Cover image
On the cover: Mandan Villagers Die of Smallpox During an 1837 Epidemic, lithograph, 1837, by W. Langdon Kihn, (American, 1898–1957). National Geographic Image Collection. Art Resource, NY. Reproduced with permission.
Due to their contact with infected buffalo hide traders at Fort Clark on the Missouri River, about 60 miles north of present-day Bismarck, North Dakota, the Mandan indigenous people suffered a large number of deaths from smallpox in the years 1837–40. In June of 1837, St Peter, the boat bearing infected traders, arrived at Fort Clark, and, despite the efforts of personnel from the American Fur Company to keep the Mandans away from the boat, a majority of the tribe succumbed to infection, with only a modest number from a population of 1600 surviving the epidemic.
The artist, Langdon Kihn, was born in Brooklyn, and moved to Connecticut in 1935, where he lived in Hadlyme. In 1935, he was commissioned by the National Geographic Society to make pictorial surveys of indigenous tribes of the Americas, a project that took him from the Arctic to Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He died in New London, Connecticut, in 1957.
(Mary and Michael Grizzard, Cover Art Editors)
Volume 56, Issue 12, 15 June 2013
NEWS
15 June News
IN THE LITERATURE
In the Literature
IDSA PUBLIC POLICY
10 × '20 Progress—Development of New Drugs Active Against Gram-Negative Bacilli: An Update From the Infectious Diseases Society of America
ARTICLES AND COMMENTARIES
HLA-DP and IL28B Polymorphisms: Influence of Host Genome on Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance in Chronic Hepatitis B
HLA-DP polymorphisms are associated with the chronicity of hepatitis B virus infection. Our current study demonstrated HLA-DP polymorphisms to be associated with hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance, an important and favorable disease outcome of chronic hepatitis B.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Isolated Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen and Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in HIV-1–Infected Pregnant Women
Among hepatitis B (HB) surface antigen–negative/human immunodeficiency virus–infected pregnant women in Thailand, 14% had isolated antibody to HB core antigen (anti-HBc); of whom 24% had occult HB virus (HBV) infection with low HBV DNA levels. None transmitted HBV to their infants.
Markers of Intestinal Inflammation, Not Bacterial Burden, Correlate With Clinical Outcomes in Clostridium difficile Infection
Fecal inflammatory markers at diagnosis correlate with diarrhea persistence and treatment failure in Clostridium difficile infection, whereas C. difficile fecal bacterial burden does not. C. difficile bacterial concentration decreases similarly in patients treated with metronidazole and vancomycin.
Editorial Commentary: The Role of Gut Inflammation in Recurrent Clostridium difficile–Associated Disease
Increasing Echinocandin Resistance in Candida glabrata: Clinical Failure Correlates With Presence of FKS Mutations and Elevated Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations
Echinocandin resistance is increasing among Candida glabrata while current consensus guidelines encourage the use of echinocandins as first-line therapy for this infection. The need for routine susceptibility testing of echinocandins for C. glabrata to guide therapeutic decision making is underscored.
Editorial Commentary: Candida glabrata and FKS Mutations: Witnessing the Emergence of the True Multidrug-Resistant Candida
Transfusion-Transmitted Malaria in Ghana
There is little evidence of transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) in malaria-endemic regions. A 2% incidence of TTM found in this study shows that TTM occurs infrequently among recipients of blood transfusion living in a malaria-endemic region.
Specific Interferon γ Detection for the Diagnosis of Previous Q Fever
Measurement of in vitro–specific interferon γ (IFN-γ) production can be used to diagnose preexisting immunity to Coxiella burnetii. In a cohort of 1525 individuals, an IFN-γ assay showed similar performance with and practical advantages over serology and skin testing.
Editorial Commentary: A New Assay: Specific Interferon-γ Detection for the Diagnosis of Previous Q Fever
Clinical Trial: Comparative Effectiveness of Cephalexin Plus Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Versus Cephalexin Alone for Treatment of Uncomplicated Cellulitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
To date, no trial has assessed the effectiveness of antibiotics that target community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the treatment of cellulitis. We treated 146 cellulitis patients with cephalexin plus either trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or placebo. Cure rates were similar in the 2 groups.
