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Background: Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for bacteremia allow for early antimicrobial therapy modification based on organism and resistance gene identification. Studies suggest patient outcomes are optimized when infectious disease (ID)-trained antimicrobial stewardship personnel intervene on RDT results. However, data are limited regarding RDT implementation at small community hospitals, which often lack access to on-site ID clinicians. Methods: This study evaluated the impact of RDTs with and without real-time pharmacist intervention (RTPI) at a small community hospital with local pharmacist training and asynchronous support from a remote ID Telehealth pharmacist. Time to targeted therapy (TTT) in patients with bacteremia was compared retrospectively across 3 different time periods: a control without RDT, RDT-only, and RDT with RTPI. Results: Median TTT was significantly faster in both the RDT with RTPI and RDT-only groups compared with the control group (2 vs 25 vs 51 hours respectively; P

Background Registered nurses are uniquely qualified to augment antimicrobial stewardship (AS) processes. However, the role of nursing in AS needs further development. More information is needed regarding gaps in registered nurse knowledge, attitudes toward AS, and how infection preventionists can help. Methods An online descriptive survey was deployed to a convenience sample of approximately 2,000 nurses at the bedside. The survey included 15 questions addressing: (1) overall knowledge of AS; (2) antimicrobial delivery; (3) knowledge and attitudes regarding antimicrobial use; (4) antimicrobial resistance; and (5) antimicrobial resources and education. Results Three hundred sixteen staff nurses from 3 hospitals (15.8%) responded to the survey. Fifty-two percent of nurses were not familiar with the term “antimicrobial stewardship,” although 39.6% of nurses indicated that an AS program was moderately or extremely important in their health care setting. Almost all nurses (95%) believed that they should be involved in AS interventions. Discussion These findings suggest gaps in nursing knowledge rearding AS. However, nurses believed AS programs were important and were eager to be involved. Conclusions This study showed that many nurses are not aware of AS, or do not understand their role in contributing to AS endeavors. Infection preventionist education should focus on increasing staff nurse awareness and demonstrating how nurses can make specific AS interventions.

Background Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are a promising therapy for early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but their effectiveness has not been confirmed in a real-world setting. Methods In this quasi-experimental pre-/postimplementation study, we estimated the effectiveness of MAb treatment within 7 days of symptom onset in high-risk ambulatory adults with COVID-19. The primary outcome was a composite of emergency department visits or hospitalizations within 14 days of positive test. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and 14-day mortality. The average treatment effect in the treated for MAb therapy was estimated using inverse probability of treatment weighting and the impact of MAb implementation using propensity-weighted interrupted time series analysis. Results Pre-implementation (July–November 2020), 7404 qualifying patients were identified. Postimplementation (December 2020–January 2021), 594 patients received MAb treatment and 5536 did not. The primary outcome occurred in 75 (12.6%) MAb recipients, 1018 (18.4%) contemporaneous controls, and 1525 (20.6%) historical controls. MAb treatment was associated with decreased likelihood of emergency care or hospitalization (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60–0.79). After implementation, the weighted probability that a given patient would require an emergency department visit or hospitalization decreased significantly (0.7% per day; 95% CI, 0.03%–0.10%). Mortality was 0.2% (n = 1) in the MAb group compared with 1.0% (n = 71) and 1.0% (n = 57) in pre- and postimplementation controls, respectively. Adverse events occurred in 7 (1.2%); 2 (0.3%) were considered serious. Conclusions MAb treatment of high-risk ambulatory patients with early COVID-19 was well tolerated and likely effective at preventing the need for subsequent emergency department or hospital care.

