Know the Definition of a Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Bradford D. Winters MD, PhD Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critical care units with…
Aim for a Peak of Ten Times the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) to Kill Pseudomonas When Using an Aminoglycoside Edward T. Horn PharmD Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin) are bactericidal…
Have a High Threshold for Thoracentesis When Looking for a Source of Infection Deba Sarma MD The onset of a new fever or presence of a new or increasing leukocytosis…
Give Special Consideration to the Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Organisms Before Administering Antibiotics John J. Lewin III PharmD Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms represent one of the largest infectious disease–related challenges in the…
Consider possible fungal infection in patients with hypothermia and bradycardia Suneel Khetarpal MD Andrew J. Kerwin MD Infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) remain a major source of morbidity…
Pay Attention to the Morphology Reported By the Microbiology Lab for Fungal Cultures Shelley S. Magill MD William G. Merz PhD Fungi cause a wide variety of diseases in the…
Check for Cryptosporidium in Immunosuppressed Patients with Chronic, Severe, or Refractory Diarrhea Ala’ S. Haddadin MD Diarrhea, the principal manifestation of intestinal infection among the critically ill, affects approximately one-third…
Treat Black Lips or a Black Spot on the Oral Mucosa as a Surgical Emergency Aruna K. Subramanian MD Mucormycosis is the common name given to several different diseases caused…
Remember that Lack of Positive Blood Cultures does not Rule Out Bacterial Endocarditis Harjot K. Singh MD Aruna K. Subramanian MD Infective endocarditis (IE) is generally defined by vegetative cardiac…
Know How to Calculate the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score B. Robert Gibson MD Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) refers to pneumonia that occurs more than 48 hours after patients are intubated and…
