Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis in the United States.

West Nile (WN) virus was found throughout New York State in 2000, with the epicenter in New York City and surrounding counties.

How accurate is the rapid urine LAM test for TB screening among newly-diagnosed HIV-infected adults?

Bacterial contamination of food is concerning, for good reason. Although most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own, without lasting effects, some cases can be deadly.Bacteria contaminates food a number of ways. In animal products, the bacteria are often already in the meat. Cooking the

A yeast infection is one of the most common vaginal infections. Many females find themselves having to deal with the unpleasant symptoms that are associated with the unfortunate condition. Fortunately, a yeast infection is treatable and in most cases preventable.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, group B streptococcus is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborns, but it can also cause serious illness among adults--especially older adults or those with chronic medical conditions. The bacteria often colonize in

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was first recognized in the 1960s and has since become a well-known cause of nosocomial infections.

Always stay away from an animal, wild or domesticated, acting abnormally, as they could be infected with rabies. Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system and is spread through the saliva of a rabid animal. This neurological disease only effects mammals and is easily preventable. How

Point-of-care STI tests have the potential to facilitate prompt treatment and management.

La Crosse virus is the primary cause of arthropod-borne viral encephalitis in children in the United States. This study characterizes a La Crosse virus isolate.

What effect do contact precautions have on healthcare workers?

Who should get the 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine?

John Bartlett shares his insights about the year's ID headlines, from Ebola to Chikungunya, and everything in between.

Vaginal yeast infections may be problematic; however, they may be particularly troublesome during the breastfeeding stage of a mother's life, as a vaginal yeast infection could also lead to thrush for mother and baby. Understanding symptoms and treatments for both mother and baby can help alleviate

Which antibiotic should be used to treat MRSA pneumonia?

The MTB/RIF test provides an excellent opportunity to improve the way TB and drug-resistant TB are diagnosed.

Which hospital-based strategies are most cost-effective in preventing MRSA?

Antibiotics play a critical role in the prevention and treatment of infections; but according to this article, up to half of all antibiotic use is thought to be inappropriate.

This article reviews case reports of fungal endocarditis and discusses challenges in prophylaxis and treatment.

John Bartlett comments on this week's H1N1 news.