More articles from Minireview
MinireviewName Changes for Fungi of Medical Importance, 2016–2017This article lists proposed new or revised species names and classification changes associated with fungi of medical importance that were published in the years 2016 and 2017. While many of the revised names listed have been widely adopted without further discussion, some may take longer to achieve more general usage.
MinireviewLimitations and Confusing Aspects of Diagnostic Testing for Neurologic Lyme Disease in the United StatesIn the United States, laboratories frequently offer multiple different assays for testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to provide laboratory support for the diagnosis of central nervous system Lyme disease (CNSLD). Often included among these diagnostic tests are the same enzyme immunoassays and immunoblots that are routinely used to detect the presence of antibodies to...
MinireviewStandardization of Nucleic Acid Tests: the Approach of the World Health OrganizationThe first World Health Organization (WHO) international standards (ISs) for nucleic acid amplification techniques were established two decades ago, with the initial focus on blood screening for three major viral targets, i.e., hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus 1. These reference materials have subsequently found utility in the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of infectious diseases in...
MinireviewCryptococcal Meningitis Diagnostics and Screening in the Era of Point-of-Care Laboratory TestingOver the past ten years, standard diagnostics for cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected persons have evolved from culture to India ink to detection of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), with the recent development and distribution of a point-of-care lateral flow assay. This assay is highly sensitive and specific in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but is also sensitive in the blood to detect CrAg prior to meningitis symptoms.
MinireviewAre In Vitro Susceptibilities to Azole Antifungals Predictive of Clinical Outcome in the Treatment of Candidemia?The purpose of this review is to critically analyze published data evaluating the impact of azole pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, MICs, and Candida species on clinical outcomes in patients with candidemia. Clinical breakpoints (CBPs) for fluconazole and voriconazole, which are used to determine susceptibility, have been defined by the Clinical and...
MinireviewPhenotypic Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms from Clinical IsolatesThe rapid spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms constitutes one of the greatest challenges to global health. While Gram-negative organisms have developed several mechanisms to avert the bactericidal effects of commonly prescribed antibiotic agents, the increasing prevalence of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) is particularly concerning given the rapid spread of mobile genetic elements containing carbapenemase...
MinireviewDiagnostic Approach to Health Care- and Device-Associated Central Nervous System InfectionsHealth care- and device-associated central nervous system (CNS) infections have a distinct epidemiology, pathophysiology, and microbiology that require a unique diagnostic approach. Most clinical signs, symptoms, and tests used to diagnose community-acquired CNS infections are insensitive and nonspecific in neurosurgical patients due to postsurgical changes, invasive devices, prior antimicrobial exposure, and underlying CNS disease....
MinireviewReal-Time Analysis and Visualization of Pathogen Sequence DataThe rapid development of sequencing technologies has to led to an explosion of pathogen sequence data, which are increasingly collected as part of routine surveillance or clinical diagnostics. In public health, sequence data are used to reconstruct the evolution of pathogens, to anticipate future spread, and to target interventions.
MinireviewDetection of Respiratory Colonization by Kingella kingae and the Novel Kingella negevensis Species in Children: Uses and MethodologyThe recognition of the role of Kingella kingae as one of the main etiologic agents of skeletal system infections in young children and the recent discovery of the novel Kingella negevensis species have resulted in an increasing interest in these two emerging pediatric pathogens. Both bacteria...
MinireviewYellow Fever Virus: Diagnostics for a Persistent Arboviral ThreatYellow fever (YF) is the prototypical hemorrhagic fever and results from infection with yellow fever virus (YFV), which is endemic to regions of Africa and South America. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, YFV continues to cause disease throughout regions where it is endemic, including intermittent large outbreaks among undervaccinated populations.