drug production facilities in India suggests that the high levels of antibiotics present in the water affect microbial diversity and may play a role in spreading antimicrobial resistance.

New AHRQ guide to help nursing homes implement stewardship programs

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released a new online guide to help nursing homes address the challenge of creating and implementing an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP).

Our weekly wrap-up of antimicrobial stewardship & antimicrobial resistance scans

Study finds benefits for antibiotic de-escalation in pneumonia patients

A new study out of Spain has found that antibiotic de-escalation in adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia appears safe and effective and does not adversely affect outcomes.

Three new cases of MERS in Saudi Arabia

Today the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health (MOH) said there were three new cases of MERS-CoV in the country, including two cases acquired in the healthcare settings.

CDC declares Salmonella outbreak in sprouts over after 36 cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today released its final report on an outbreak of salmonellosis in alfalfa sprouts, calling the outbreak over.

Saudi Arabia reports new MERS case linked to camels

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) reported one new MERS case today. Like other recent cases, this patient had direct contact with camels.

The MOH said a 78-year-old Saudi person from Sakaka was infected with MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus). The agency did not specify the patient's sex, which is unusual. He or she is listed in stable condition.

Compliance with treatment protocols may speed MRSA clearance

A new study has found that better compliance with treatment protocols can lead to quicker clearance of soft skin and tissue infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

WHO ranks antibiotics for stewardship efforts

Carbapenems, penicillins, quinolones, macrolides and ketolides, and the newest cephalosporins were among the antibiotics that a World Health Organization (WHO) expert panel yesterday rated as "critically important" for human medicine of highest priority in limiting their use in food animals to combat resistance to the drugs.