Top in ID: CDC warns about antifungal resistance; study shows dangers of drug use syringes

The CDC is urging physicians to confirm a fungal diagnosis before prescribing topical antifungals in order to preserve their efficacy, as antimicrobial-resistant superficial fungal infections become more frequent.

A review from the CDC found that almost half of the 6 million prescriptions in 2021 were written by just 10% of prescribers.

“The large volume of topical antifungal prescriptions and the rise of emerging resistant fungal skin infections worldwide highlight the need to evaluate current practices,” the CDC said in a summary of the findings sent to reporters. “Clinicians should confirm suspected fungal skin infections whenever possible before prescribing and educate patients about appropriate use.”

It was the top story in infectious disease last week.

Another top story was about a recent analysis of bacterial and chemical contaminants found on discarded syringes used to inject drugs. More than half of syringes collected had bacteria like Bacillus cereus or Staphylococcus aureus. Syringes also tested positive for caffeine, diphenhydramine, lidocaine, quinine and xylazine.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:

CDC: Confirm fungal diagnosis before prescribing antifungals

The CDC is urging physicians to be judicious in prescribing topical antifungals in light of the recent detection of antimicrobial-resistant superficial fungal infections in the United States. Read more.

Syringes used by PWID contained chemical, biological contaminants

An analysis of syringe residue from discarded drug use equipment used by people who inject drugs showed both chemical and biological contaminants in the syringes. Read more.

Q&A: Is B. quintana a neglected tropical disease?

Bartonella quintana, the louse-borne bacterium known for causing trench fever in World War I, meets the criteria of being a neglected tropical disease in Africa, researchers suggested. Read more.

Exposure to contaminated bed nearly doubles patient’s C. difficile risk

Staying in a hospital room or bed previously occupied by someone with Clostridioides difficile nearly doubles a patient’s risk for hospital onset-C. difficile infection, researchers found. Read more.

Hybrid immunity in pregnancy increases COVID-19 protection for infants

Hybrid SARS-CoV-2 immunity in pregnancy — immunity from a prior infection plus vaccination — is associated with a greater likelihood of protection at delivery for mothers and infants compared with a prior infection alone, a study showed. Read more.