ImportanceInterventions to reduce hospitalization of patients with COVID-19 are urgently needed. Randomized trials for efficacy suggest that anti-SARS-CoV2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAb) may reduce medically-attended visits and hospitalization but effectiveness has not been confirmed in a real-world setting.ObjectiveEstimate the effectiveness of MAb infusion in a real-world cohort of ambulatory patients with early symptomatic COVID-19 at high risk for hospitalization.DesignQuasi-experimental observational cohort study using target trial emulation and causal inference methodology in pre-and post-implementation groups.SettingInfusion centers and urgent care clinics within an integrated healthcare system in the United StatesParticipants13,534 high-risk adult outpatients with symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 within 7 days of symptom onset.ExposuresA single intravenous infusion of either bamlanivimab 700 mg or casirivimab/imdevimab 1200 mg/1200 mg.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was emergency department visit or hospitalization within 14 days of positive test. Patients who received MAb infusion were compared to contemporaneous controls using inverse probability of treatment weighting, and to a pre-implementation cohort using propensity-weighted interrupted time series analysis. An exploratory analysis compared effectiveness of casirivimab/imdevimab and bamlanivimab.Results7404 patients who would have been MAb-eligible were identified in a pre-implementation cohort (July 1-November 27, 2020). In the post-implementation period (November 28, 2020-January 28, 2021), 594 received MAb treatment and 5536 MAb-eligible patients did not. Among Mab recipients, 479 (80.6%) received bamlanivimab and 115 (19.4%) casirivimab/imdevimab. The primary outcome occurred in 75 (12.6%) MAb recipients, 1018 (18.4%) contemporaneous controls, and 1525 (20.6%) patients in the pre-implementation cohort. MAb treatment was associated with fewer subsequent emergency department visits and hospitalizations (odds ratio estimating the average treatment effect 0.69, 95% CI 0.60-0.79). After implementation, propensity-weighted probability of emergency department visit or hospitalization decreased by 0.7% per day (95% CI 0.03-0.10%, pConclusions and RelevanceMAb treatment of high-risk ambulatory patients with early COVID-19 was well-tolerated and effective at preventing the need for subsequent medically-attended care.Key Points SectionQuestionWhat is the real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 monoclonal neutralizing antibody (MAb) infusions in high-risk, ambulatory patients?Findings594 high-risk, early-symptomatic adults with COVID-19 treated with MAb infusion were compared to 5536 contemporaneous controls using inverse probability of treatment weighting, and to 7404 patients in a pre-implementation cohort using propensity-weighted interrupted time series analysis. MAb treatment was associated with fewer subsequent emergency department visits and hospitalizations (odds ratio 0.69 (95% CI 0.60-0.79). After MAb implementation the probability of emergency department visit or hospitalization decreased by 0.7% per day, 95% CI 0.03-0.10%, pMeaningMonoclonal antibody infusion within seven days of symptom onset in high-risk ambulatory adults with COVID-19 appears to prevent subsequent emergency department visits and hospitalization. Further evaluation of the differences between specific Mab products is warranted.

Background Telehealth improves access to infectious diseases (ID) and antibiotic stewardship (AS) services in small community hospitals (SCHs), but the optimal model has not been defined. We describe implementation and impact of an integrated ID telehealth (IDt) service for 16 SCHs in the Intermountain Healthcare system. Methods The Intermountain IDt service included a 24-hour advice line, eConsults, telemedicine consultations (TCs), daily AS surveillance, long-term AS program (ASP) support by an IDt pharmacist, and a monthly telementoring webinar. We evaluated program measures from November 2016 through April 2018. Results A total of 2487 IDt physician interactions with SCHs were recorded: 859 phone calls (35% of interactions), 761 eConsults (30%), and 867 TCs (35%). Of 1628 eConsults and TCs, 1400 (86%) were SCH provider requests, while 228 (14%) were IDt pharmacist generated. Six SCHs accounted for >95% of interactions. Median consultation times for each initial telehealth interaction type were 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 5–10) minutes for phone calls, 20 (IQR, 15–25) minutes for eConsults, and 50 (IQR, 35–60) minutes for TCs. Thirty-two percent of consults led to in-person ID clinic follow-up. Bacteremia was the most common reason for consultation (764/2487 [31%]) and Staphylococcus aureus the most common organism identified. ASPs were established at 16 facilities. Daily AS surveillance led to 2229 SCH pharmacist and 1305 IDt pharmacist recommendations. Eight projects were completed with IDt pharmacist support, leading to significant reductions in meropenem, vancomycin, and fluoroquinolone use. Conclusions An integrated IDt model led to collaborative ID/ASP interventions and improvements in antibiotic use at 16 SCHs. These findings provide insight into clinical and logistical considerations for IDt program implementation., An integrated infectious diseases (ID) telehealth service increased access to ID and stewardship expertise for 16 community hospitals, leading to improvements in antibiotic use. Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal ID telehealth consultation type and impact on outcomes.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has revolutionized the practice of ambulatory medicine, triggering rapid dissemination of digital healthcare modalities, including synchronous video visits. However, social determinants of health, such as age, race, income, and others, predict readiness for telemedicine and individuals who are not able to connect virtually may become lost to care. This is particularly relevant to the practice of infectious diseases (ID) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medicine, as we care for high proportions of individuals whose health outcomes are affected by such factors. Furthermore, delivering high-quality clinical care in ID and HIV practice necessitates discussion of sensitive topics, which is challenging over video without proper preparation. We describe the “digital divide,” emphasize the relevance to ID and HIV practice, underscore the need to study the issue and develop interventions to mitigate its impact, and provide suggestions for optimizing telemedicine in ID and HIV clinics.

