Outbreak linked to cases in South Nov 21, 2009
Joel Hersh, the state health department's director of epidemiology, said the confirmed hepatitis A cases do not include any secondary infections, meaning all those infected either ate or worked at Chi-Chi's. Hersh acknowledged, however, that officials had believed there were some secondary cases but have since linked them directly to Chi-Chi's. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu found in N.C. hospital Nov 21, 2009
All were severely ill and were highly susceptible to infections, Sexton says. The patients became ill with flu in October. (USA Today)
CDC: "Nothing Typical" about 2009 Flu Nov 21, 2009
Jeff Glor reports that there is worry for a new spike of infections with holiday travel. (AP). (CBS News)
How’s Mandi Doing? Nov 21, 2009
So, after 5 rounds of strong chemo treatment, 130 days in the hospital, 29 days out of the hospital, 6 bone marrow biopsies, 3 spinal taps, 3 PIC lines, countless blood and platelet transfusions, many different antibiotics, 1 injection to raise my neutrophils, a few allergic reactions to platelets, 1 scary episode of severe viruses, infections and bad vitals towards the end of February, 1 blood clot, and tons of prayers, support and encouragement from everyone that I know. and some that I don't... (Goyalebulldogs.com)
Let women keep their abortion coverage Nov 21, 2009
Its likely they haven t even heard second-hand stories of women who died from infections caused by coat-hanger terminations. That helps explain why advocates for reproductive rights weren t prepared for an all-out battle just to allow women to retain their health insurance coverage. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Swine Flu Declining in Some Parts of U.S. Nov 21, 2009
Current flu activity is higher than typically seen during the peak of seasonal flu season in mid-winter, Schuchat said, adding that she expects a lot more swine flu infections in the weeks and months to come ... The remaining one-third of the children were healthy and died of complications from bacterial infections, she said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Sars patients can provide therapy Nov 21, 2009
The Swiss researchers who have developed the technique believe it could be adapted for use against other infections too ... " Dr Lanzavecchia said he was particularly hopeful it could be applied to HIV, whose ability to generate many different variants poses a major problem for doctors. A spokeswoman for the Health Protection Agency said: "We welcome this research, which is important in the incremental process of understanding how we can use an immune response to protect others from viral... (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Prednisone and Prednisolone in Dogs... Nov 21, 2009
Prednisone and prednisolone are considered to be contraindicated for systemic fungal infections ... bacterial infections. (Suite101.com)
Holy Basil or "Tulsi" Prevents Infe... Nov 21, 2009
Holy Basil or "Tulsi" Prevents Infections. Holy Basil or "Tulsi" Prevents Infections ... New medical literature proves its efficacy against bacterial and viral infections. (Suite101.com)
Recalls: Cantaloupes, Chilled Side-Dish Products Nov 21, 2009
Five Crowns Marketing is recalling cantaloupes packed under the Majesty label because they could be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, those who are frail and others with weakened immune systems. No illnesses have been reported to date, according to the Brawley, Calif. (ABC News -- Wire)
DRC-CONGO: New wave of refugees flees fresh fighting Nov 21, 2009
"The sanitary conditions remain worrying. We have recorded some cases of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections and skin diseases among the children.". "In Eboko, we carried out an evaluation and found there are a lot of unaccompanied children. They lost their parents," he added. (AlertNet)
Profits prompt surge in new vaccines Nov 21, 2009
Urinary tract infections ... Unlike medicines that treat diseases, vaccines help prevent infections by revving up the body's natural immune defenses against invaders ... Wyeth makes the most successful vaccine ever, Prevnar, which protects children from ear infections and potentially deadly pneumonia and blood infections. (Honolulu Advertiser)
WHO says mutation found in H1N1 flu virus in Norway Nov 21, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. This finding suggests that the mutation is not widespread in the country," the UN health agency explained. WHO spokesman Gregory Haertl told AFP that the global health watchdog did not believe "that this has any significant impact for the time being. (Channelnewsasia.com)
How Viruses Destroy Bacteria Nov 20, 2009
Texas A&M University researchers are exploring how hungry viruses, armed with transformer-like weapons, attack bacteria, which may aid in the treatment of bacterial infections ... Some research has been conducted to explore the possibility of using phages to kill bacteria and thus treating bacterial infections ... 3, 2009) A new approach to fighting bacterial infections could help prevent bacteria from developing antibiotic resistance and help kill those that have already become. (Science Daily)
