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An assessment endorsed by SHEA, ASHP and SIDP on antimicrobial use and stewardship capabilities has been organized and open for response. The goal of this endeavor is to assess current processes, associated capabilities, and resource limitations within U.S. hospitals. To best describe the available infrastructure and potential challenges an on a national level, all facilities are highly encouraged to respond. Use the following link to respond.

California is looking for acute care hospitals within the state to volunteer information about their antimicrobial stewarship program (ASP). The state is interested in hearing from all hospitals regardless of their level of ASP development in an effort to help inform other facilities how to make their programs more robust.  See the link for the questionnaire.

Today, the CDC published a "Vital Signs" report based on an analysis of the national administrative database (MarketScan Hospital Drug Database) and CDC's Emerging Infections Program (EIP) data with NHSN utilization data that supports the need for stewardship programs in hospitals.  The authors conclude that antibiotics are overprescribed and a thoughtful 30% reduction in use could result in a 26% reduction in CDI in addition to other benefits. For a full look at the report, visit the online publication.

There are few legendary figures in Infectious Diseases practice and I had the distinct honor of working directly with one.  I was saddened to attend the funeral of Dr. Robert Moellering in the suburbs of Boston this past Saturday.  The institution where I worked with Dr. Moellering released this very detailed In Memoriam statement.  I know some of you had an opportunity to collaborate with him and many were able to attend one of his presentations at a national meeting.

Did you know that you can review draft versions of government agency documents including those administered by the CDC at www.regulations.gov.  The site allows anyone to review and comment on these proposed documents for a period of time.  Beyond greenhouse gas emission and endangered species classifications, you may be interested in CDC proposed guidelines like the draft guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infections.  These are available via search of the site or more easily here.  You can download a pdf of the draft and then comment by the deadline which in this case is Feb 28th.

Each January, CLSI updates standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). It is important for clinical laboratories to incorporate the new recommendations into routine practice to optimize detection and reporting of antimicrobial resistance. As of January 2014, the annual update of the M100 tables (CLSI document M100-S24) has been published. Some highlights for 2014 include guidelines for testing cefazolin as a surrogate for oral agents that might be used for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections and interpreting results for carbapenems and Acinetobacter spp. The revised breakpoints for cefepime and Enterobacteriaceae, including the new susceptible-dose dependent interpretive category will be explained. These changes and several other new recommendations found in M100-S24 will be discussed. In addition to the webinar, an optional post-program self-assessment will be held that will allow individuals to assess their knowledge regarding the most important AST and reporting issues for 2014.  To learn more and register visit here.

Visit our ID WebLinks page for some new resources including information on Superbugs and antimicrobial resistance, the Center for Disease, Dynamics Economics and Policy and a variety of resources for HIV/AIDs care.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updates the guidelines each year. The newest guidance may be found at the CDC website.

We would like to follow our members.  Please email us at sidptwit@gmail.com to send us your name on Twitter.  Follow us at SIDPharm, visit SIDP Twitter site. 

Sovaldi is one of the more anticipated oral agents available to treat certain types of HCV infection, in some cases without the need for co-administration of interferon.  Unlike other recently available agents which have failed to meet the anticipated benefit, the drug may be combined with an all oral regimen and early signs indicate a low pill burden with lesser adverse effects.