LITERATURE REVIEW-

1.TATTOO INK RELATED INFECTIONS.-NEJM aug 22, 2012 Reports an outbreak of contamination of gray inks used in tattooing.The ink was contaminated during manufacture.The organism was Mycobacterium chelonae.Points out the danger of tattooing even in parlors which have reasonable infection control.The supply inks are apparently not really well regulated as regards to sterility. Take home pay–Another reason to avoid tattoos.

2. A NEW PHLEBOVIRUS ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE VIRAL ILLNESS IN MISSOURI.–NEJM-aug 30,2012.Interesing review of 2 patients who developed a febrile illness post tick bite with leukopenia,thrombocytopenia,fever,fatigue,diarrhea.All studies for the usual tick related pathogens were negative.

Subsequently—electron microscopy revealed a member of the Bunyaviridae group–a phelebovirus.   Designated as the “heartland” virus. Kochs postulates have not been fulfilled but it appears highly likely that this is a new tick associated pathogen.

3.MRSA AND MSSA IN HEMODIALYSIS—JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY –AUGUST 16.

Nice article pointing out the importance of MSSA and MRSA in the Hemodialysis population.Also stresses that Vancomycin is inferior to the Penicillin -cephalosporin grpup of antibiotics in the treatment of MSSA sepsis.

Still working with my Renal colleagues to get a more consistent approach to identifying carriage of MSSA/MRSA and the increased likelihood of sepsis if the patient is carrying these organisms. A work in progress.

Hopefully Fall is just around the corner. Best Dr. Smith