Taking Aim at Hard-to-Treat Fungal Infections Nov 20, 2009
19, 2009) A team of researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park has developed a new model system to study fungal infections. The system can be a powerful tool for screening potential drug targets for conditions like thrush, athlete's foot and vaginal yeast infections, which affect millions of people each year but are difficult to treat with existing medications ... Since S.cerveisiae has many genes in common with fungi that do... (Science Daily)
Departure of popular Ellensburg pediatrician leaves questions Nov 20, 2009
The Hollys wrote on Nov 19, 2009 7:51 PM:" I will not get into the issue of care in this community other than to say that I agree that some physicians do in fact "cherry pick" their patients. What I would like to say is that I honestly believe that Dr. Oldham saved our youngest daughter's life. He always took the time to answer any questions that we had, he listened, he validated our concerns, and he reassured us when our daughter was sick and when she needed surgery to fix her vesicoureteral... (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
Under-fives to get swine flu jab Nov 20, 2009
The vaccination move comes as the number of infections fell in England for the second week in a row. There were 53,000 new cases last week, compared with 64,000 the week before. (BBC News -- UK)
At Least 114 U.S. Kids Dead From Swine Flu Nov 20, 2009
The swine flu continues to spread throughout the country; for most people the infections are mild to moderate. It is now widespread in 48 states, although there are signs it has begun to recede in some Southeastern states, he said. (MEDLINEplus)
* Chinas A(H1N1) death count suspect: report Nov 20, 2009
The A(H1N1) flu strain affects the respiratory tract and patients who become severely ill or die typically suffer from pneumonia, which is brought on either directly by the virus or because of secondary bacterial infections owing to the persons weakened immune system. Its irresponsible to treat these cases as ordinary pneumonia deaths, the newspaper quoted Zhong as saying. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Investigation lets Chi-Chi's staff off hook Nov 20, 2009
Knowing that such cases could lead to a second wave of infections, health officials have been providing shots to close contacts of those currently sick as well as to some co-workers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet concluded whether the green onions at Chi-Chi's came from Mexico, but they are actively investigating the possibility, said Dr. LeAnne Jackson, FDA's health science policy adviser. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Cigarettes Harbor Many Pathogenic Bacteria Nov 20, 2009
Bacteria of medical significance to humans were identified in all of the tested cigarettes and included Acinetobacter (associated with lung and blood infections); Bacillus (some varieties associated with food borne illnesses and anthrax); Burkholderia (some forms responsible for respiratory infections); Clostridium(associated with foodborne illnesses and lung infections); Klebsiella (associated with a variety of lung, blood and other infections); and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (an organism that... (Science Daily)
Thousands of Vicks spray recalled Nov 20, 2009
The consumer products giant stressed the recall was just a precautionary measure, but added that "the bacteria could cause serious infections for individuals with a compromised immune system, or those with chronic lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis.". In the UK, lot 9224028832 of Vicks Sinex Micromist Aqueous Nasal Spray solution in 15ml bottles is being recalled. (BBC News -- Americas)
Effective Use of Asthma Inhalers Nov 20, 2009
Steroidal medication reduces inflammation in airways but long term use of pills or injections have resulted in increased infections, weight gain, fluid retention, (Cushing's disease), thin skin that bruises easily and heals slowly, calcium loss (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, high blood sugar, glaucoma, cataracts, and mood swings. Inhalers provide smaller doses directly to the lungs, minimizing side effects. (Suite101.com)
A look inside the task force Nov 20, 2009
"They don't tell you about all the women who had questionable mammograms and wound up with biopsies and complications and infections for things that weren't tumors," he said. "And they don't tell you about the adverse effects of the millions of women getting the test.". (CNN)
China vows to punish H1N1 death cover-ups Nov 20, 2009
Patients who become severely ill or die typically suffer from pneumonia, either brought on directly by the virus or due to secondary bacterial infections. The World Health Organisation reported more than 503,536 laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 worldwide on Nov. 8, with at least 6,260 deaths. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Hasan's HIV Test Nov 20, 2009