Editorial Commentary: Cellulitis, by Any Other Name
REVIEW ARTICLE
Source Control Review in Clinical Trials of Anti-Infective Agents in Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections
We analyzed the source control review process used in double-blind clinical trials of antibiotics in complicated intra-abdominal infections and provide recommendations for an independent, adjudicated source control review process applicable to future clinical trials.
BRIEF REPORT
Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccine for Preventing Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Hospitalizations in Adults, 2011–2012 Influenza Season
PHOTO QUIZ
A Swollen Knee in a 77-Year-Old Lung Cancer Patient Receiving Antimicrobial Therapy for Pneumonia
INVITED ARTICLE
CLINICAL PRACTICE
Is It Time to Replace Vancomycin in the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections?
The role of vancomycin has been challenged by the availability of alternative antibiotics, increased reports of vancomycin failure, and uncertainties in dosing. This manuscript considers the optimal treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
HIV/AIDS
Test-and-Treat in Los Angeles: A Mathematical Model of the Effects of Test-and-Treat for the Population of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Los Angeles County
The authors used a mathematical model to simulate the use of the test-and-treat policy for control of human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS in Los Angeles County. They found the significant epidemiologic benefits predicted by the model are counterbalanced by substantial increases in multidrug resistance.
Editorial Commentary: Balancing Disease Eradication With the Emergence of Multidrug-Resistant HIV in Test-and-Treat Policies
Influence of Geographical Origin and Ethnicity on Mortality in Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Canada, Europe, and the United States
In 55 602 human immunodeficiency virus–positive patients from Canada, Europe, and the United States, the lower mortality found in migrants—largely due to non-AIDS causes—suggests “healthy migrant” effects, whereas the higher mortality of First Nations people and African Americans in North America suggests social inequality gaps.
Editorial Commentary: Addressing Disparities in HIV Mortality: Antiretroviral Therapy Is Necessary but Not Sufficient
Prophylactic Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Serological analysis of stocked serum samples showed lower incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in non-HBV-vaccinated human immunodeficiency virus–infected men who have sex with men on lamivudine- or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate–based antiretroviral therapy.
First-line Antiretroviral Therapy and Changes in Lipid Levels Over 3 Years Among HIV-Infected Adults in Tanzania
In human immunodeficiency virus–infected Tanzanian adults, lipid abnormalities were improved temporarily then worsened gradually over a 3-year follow-up following antiretroviral therapy initiation, with more unfavorable changes in patients on stavudine- and efavirenz-based regimens compared to zidovudine- and nevirapine-based regimens, respectively.
Syphilis Treatment Response Among HIV-Discordant Couples in Zambia and Rwanda
In 2 large human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–discordant couple cohorts in Africa, time to treatment response after penicillin therapy for a positive rapid plasma reagin test result was similar irrespective of HIV status. Despite effective therapy, serofast state and syphilis reinfection were common.
ANSWER TO THE PHOTO QUIZ
A Swollen Knee in a 77-Year-Old Lung Cancer Patient Receiving Antimicrobial Therapy for Pneumonia
CORRESPONDENCE
Concerns About “Comparison of 2Blood Culture Media Shows Significant Differences in Bacterial Recovery for Patients on Antimicrobial Therapy”
Reply to Zhuo and Zhong
Bias and Asymmetry in Sequential Noninferiority–Superiority Trial Designs
Debridement, Antibiotic Therapy, and Implant Retention in Staphylococcus aureus Prosthetic Joint Infections
Reply to Krause et al
Early Cardiac Surgery After Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Infective Endocarditis May Not Be Safe
Reply to Tleyjeh and Baddour
Regarding “Clostridium Difficile Ribotype Does Not Predict Severe Infection”
Reply to Walker et al
BOOK REVIEWS
HIV and Liver Disease
Vaccines, 6th Edition
Foodborne and Waterborne Bacterial Pathogens
ERRATUM
Panchalingam S et al (Clin Infect Dis 2012; 55(Suppl 4):S294–302)
ELECTRONIC ARTICLE
A Confirmed Ehrlichia ewingii Infection Likely Acquired Through Platelet Transfusion
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease that ranges in severity from asymptomatic infection to fatal sepsis. A case of Ehrlichia ewingii infection likely transmitted by transfusion of leukoreduced platelets is described and public health implications are discussed.