To describe emergency department (ED) antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and to identify improvement opportunities.Patients treated for UTI in 16 community hospital EDs were reviewed to identify prescribing that was unnecessary (any treatment for ASB, duration7 days for cystitis or 14 days for pyelonephritis) or suboptimal [ineffective antibiotics (nitrofurantoin/fosfomycin) or duration7 days for pyelonephritis]. Duration criteria were based on recommendations for complicated UTI since criteria for uncomplicated UTI were not reviewed. 14-day repeat ED visits were evaluated.Of 250,788 ED visits, UTI was diagnosed in 13,466 patients (5%), and 1427 of these (11%) were manually reviewed. 286/1427 [20%, 95% CI: 18-22%] met criteria for ASB and received 2068 unnecessary antibiotic days [mean (±SD) 7 (2) days]. Mean treatment duration was 7 (2) days for cystitis and 9 (2) days for pyelonephritis. Of 446 patients with cystitis, 128 (29%) were prescribed7 days (total 396 unnecessary). Of 422 pyelonephritis patients, 0 (0%) were prescribed14 days, 20 (5%) were prescribed7 days, and 9 (2%) were given ineffective antibiotics. Overall, prescribing was unnecessary or suboptimal in 443/1427 [31%, 95% CI: 29-33%] resulting in 2464/11,192 (22%) unnecessary antibiotic days and 8 (0.5%) preventable ED visits.Among reviewed patients, poor UTI prescribing in 16 EDs resulted in unnecessary antibiotic days and preventable readmissions. Key areas for improvement include non-treatment of ASB and shorter durations for cystitis.

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (DMAC) has historically been described in the immunocompromised. The current epidemiologic research suggests that the incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections is increasing. We present a case of DMAC infection manifesting as hepatic granulomas in a 35-year-old immunocompetent female. This case suggests DMAC infection in a patient without traditional epidemiological risk factors.

We describe a 22-year-old soldier with 19% total body surface area burns, polytrauma, and sequence- and culture-confirmed Pythium aphanidermatum wound infection. Antemortem histopathology suggested disseminated Pythium infection, including brain involvement; however, postmortem PCR revealed Cunninghamella elegans , Lichtheimia corymbifera , and Saksenaea vasiformis coinfection. The utility of molecular diagnostics in invasive fungal infections is discussed.

Background Infectious diseases (ID) consultation improves SAB readmission rates, compliance with care bundles and mortality. Small community hospitals (SCHs) (which comprise 70% of US hospitals) often lack access to on-site ID physicians. IDt is one way to overcome this barrier, but it is unknown if IDt provides similar clinical benefits to traditional ID consultation. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of IDt on patient outcomes at 15 SCHs (bed range: 16–146) within the Intermountain Healthcare system in Utah. Methods Baseline demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality (in-hospital, 30- and 90-day) were collected using an electronic health record database and health department vital records on all patients with a positive S. aureus blood culture from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2018. Data from January 2014 through Sep 2016 were excluded to avoid potential influence of a concurrent antimicrobial stewardship study. Starting in October 2016 an IDt program (staffed by an ID physician and pharmacist) provided consultation for SCH providers and patients using electronic consultation and encrypted two-way audiovisual communication.Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher’s exact test or χ 2 test for categorical variables and Mann–Whitney U test for nonparametric continuous data. Results In total, 625 patients with SAB were identified: 127 (20%) received IDt and 498 (80%) did not (non-IDt). The two groups (IDt vs. non-IDt) were similar in median age (66 vs. 62 years; P = 0.76), percent male (62% vs. 58%; P = 0.35), and median baseline CCI (4 vs. 4; P = 0.54). There were no statistically significant differences in median LOS (5 vs. 5 days; P = 0.93) or in-hospital mortality (2% in both groups). The IDt group had a lower 30-day (9% vs. 15%; P = 0.049) and 90-day mortality (13% vs. 21%; P = 0.034). Conclusion IDt consultation was associated with a decrease in 30- and 90-day mortality for SCH SAB cases. Early transfer of critically ill patients might have affected LOS and in-hospital mortality. Post-discharge care factors might also contribute to 30- and 90-day mortality. While more work is needed to identify other factors associated with the effect of IDt on SAB, these data support the use of IDt to increase access to care and improve SAB outcomes in SCHs. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

