Backscattering interferometry (BSI) has been used to successfully monitor molecular interactions without labeling and with high sensitivity. These properties suggest that this approach might be useful for detecting biomarkers of infection. In this report, we identify interactions and characteristics of nucleic acid probes that maximize BSI signal upon binding the respiratory syncytial virus nuc...

BACKGROUND Between August 1 and October 30, 1998 (outbreak period), an increased incidence of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infection (GN-BSI) was detected in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) candidates and recipients in an outpatient HSCT unit. The objectives of the present study were to determine strategies for controlling the outbr...

BACKGROUND Few studies provide rates of nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs) in mixed neonatal and paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). AIM To determine the rate, pathogens and outcome of BSIs in an Estonian PICU. METHODS Data were collected prospectively from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2008 in the PICU of Tartu University Hospital. The definition criteria of the US Centers f...

BACKGROUND Pathways coordinated by innate pattern recognition receptors like mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) are among the first immune responses to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bloodstream infections (BSI) in animal models, but human data are limited. Here, we investigated the role of MBL deficiency and NOD2 mutations in the predispositi...

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to compare the agreement of the bone scan index (BSI) using EXINI BoneBSI versus experts' readings in the initial staging for bone metastasis in prostate cancer. In addition, the diagnostic outcome was assessed in a large subset of patients where a true reference for metastases could be determined based on clinical and biochemical follow-up and/or supple...

The prevalence of heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (hVISA) infections varies in the literature, a problem complicated by the lack of routine screening procedures; however, limited data suggest that hVISA has been associated with persistent bloodstream infections (BSI) and vancomycin failure, yet these studies have been confounded by design issues. We conducted this st...

Background. Infections continue to be the leading cause of death among burn patients, and many types of nosocomial infections (NIs) can be present in the burned patient. The presence of bloodstream infections (BSI) has been shown to result in a four-fold increase in mortality in this population. The purpose of this study is to review the rates and epidemiology of hospital acquired bloodstream i...

BACKGROUND Since its emergence in 2000, epidemic spread of the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone USA300 has led to a high burden of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in the United States, yet its impact on MRSA bloodstream infections (BSIs) is poorly characterized. METHODS To assess clonality of the MRSA isolates causing SSTI and BSI during the epidemic period, a ...

BACKGROUND Late-onset bloodstream infection (LO-BSI) is a common complication of prematurity, and lack of timely diagnosis and treatment can have life-threatening consequences. We sought to identify clinical characteristics and microbial signatures in the gastrointestinal microbiota preceding diagnosis of LO-BSI in premature infants. METHOD Daily faecal samples and clinical data were collecte...

California Health and Safety Code section 1288.55(a)(1) requires general acute care hospitals to report to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) all cases of MRSA or VRE bloodstream infections (BSI) identified in their facilities. CDPH produced these Technical Notes to describe the definitions, methods, and limitations associated with MRSA/VRE BSI data analyses for the reporting per...