Cellulitis is frequently over-diagnosed. Clinical signs need to include more than just redness – other indications of inflammation are required for diagnosis – e.g. tenderness, pain, swelling, lymphangitis. The onset and progression of the disorder is also a good pointer – streptococcal cellulitis has a rapid onset usually with rapid expansion of the erythematous zone. New […]
Many patients with lower limb cellulitis have pre-existing venous stasis dermatitis, solar damage or other skin conditions that impair the natural skin barrier.
Urine samples are often submitted seemingly without a clear clinical justification. As bacteriuria is a common finding in the elderly, diabetic patients and patients with longterm indwelling or suprapubic catheters, a lab report with a positive culture might then prompt unnecessary antibiotic treatment. The following guide might assist:
A common myth – “Flucloxacillin and penicillin in combination are required to treat cellulitis” NOT TRUE: monotherapy is adequate.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare, in collaboration with consumers, clinicians, researchers and health organisations, has developed the Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Care Standard and resources to guide and support its implementation. Increasing antibiotic resistance presents a challenge for clinicians and poses a significant public health risk. This new Standard is an important guide […]
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2014 New Zealand report Researchers from the University of Auckland report that New Zealand, has now developed world’s highest rates of MRSA to topical antibacterial agents.
Co-trimoxazole and sudden death in patients receiving inhibitors of renin-angiotensin system: population based study | The BMJ
The Tragedy of the Commons by Garrett Hardin, 1968 was a seminal work. His central idea concerns ‘resources’ held in common, that degrade or diminish if left to the self interest of individuals. He argues that the problems that arise with allocation and preservation of such resources cannot be solved by technical answers alone – most importantly, a change in attitudes and behaviour towards […]
You’ve been given an antibiotic by your GP for a respiratory infection. The course goes for 4 days and you still feel unwell ! You return to your medico and he/she gives you another course.
The notion that completing the course of an antibiotic reduces the emergence of bacterial resistance is not accepted anymore. From in vitro evidence, we know that prolonged exposure to antibiotic , particularly at low levels (as occurs for instance in the oropharynx of patients treated with most oral antibiotics) is a good way to breed bacteria […]
AIMED - Let's talk about antibiotics 