Background: The U.S. Army 1st Area Medical Laboratory (1st AML) is currently the only deployable medical CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) laboratory in the Army's Forces Command. In support of the United States Agency for International Development Ebola response, the U.S. military initiated Operation United Assistance (OUA), and deployed approximately 2,500 service members to support the Government of Liberia's Ebola control efforts. Due to its unique molecular diagnostic and expeditionary capabilities, the 1st AML was ordered to deploy in October of 2014 in support of OUA via establishment of Ebola testing laboratories. To meet the unique mission requirements of OUA, the unit was re-organized to operate in a split-based configuration and sustain four separate Ebola testing laboratories. Methods: This article is a review of the 1st AML's OUA participation in a split-based configuration. Topics highlighted include pre-deployment planning/training, operational/logi...

Human adenoviruses (HAdV), in particular types 4 and 7, frequently cause acute respiratory disease (ARD) during basic military training. HAdV4 and HAdV7 vaccines reduced the ARD risk in U.S. military. It is important to identify other respiratory pathogens and assess their potential impact on military readiness. In 2002, during a period when the HAdV vaccines were not available, throat swabs were taken from trainees (n = 184) with respiratory infections at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Viral etiology was investigated initially with viral culture and neutralization assay and recently in this study by sequencing the viral isolates. Viral culture and neutralization assays identified 90 HAdV4 isolates and 27 additional cultures that showed viral cytopathic effects (CPE), including some with picornavirus-like CPE. Next-generation sequencing confirmed these results and determined viral genotypes, including 77 HAdV4, 4 HAdV3, 1 HAdV2, 17 coxsackievirus A21 (CAV21), and 1 enterovirus D68. Two samples were positive for both HAdV4 and CAV21. The identified genotypes are phylogenetically close to but distinct from those found during other years or in other military/non-military sites. HAdV4 is the predominant respiratory pathogen in unvaccinated military trainee. HAdV4 has temporal and demographic variability. CAV21 is a significant respiratory pathogen and needs to be evaluated for its current significance in military basic trainees.

Background The role of microbial colonization in disease is complex. Novel molecular tools to detect colonization offer theoretical improvements over traditional methods. We evaluated PCR/Electrospray Ionization-Time-of-Flight-Mass Spectrometry (PCR/ESI-TOF-MS) as a screening tool to study colonization of healthy military service members. Methods We assessed 101 healthy Soldiers using PCR/ESI-TOF-MS on nares, oropharynx, and groin specimens for the presence of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (GNB), fungi, and antibiotic resistance genes. A second set of swabs was processed by traditional culture, followed by identification using the BD Phoenix automated system; comparison between PCR/ESI-TOF-MS and culture was carried out only for GNB. Results Using PCR/ESI-TOF-MS, at least one colonizing organism was found on each individual: mean (SD) number of organisms per subject of 11.8(2.8). The mean number of organisms in the nares, groin and oropharynx was 3.8(1.3), 3.8(1.4) and 4.2(2), respectively. The most commonly detected organisms were aerobic gram-positive bacteria: primarily coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (101 subjects: 341 organisms), Streptococcus pneumoniae (54 subjects: 57 organisms), Staphylococcus aureus (58 subjects: 80 organisms) and Nocardia asteroides (45 subjects: 50 organisms). The mecA gene was found in 96 subjects. The most commonly found GNB was Haemophilus influenzae (20 subjects: 21 organisms) and the most common anaerobe was Propionibacterium acnes (59 subjects). Saccharomyces species (30 subjects) were the most common fungi detected. Only one GNB (nares E. coli) was identified in the same subject by both diagnostic systems. Conclusion PCR/ESI-TOF-MS detected common colonizing organisms and identified more typically-virulent bacteria in asymptomatic, healthy adults. PCR/ESI-TOF-MS appears to be a useful method for detecting bacterial and fungal organisms, but further clinical correlation and validation studies are needed.

