Advances in genetics and genomics: use and limitations in achieving malaria elimination goals

Success of the global research agenda towards eradication of malaria will depend on the development of new tools, including drugs, vaccines, insecticides and diagnostics. Genetic and genomic information now available for the malaria parasites, their mosquito vectors and human host, can be harnessed to both develop these tools and monitor their effectiveness. Here we review and provide specific examples of current technological advances and how these genetic and genomic tools have increased our knowledge of host, parasite and vector biology in relation to malaria elimination and in turn enhanced the potential to reach that goal. We then discuss limitations of these tools and future prospects for the successful achievement of global malaria elimination goals.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nosocomial pneumonia patients treated with ceftaroline: retrospective case series of 10 patients

BACKGROUND

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common nosocomial pneumonia (NP) pathogen in US ICUs. Ceftaroline fosamil is a novel cephalosporin with activity against MRSA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients (pts) who received ceftaroline therapy for MRSA NP.

RESULTS

A total of 10 pts received ceftaroline from September 2011 to September 2012 for MRSA NP. Nine pts received prior anti-MRSA therapy before initiation of ceftaroline. Ceftaroline duration of therapy ranged from 4 to 28 days. Three pts pursued palliative care prior to completion of therapy and expired off antibiotics. Of the remaining seven pts, six pts were considered to have clinical cure or improvement either at the end of therapy with ceftaroline or total antibiotic treatment. One pt had a relapse 1 week after ceftaroline treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series suggests the potential of ceftaroline as an alternative agent for the treatment of MRSA NP and warrants further investigation.

Severe eosinophilic meningitis owing to Angiostrongylus cantonensis in young Jamaican children: case report and literature review

Eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an endemic and emerging disease that affects adults and children in Jamaica. Most cases resolve without sequelae, but young children are at high risk of neurological damage and death. Treatment with corticosteroids and albendazole is considered safe for adults and children, but protocols for its use in children have not been established. A 19-month-old infant with permanent neurological sequlae caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis meningitis is reported, and five other Jamaican cases are summarized. A review of the literature of children with permanent neurological sequlae and death is presented. Children <5 years (especially <2) were at increased risk of incomplete recovery and death if they presented with bulbar signs, flaccid paresis and coma. None of the severe or fatal cases received early intervention with anthelminthics, and disease progression was not altered with corticosteroids. In view of the pathophysiology, necropsy reports and animal studies, it seems that the early use of larvicidals may change the course of severe presentations.