Early diagnosis and treatment with oseltamivir are vitally important to reducing the high case-fatality rate associated with avian influenza A (H5N1) infections, according to a study in Indonesia. Reuters Health Information
In an Italian study of patients with herpes zoster, postherpetic neuralgia was predicted by more intense zoster pain, greater rash extent, longer prodromal pain, and older age. Reuters Health Information
Human parechoviruses are an important viral cause of sepsis-like illness and meningitis in young children, according to Dutch researchers. Reuters Health Information
Researchers released the latest evidence Wednesday showing no association between vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism spectrum disorders with gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances. The pendulum has swung back and forth on the issue, but these findings, for this vaccine, do not support a link. Reuters Health Information
A study shows that community-acquired, puerperal breast abscesses or mastitis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus may resolve with empiric antibiotics. Medscape Medical News
The FDA has approved revisions to the safety labeling for a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraceptive; linezolid tablets, oral suspension, and injection; and abatacept intravenous infusion. Medscape Medical News
Mice infected with Plasmodium yoelii, genetically engineered to disable a crucial gene, cleared the parasite, did not develop malaria, and were immune to a normally lethal dose of the unmodified microorganism, according to a study in the August 31st online issue of Nature Medicine. The research, U.S. investigators say, could bring a malaria vaccine closer to reality. Reuters Health Information
Despite being in an environment with increasing TB and HIV prevalence, the risk of TB infection in children in Cape Town may have remained steady in recent years, according to South African and US researchers. Reuters Health Information
Approximately, 20% - 30% of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus have persistently normal alanine transaminase levels. These patients are described to have a mild degree of histological liver damage. Liver International
ACIP revised newborn hepatitis B vaccination recommendations in late 2005 to raise coverage. What was the level of newborn HBV vaccination coverage before implementation of the updated recommendation? Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report