Background Innovative strategies are needed for ASP implementation in SCHs (

As part of the international response to control the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the Department of Defense has deployed military personnel to train Liberians to manage the disease and build treatment units and a hospital for health care volunteers. These steps have assisted in providing a robust medical system and augment Ebola diagnostic capability within the affected nations. In order to prepare for the deployment of U.S. military personnel, the infectious disease risks of the regions must be determined. This evaluation allows for the establishment of appropriate force health protection posture for personnel while deployed, as well as management plans for illnesses presenting after redeployment. Our objective was to detail the epidemiology and infectious disease risks for military personnel in West Africa, particularly for Liberia, along with lessons learned from prior deployments.

Background In November 2014, in response to the Ebola outbreak, the US government sent ~3000 military personnel to West Africa to construct Ebola treatment units, train health care workers and enhance laboratory testing capabilities. We describe the observed disease and injury epidemiology to identify trends, optimize preventive measures, and mitigate illness during future military operations. Methods Disease and injury visits were monitored daily from December 1, 2014 to February 25, 2015 and categorized by illness and injury type. The personnel were deployed to eight locations in Liberia and Senegal. Diagnostic testing was limited to routine laboratory testing, rapid malaria tests, Ebola PCR, but no rapid tests for other pathogens. Surveillance data were analyzed for disease trend associations (Mann–Whitney U-test, SPSS software). Results The number of people deployed ranged from 1057 to 2983. There were 2,493 visits (>50% in the first month), with a decline in number of patients, illnesses, injuries, and rates of disease and injury during the surveillance period (P < 0.001). Upper respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI) and dermatologic complaints accounted for the largest number of non-injury visits (373, 325, and 306, respectively) and declined over time (P < 0.001). Fifty-one percent and 73% of visits for injuries and GI complaints, respectively, were seen in the first month. Operational stress, musculoskeletal, and soft tissue injuries decreased from the first to third month (P < 0.001). Enterovirus meningitis, norovirus gastroenteritis, and Chikungunya were diagnosed in patients after medical evacuation or redeployment. No cases of malaria were identified in deployed personnel while in West Africa. Conclusion The disease and injury patterns seen in this humanitarian mission are consistent with surveillance data from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, where GI, respiratory and dermatologic complaints accounted for most of the illnesses and rates declined over time. The high prevalence of upper respiratory and GI illness supports a need for rapid diagnostic platforms in the deployed setting to promptly identify threats to individuals and the mission, minimize communicable disease risks and avoid unnecessary medical evacuations. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background The majority of U.S. small community hospitals (SCHs) lack access to infectious diseases (ID) subspecialists. Telehealth can extend ID expertise to such facilities. We describe lessons learned from implementing a new IDt program for 16 SCHs in the Intermountain Healthcare system in Utah and Idaho. Methods From October 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017, we implemented an IDt service comprised of: a 24-hour ID physician advice line; an inpatient ID consult service that provided chart review and documentation (e-consults) and daytime telemedicine consultation (TC) using encrypted, HIPAA-compliant, synchronous, 2-way audio-video connection; and an ID pharmacist-led antibiotic stewardship program. The IDt service included a medical director, operations officer, ID pharmacist, analyst, and rotating ID physicians, and was implemented in a step-wise manner at 16 SCHs. IDt requests were received through a dedicated phone line with duplicate transcription to a monitored email inbox or generated from daily antibiotic stewardship rounds. Results The physician advice line was operational for all 16 SCHs on October 1, 2016. 312 advice-only calls were fielded (92 per 1000 hospital-days covered) through April 30, 2017. Common infections requiring phone advice included: bloodstream (16%), genitourinary (13%), and musculoskeletal (12%). E-consult and TC services were operational at 11 SCHs by April 30, 2017 (hospital-days covered: 1074). The IDt service completed 104 eConsults, 163 TCs, and 1198 stewardship reviews. Mean time [minutes (range)] spent per case was 16 (5–30) for eConsults and 55 (30–120) for TCs [on-camera time: 25 (12–46)]. Common infections requiring e-consult or TC were: bloodstream (45%), musculoskeletal (16%), and skin/soft tissue (11%). 22 patients (14%) seen by TC were surveyed: 100% felt the service improved their care and was necessary at their SCH. 97% of surveyed SCH staff felt the IDt service improved patient care and 90% felt it was a necessary service (32% response from 98 providers, nurses, pharmacists). Conclusion A new IDt service was well utilized and received by SCH staff and patients, with bloodstream infections being the most common reason for consultation. Future steps include evaluation of the IDt effect on clinical outcomes, financial metrics, and staff education on common ID conditions. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus colonization is associated with increased rates of infection. Rapid and reliable detection methods are needed to identify colonization of nares and extra-nare sites, particularly given recent reports of oropharynx-only colonization. Detection methods for MRSA/MSSA colonization include culture, PCR, and novel methods such as PCR/electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS).We evaluated 101 healthy military members for S. aureus colonization in the nares, oropharynx, axilla, and groin, using CHROMagar S. aureus medium and Xpert SA Nasal Complete PCR for MRSA/MSSA detection. The same subjects were screened in the nares, oropharynx, and groin using PCR/ESI-TOF-MS.By culture, 3 subjects were MRSA-colonized (all oropharynx) and 34 subjects were MSSA-colonized (all 4 sites). PCR detected oropharyngeal MRSA in 2 subjects, which correlated with culture findings. By PCR, 47 subjects were MSSA-colonized (all 4 sites); however, 43 axillary samples were invalid, 39 of which were associated with deodorant/anti-perspirant use (93%, p0.01). By PCR/ESI-TOF-MS, 4 subjects were MRSA-colonized, 2 in the nares and 2 in the oropharynx; however, neither of these correlated with positive MRSA cultures. Twenty-eight subjects had MSSA by PCR/ESI-TOF-MS, and 41 were found to have possible MRSA (S. aureus with mecA and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS)).The overall 3% MRSA colonization rate is consistent with historical reports, but the oropharynx-only colonization supports more recent findings. In addition, the use of deodorant/anti-perspirant invalidated axillary PCR samples, limiting its utility. Defining MRSA positivity by PCR/ESI-TOF-MS is complicated by co-colonization of S. aureus with CoNS, which can also carry mecA.