A second drug seen in the apartment, clarithromycin, is an antibiotic designed to treat respiratory infections. However, it can also be used to treat specific opportunistic infections in patients with HIV.. (ABC News)
Poor lifestyles, cause of high rate of diabetes Nov 20, 2009
Dr Kertesz said warning signs of the disease included frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, tiredness, weight loss, lack of interest and concentration, tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet, blurred vision, frequent infections and slow-healing wounds. He said the rise in the global epidemic called for a well structured diabetes education programme, as critical elements of the prevention and control. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
STEM CELLS: THE FIRST HUMAN TRIAL... Nov 20, 2009
"Because the majority of them act non-selectively, the immune system is less able to resist infections and the spread of malignant cells. There are also other side-effects, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, peptic ulcers, liver, and kidney injury. The immunosuppressive drugs also interact with other medicines and affect their metabolism and action.". Repair or adult stem cells have no rejection issues and require require NO IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS.. (The Drudge Report)
Dakotas deal with shortage of H1N1 vaccine Nov 20, 2009
Hollingsworth said there were signs H1N1 has reached a plateau in South Dakota, but that residents should continue to seek vaccinations because a second or third wave of infections was possible. About 150 people in North Dakota who received a vaccine that had frozen during shipment or storage by a private carrier have been vaccinated a second time, the state Health Department said. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Are FGM and Male Circumcision Compa... Nov 19, 2009
One showed no reported loss in sexual pleasure for women who had been subjected to various types of FGM, although there were other adverse effects such as an increase in reproductive tract infections. Similarly, male circumcision does not usually prevent a man enjoying a satisfactory sex life. (Suite101.com)
Chinas ascent traced back to Clinton-era trade deal Nov 19, 2009
China s ascent traced back to Clinton-era trade deal. 4:16 pm November 18, 2009, by Jay. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
How Plant Stem Cells Guard Against Genetic Damage Nov 19, 2009
16, 2009) Bean plants' natural defenses against bacterial infections could be unwittingly driving the evolution of more highly pathogenic bacteria, according to new research. The study sheds new light on how. (Science Daily)
SHARE informs students about AIDS Nov 19, 2009
52 percent of all existing HIV infections in the U.S. are in the South ... More than seven out of every 10 newly-diagnosed HIV infections occur among African-Americans, who represent one third of South Carolina s population. (Gamecock Online, SC)
Immune System Activated in Schizophrenia Nov 19, 2009
One theory is that infections caught early on in life might increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, but to date any direct evidence of this has not been forthcoming. Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have now been able to analyse inflammatory substances in the spinal fluid of patients with schizophrenia, instead of, as in previous studies, in the blood. (Science Daily)
Combined Immunodeficiency Associated with DOCK8 Mutations Nov 19, 2009
Background Recurrent sinopulmonary and cutaneous viral infections with elevated serum levels of IgE are features of some variants of combined immunodeficiency ... Methods We collected longitudinal clinical data on 11 patients from eight families who had recurrent sinopulmonary and cutaneous viral infections ... Results Patients had recurrent otitis media, sinusitis, and pneumonias; recurrent Staphylococcus aureus skin infections with otitis externa; recurrent, severe herpes simplex virus or... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Effective at Preventing Child Deaths, Study Suggests Nov 19, 2009
25, 2007) Alaska Native children are experiencing increased rates of serious infections caused by strains of pneumococcal bacteria that are not covered by the current childhood pneumococcal vaccine, indicating ... Infectious disease experts have completed clinical trials on a vaccine designed to eliminate chronic ear infections. (Science Daily)
Texas A&M Researchers Examine How Viruses Destroy Bacteria Nov 19, 2009
Texas Aersity researchers are exploring how hungry viruses, armed with transformer-like weapons, attack bacteria, which may aid in the treatment of bacterial infections ... " Some research has been conducted to explore the possibility of using phages to kill bacteria and thus treating bacterial infections. Sun and colleagues' finding unveils one secret of the phages and may be useful in phage therapy and other applications. ### Contact: Sun Qingan at (979) 862-7639 or or Miao Jingang at . About... (EurekAlert!)
600 million lack toilets in India Nov 19, 2009
Embarrassment means women and girls often wait all day until it is dark to go to the toilet, increasing their chances of infections and exposing them to violence or even snake bites as they seek out remote places. Poor sanitation and the illnesses it causes cost the Indian economy 12 billion rupees (255 million dollars) a year, according to the health ministry. (India Times, India -- Community News)
U.S. Scores A 'D' on Preterm Birth Report Card Nov 19, 2009
Lack of health insurance keeps some women from getting prenatal care, which means health conditions that could affect the pregnancy, such as underlying infections, obesity, poor nutrition, diabetes, high blood pressure and periodontal disease, are less likely to be caught and treated. About 33 states and the District of Columbia reduced the number of women of childbearing age who smoke; 21 states and Washington, D.C. insured more women year over year; while 27 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto... (MEDLINEplus)
Science news » Nov 19, 2009
The agency did not recommend countries set limits on how many children people should have, but said: "Women with access to reproductive health services . Conservationists searching for one of the world's most endangered crocodile species say they have found dozens of the reptiles lounging in plain sight at a wildlife rescue center in Cambodia.DNA taken from 69 crocodiles housed in the moats of the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center showed nearly 50 percent were Siamese crocodiles, which until... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
World Vision Int'l in global campaign to reduce child deaths Nov 19, 2009
The prevention and treatment of childhood diseases includes pneumonia which accounts for 19 percent; birth (neonatal) complications and infections which accounts for 40 percent; diarrhea (18 percent); malaria (8 percent); measles 2 percent and HIV/Aids 3 percent. It says that hygiene education-the promotion of safe sanitation and hand washing with soap, allied to improved nutrition and provision of antibiotics, if well applied, would prevent up to 85 percent of deaths from pneumonia. (Xinhuanet, China)
Shotson horizon for Alzheimers, AIDS, herpes Nov 19, 2009
Urinary tract infections ... Unlike medicines that treat diseases, vaccines help prevent infections by revving up the body's natural immune defenses against invaders. (MSNBC -- Health)
First Near-Total Face and Upper-Jaw Transplant Appears Successful Nov 18, 2009
But prolonged use can have serious side effects, including infections, heart disease and even cancer. A new study. (Science Daily)
Outbreak linked to cases in South Nov 18, 2009
Joel Hersh, the state health department's director of epidemiology, said the confirmed hepatitis A cases do not include any secondary infections, meaning all those infected either ate or worked at Chi-Chi's. Hersh acknowledged, however, that officials had believed there were some secondary cases but have since linked them directly to Chi-Chi's. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Alcohol rub to help combat hospital bugs Nov 18, 2009
The risk of hospital patients contracting infections could be dramatically reduced by a new alcohol-based hand rub ... The hospital's director of infectious diseases, Lindsay Grayson, said the number of patients contracting hospital-acquired infections dropped from 53 three years ago to 32 last year. (Yahoo News -- Antibiotics)
The Great Flu Cover-up Nov 18, 2009
In fact, at this very moment, another virus -- with the potential to be far more devastating -- is continuing to seed infections, frustrating efforts to root it out. That virus, H5N1, or avian flu, is a far more lethal strain. (Slate)
Congo-Kinshasa: Urban Water Supply Needs Attention Nov 18, 2009
"The doctor prescribes antibiotics and de-worming medicine against infections and intestinal parasites which we are exposed to by the water in rivers and pools," she told IPS.. Lydia Panzu, 16, says that because of the physical strain of fetching water, she has suffered back problems for the past three years. (allAfrica.com)
Sars patients can provide therapy Nov 18, 2009
The Swiss researchers who have developed the technique believe it could be adapted for use against other infections too ... " Dr Lanzavecchia said he was particularly hopeful it could be applied to HIV, whose ability to generate many different variants poses a major problem for doctors. A spokeswoman for the Health Protection Agency said: "We welcome this research, which is important in the incremental process of understanding how we can use an immune response to protect others from viral... (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Pienyina needs potable water for healthy living - Nurse Nov 18, 2009
Pienyina (B/A) Nov 17, GNA - The people of Pienyina in the Nkoranza North District are suffering from intestinal infections and other water-borne diseases because of the lack of potable water and toilet facilities. Mr. Kofi Gyan, the Nurse in-Charge of the Community Based Health Planning Services Centre, at Pienyina, has, therefore, appealed to the district assembly and philanthropic organisations to construct a borehole and toilet facilities to their health. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Think Outside the Box Nov 18, 2009
Think back to those nights when your lil leggs was a tiny one and you were up with her and her ear infections, teething and whatever else those little critters encounter ... Awww, those ear infections and all that crying is very aggravating for all parties involved (especially the baby). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Leaving the Folds Nov 18, 2009
Many patients get chronic infections from skin rubbing against skin, and develop open wounds in the folds of flesh. From the skin rubbing together against her thighs, she developed bacterial and fungal infections ... A small study published in January in the Annals of Plastic Surgery showed 27 percent of patients in one practice had complications including wound infections, fluid collections called seromas, collections of blood under the skin called hematomas and death of fat cells. (Yahoo News -- Cosmetic Treatments and Surgery)
Miracle cure? Nov 18, 2009
" Health benefits have long been associated with placenta. Some studies have suggested eating it can reduce the risk of post-natal depression, while Turkish researchers found injecting placenta cells into rabbits helped them recover from fractures. MassageIt is not known how the placenta may help - and more research is now being carried out. However, it does have a high nutritional content. In the animal kingdom mothers routinely eat the placenta to help them recover from the exertion of birth... (BBC News -- Health)
Had the Flu? You May Have Some H1N1 Protection Nov 18, 2009
People who have had repeated flu infections or repeated flu vaccines may have some protection against the new pandemic swine influenza, U.S. researchers said on Monday ... The effect could be cumulative, Peters said, which could explain why people over 50 seem to be less likely to get noticeable H1N1 infections. (Fox News)
Achillion Receives Notice From NASDAQ Nov 18, 2009
Achillion is focused on solutions for the most challenging problems in infectious disease -- hepatitis, resistant bacterial infections and HIV. For more information on Achillion Pharmaceuticals, please visit the company's web site at or call Achillion at 1-203-624-7000. ACHN-G. (Primezone Releases)
Women at risk from vitamin A deficiency Nov 18, 2009
Vitamin A also known as retinol plays a vital role in strengthening our immune system, protecting us against common infections such as flu and winter vomiting ... Dr Lietz explained: "Vitamin A is incredibly important particularly at this time of year when we are all trying to fight off the winter colds and flu. "It boosts our immune system and reduces the risk of inflammation such as that associated with chest infections. (EurekAlert!)