Septic sacroiliitis is an uncommon infection of immunocompetent patients, typically caused by gram-positive bacteria, with fewer gram-negative cases, and only 5% attributed to Pseudomonas species. We present a healthy soldier with the first reported case of Pseudomonas fluorescens septic sacroiliitis and discuss unique diagnostic and management issues. Because of its rare incidence and nonspecific presentation, septic sacroiliitis is often unrecognized, and its diagnosis is often delayed. Increased awareness of septic sacroiliitis as a potential disease process in the differential diagnosis of troops presenting with a combination of fever, low-back pain, and weight-bearing difficulty is important. As the young age and trauma exposure of the military population represent a prime demographic for this often unrecognized infection, delayed diagnosis can negatively impact a soldier's military readiness. P. fluorescens is itself a rare pathogen and often misidentified in the laboratory. Enhanced microbiological diagnostic techniques beyond routine culture and susceptibility testing should also be considered to account for less commonly seen pathogens. Although optimal antimicrobial treatment duration for infectious sacroiliitis is not well established, this case shows the early efficacy of oral antibiotics.

Febrile respiratory illness (FRI) due to adenovirus (Ad) has been a leading cause of morbidity in basic military trainees for >60 years [1]. For the purpose of respiratory disease surveillance in the military training population, FRI has been defined as a fever (typically, a temperature ≥100.4oF) and the presence of at least 1 respiratory symptom [2, 3]. Historically, adenovirus-associated FRIs have been associated with mild upper or lower respiratory tract disease, lost training time, high respiratory disease transmission rates and outbreaks [1, 4–6]. Ad-associated fatalities in military trainees and civilians are well documented in the literature [7–13]; however, the incidence of severe or fatal adenovirus infections in young, healthy military trainees has remained low, despite high attack rates. In 2005, Ad-14 (a B subtype, respiratory Ad) emerged at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), Texas, and elsewhere in the United States as a novel cause of FRI, pneumonia, and death in military and civilian populations [3, 14–20]. Ad-14 was not known to be a common adult respiratory pathogen in the United States before these reports but had been previously identified as a cause of nonfatal respiratory disease outbreaks in European military populations [21, 22]. Molecular studies have shown the emergent Ad-14 virus to be a new genome type, with all recent US Ad-14 strains identified as the same viral strain [3]. Since the emergence of Ad-14 in the United States, several studies have suggested an association of greater morbidity and mortality with Ad-14 infection [15–18]. Although these studies demonstrate associations with severe disease in older individuals and those with underlying chronic medical conditions, it is not known whether Ad-14 is a cause of more severe disease in young, healthy patients, compared with other respiratory pathogens. An observational, descriptive clinical report on 9 of the Ad-14–positive pneumonia cases from this study was published elsewhere [23]; however, no comparative studies have been conducted to discern whether there were true differences in clinical, laboratory, or radiographic abnormalities based on Ad-14 infection status. The objectives of this study were to assess clinical, laboratory, and radiographic factors in US Air Force trainees with pneumonia to determine whether Ad-14 infection is associated with increased morbidity or mortality and whether specific clinical variables are associated with Ad-14 infection.

Background Until recently, Rickettsia rickettsii was the only substantiated cause of tick-borne spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiosis in humans in the United States. Rickettsia parkeri , originally thought to be nonpathogenic in humans, was recently proved to be another cause of tick-borne SFG rickettsiosis. Observations We report 3 cases of SFG rickettsiosis and discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, histopathologic features, and laboratory findings that support confirmed or probable diagnoses of R parkeri infection and describe the expanding list of eschar-associated SFG rickettsioses recognized in US patients. Conclusions The SFG rickettsioses share many clinical manifestations and extensive antigenic cross-reactivity that may hamper specific confirmation of the causative agent. Published online April 19, 2010 (doi:10.1001/archdermatol.2010.48).

Background Staphylococcus aureus [methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible (MRSA/MSSA)] is a leading cause of infections in military personnel, but there are limited data regarding baseline colonization of individuals while deployed. We conducted a pilot study to screen non-deployed and deployed healthy military service members for MRSA/MSSA colonization at various anatomic sites and assessed isolates for molecular differences. Methods Colonization point-prevalence of 101 military personnel in the US and 100 in Afghanistan was determined by swabbing 7 anatomic sites. US-based individuals had received no antibiotics within 30 days, and Afghanistan-deployed personnel were taking doxycycline for malaria prophylaxis. Isolates underwent identification and testing for antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, and pulsed-field type (PFT). Results 4 individuals in the US (4 isolates- 3 oropharynx, 1 perirectal) and 4 in Afghanistan (6 isolates- 2 oropharynx, 2 nare, 1 hand, 1 foot) were colonized with MRSA. Among US-based personnel, 3 had USA300 (1 PVL+) and 1 USA700. Among Afghanistan-based personnel, 1 had USA300 (PVL+), 1 USA800 and 2 USA1000. MSSA was present in 40 (71 isolates-25 oropharynx, 15 nare) of the US-based and 32 (65 isolates- 16 oropharynx, 24 nare) of the Afghanistan-based individuals. 56 (79%) US and 41(63%) Afghanistan-based individuals had MSSA isolates recovered from extra-nare sites. The most common MSSA PFTs were USA200 (9 isolates) in the US and USA800 (7 isolates) in Afghanistan. MRSA/MSSA isolates were susceptible to doxycycline in all but 3 personnel (1 US, 2 Afghanistan; all were MSSA isolates that carried tetM). Conclusion MRSA and MSSA colonization of military personnel was not associated with deployment status or doxycycline exposure. Higher S. aureus oropharynx colonization rates were observed and may warrant changes in decolonization practices.