IBM biochip allows fast diagnosis of many diseases Nov 18, 2009
Depending on which indicator antibody proteins are used, the device however can detect a very broad range of bacterial and viral infections as well as cancer markers or the so-called swine influenza. It also can be used to test for chemical and biohazards, the company says. (EETimes)
Dr. Jeff Hersh: Be aware of lung cancer risks Nov 18, 2009
The symptoms of lung cancer are non-specific and include shortness of breath, cough (especially if the patient coughs up blood), wheezing, chest pain and repeated lung infections (pneumonia or bronchitis). Essentially all of these symptoms can occur with non-cancer associated lung infections, COPD and other conditions common in smokers. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Previous Seasonal Flu Infections May Provide Some Level of H1N1 Immunity Nov 18, 2009
17, 2009) Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology and colleagues have found that previous influenza infections may provide at least some level of immunity to the H1N1 "swine" flu ... B cells, and their ability to produce antibodies that remember a virus, are the basis for vaccines to protect against subsequent infections by similar viruses. (Science Daily)
Danforth gets $2.5M for cassava research Nov 18, 2009
Yearly harvests of the starchy shrub in East Africa have been hurt by infections spread by whiteflies and by cuttings, how cassava is commonly propagated by farmers. The crop is the primary source of calories for more than 250 million people living in sub-Saharan Africa because it can grow in low-nutrient soils and withstand droughts that kill other plants. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Using Darwin in Helping to Define the Biological Essentiality of Silicon and Aluminium Nov 18, 2009
Infectious disease experts have completed clinical trials on a vaccine designed to eliminate chronic ear infections. The vaccine works on 7. (Science Daily)
Medical Workers Balk at Mandatory Flu Vaccines Nov 17, 2009
7 million people are stricken each year by all manner of hospital-acquired infections, such as pneumonia, and 99,000 of those die. The number of flu cases among them is unknown but believed to be very small. (MEDLINEplus)
Leaving the Folds Nov 17, 2009
Many patients get chronic infections from skin rubbing against skin, and develop open wounds in the folds of flesh. From the skin rubbing together against her thighs, she developed bacterial and fungal infections ... A small study published in January in the Annals of Plastic Surgery showed 27 percent of patients in one practice had complications including wound infections, fluid collections called seromas, collections of blood under the skin called hematomas and death of fat cells. (Yahoo News -- Cosmetic Treatments and Surgery)
Newborn deaths spark investigation Nov 17, 2009
Infections, prematurity and hypothermia are thought to be the leading causes. India ranks 73rd in infant mortality rates in the world, according to the CIA World Factbook, with an estimated 30. (CNN)
Onions a cure for flu? Nov 17, 2009
The belief that onions have power against respiratory infections goes back a long, long way. The first printed reference cited on snopes. (Athens Banner-Herald)
STDs Continue to Spread in U.S. Nov 17, 2009
American squeamishness about talking about sex has helped keep common sexually transmitted infections far too common, especially among vulnerable teens, U.S. researchers reported Monday. Latest statistics on chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis show the three highly treatable infections continue to spread in the United States ... Overall, CDC estimates that 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur each year, almost half among 15- to 24-year-olds. (Newsmax)
