Beta-lactamase production by Kingella kingae in Israel is clonal and common in carriage organisms but rare among invasive strains.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ß-lactamase and the genomic clonality of a large collection of Kingella kingae isolates from Israeli patients with a variety of invasive infections and asymptomatic pharyngeal carriers. ß-lactamase production was studied by the nitrocefin method and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of penicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate were determined by the epsilon (Etest) method. The genotypic clonality of isolates was investigated by pulsed-field electrophoresis (PFGE). ß-lactamase was found in 2 of 190 (1.1 %) invasive isolates and in 66 of 429 (15.4 %) randomly chosen carriage organisms (p < 0.001). Overall, 73 distinct PFGE clones were identified (33 among invasive organisms and 56 among carriage isolates). ß-lactamase production was found to be limited to four distinct PFGE clones, which were common among carriage strains but rare among invasive strains, and all organisms in the collection belonging to these four clones expressed ß-lactamase. The penicillin MIC of ß-lactamase-producing isolates ranged between 0.094 and 2 mcg/mL (MIC50: 0.25 mcg/mL; MIC90: 1.5 mcg/mL) and that of amoxicillin-clavulanate between 0.064 and 0.47 mcg/mL (MIC50: 0.125 mcg/mL; MIC90: 0.125 mcg/mL). The penicillin MIC of ß-lactamase non-producing isolates ranged between <0.002 and 0.064 mcg/mL (MIC50: 0.023 mcg/mL; MIC90: 0.047 mcg/mL). Although ß-lactamase production is prevalent among K. kingae organisms carried by healthy carriers, the low invasive potential of most colonizing clones results in infrequent detection of the enzyme in isolates from patients with clinical infections. The exceptional presence of ß-lactamase among invasive organisms correlates with the favorable response of K. kingae infections to the administration of ß-lactamase-susceptible antibiotics.

Influence of age, social patterns and nasopharyngeal carriage on antibodies to three conserved pneumococcal surface proteins (PhtD, PcpA and PrtA) in healthy young children.

The acquisition of specific antibodies is paramount to protect children against pneumococcal diseases, and a better understanding of how age, ethnicity and/or Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) nasopharyngeal carriage influence the acquisition of antibodies to pneumococcal surface proteins (PSP) is important for the development of novel serodiagnostic and immunisation strategies. IgG antibody titres against three conserved PSP (PhtD, PcpA and PrtA) in the sera of 451 healthy children aged 1 to 24 months from Israel [Jewish (50.1 %) and Bedouin (49.9 %)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while nasopharyngeal swabs from these children were assessed for the presence of Spn. Globally, anti-PhtD and anti-PrtA geometric mean concentrations (GMC; EU/ml) were high at <2.5 months of age [PhtD: 35.3, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 30.6-40.6; PrtA: 71.2, 95 % CI 60-84.5], was lower at 5-7 months of age (PhtD: 10, 95 % CI 8-12.4; PrtA: 17.9, 95 % CI 14.4-22.1) and only increased after 11 months of age. In contrast, an increase in anti-PcpA was observed at 5-7 months of age. Anti-PcpA and anti-PrtA, but not anti-PhtD, were significantly higher in Bedouin children (PcpA: 361.6 vs. 226.3, p = 0.02; PrtA: 67.2 vs. 29.5, p < 0.001) in whom Spn nasopharyngeal carriage was identified earlier (60 % vs. 38 % of carriers <6 months of age, p = 0.002). Spn carriage was associated with significantly higher anti-PSP concentrations in carriers than in non-carriers (p < 0.001 for each PSP). Thus, age, ethnicity and, essentially, nasopharyngeal carriage exert distinct cumulative influences on infant responses to PSP. These specific characteristics are worthwhile to include in the evaluation of pneumococcal seroresponses and the development of new PSP-based vaccines.

Dynamics of childhood invasive meningococcal disease in Israel during a 22-year period (1989-2010).

AIM: To describe the dynamics in the incidence of childhood invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Israel during a 22-year period (1989-2010). METHODS: A longitudinal prospective surveillance in all 27 medical centers with pediatric services in Israel. All cases of children <15 years old with positive blood/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture for Neisseria meningitidis were reported. Demographic, clinical, and bacteriological data were recorded. Meningococcal vaccine was not routinely given to Israeli children during the study period. RESULTS: The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) among the 743 cases was 40.7 ± 40.2 months. The mean yearly incidence/100,000 was 2.0 ± 0.8. Age-specific incidences were 8.7 ± 2.8, 2.9 ± 1.5, and 0.8 ± 0.5 for children <1, 1-4, and >4 years old, respectively. The overall incidence decreased significantly from 3.7 in 1989 to 1.5 in 2010. Meningitis constituted 69.2 % of all cases. The most common serogroups were: B (76.9 %), C (10.9 %), Y (8.0 %), and W(135) (2.9 %). 78.6 % of all serogroup B isolates were from children <5 years old (p < 0.01). Serogroup C was found mainly in children ≥5 years old (63.4 %). The case fatality rates (CFRs) for children <1, 1-4, >4 years old, and the total study population were 9.2, 12.3, 7.7, and 9.9 %, respectively. CFRs were higher for children without meningitis (14.9 %) compared to children with meningitis (7.9 %) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, and for serogroups B and W135, childhood IMD rates decreased significantly in Israel during the study period, without routine vaccine usage. The most common serogroup in all age groups was B, which was most prevalent in children <5 years old. No change in the trend of the overall CFR was noted during the study period.

Transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults may occur through saliva.

Of 742 army recruits tested for pneumococcal nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal carriage, 6·6% were positive. Frequent sharing of a drinking glass/bottle was a common, strong and independent risk factor for pneumococcal carriage. Our findings strongly suggest, for the first time, that in young adults, transmission of pneumococci may occur via saliva and this should be considered when conducting an outbreak investigation and carriage studies.

Outcomes and toxicities in oligometastatic patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy for adrenal gland metastases: A multi-institutional retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Studies reporting SBRT outcomes in oligometastatic patients with adrenal gland metastases (AGM) are limited. Herein, we present a multi-institutional analysis of oligometastatic patients treated with SBRT for AGM. MATERIAL/METHODS: The Consortium for Oligometastases Research (CORE) is among the largest retrospective series of patients with oligometastases. Among CORE patients, those treated with SBRT for AGM were included. Clinical and dosimetric data were collected. Adrenal metastatic burden (AMB) was defined as the sum of all adrenal GTV if more than one oligometastases is present.Competing risk analysis was used to estimate actuarial cumulative local recurrence (LR) and widespread progression (WP). Kaplan-Meier method was used to report overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Treatment related toxicities were also reported. RESULTS: The analysis included 47 patients with 57 adrenal lesions. Median follow-up was 18.2 months. Median LRFS, PFS, and OS were 15.3, 5.3, and 19.1 months, respectively. A minimum PTV dose BED10 > 46 Gy was associated with an improved OS and LRFS. A prescribed BED10 > 70 Gy was an independent predictor of a lower LR probability. AMB>10 cc was an independent predictor of a lower risk for WP. Only one patient developed an acute Grade 3 toxicity consisting of abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: SBRT to AGM achieved a satisfactory local control and OS in oligometastatic patients. High minimum PTV dose and BED10 prescription doses were predictive of improved LR and OS, respectively. Prospective studies are needed to determine comprehensive criteria for patients SBRT eligibility and dosimetric planning.

Hepatitis A disease following the implementation of universal vaccination: who is at risk?

The incidence of acute hepatitis A in Israel has decreased 25 folds in less than a decade, following the introduction of a two-dose universal toddler's hepatitis A immunization in July 1999. This retrospective study describes demographic data and behavioural determinants of hepatitis A patients following the implementation of a vaccination programme. All records of hepatitis A patients reported to the Ministry of Health during the years 2003 through 2005 were reviewed, and an epidemiological investigation was conducted. During the study period, 420 hepatitis A patients were reported, representing an average annual incidence of two per 100,000 population. Case fatality rate was 0.5%. The majority of the patients were younger than 15 years of age, males and non-Jewish. The highest incidence was recorded in east Jerusalem, where vaccine coverage is relatively low. After exclusion of 165 east Jerusalem patients, 133 (52.2%) patients were available for an interview. Of those, 16 (6%) had possible occupational exposure, 37 (27.8%) travelled to endemic areas, 44 (17%) were contacts of hepatitis A cases, and 3 male patients had sex with men. No known risk determinant was identified in 33 (24.8%) patients. Four patients (3%) were previously immunized with one dose, and none had two doses. The introduction of universal toddler hepatitis A vaccination decreased morbidity. Most of the patients who were detected 4-6 years after the implementation of the vaccination programme could be classified into one of the known risk groups for hepatitis A infection or living in a partly vaccinated community.

Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in hospitalized infants born at 33-36 weeks of gestational age compared with those born at term: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare incidences of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in late preterm vs. term infants (33-36 vs. >36 weeks of gestational age (WGA)). METHODS: This was a population-based retrospective study including all infants <12 months hospitalized at Soroka medical centre with bronchiolitis between 2004 and 2012. Infants with comorbidities were excluded. RSV bronchiolitis rates were calculated by extrapolating the proportion of positive tests among tested infants. Population denominator for incidence rates was calculated from hospital records. RESULTS: During the study, 374 late preterm and 2948 term infants were hospitalized with bronchiolitis. Out of 229 (61.2%) late preterm infants and 1738 (59%) term infants tested for RSV, 164 (71.6%) and 1266 (72.8%) were positive for RSV respectively. The mean yearly incidences per 1000 children of RSV bronchiolitis hospitalizations of late preterm and term infants were 35.8 ± 13.0 and 19.6 ± 4.1 respectively (p 0.009). During RSV seasons the mean incidence rate ratio between groups was 1.82 (95% CI 1.60-2.08). Duration of hospitalization was 4.8 ± 7.0 and 3.9 ± 4.9 in late preterm and term infants, respectively (p 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Late preterm-born infants (33-36 WGA) had a higher rate of hospitalization for overall and RSV bronchiolitis during the first year of life compared to those born at term.

Risk factors for the initial symptomatic giardia infection in a cohort of young Arab-Bedouin children.

BACKGROUND: Giardiasis is a common protozoan infection with clinical manifestations in children ranging from asymptomatic carriage to persistent diarrhoea with malabsorption. It can lead to growth and developmental retardation. AIM: The study evaluated risk factors for the initial symptomatic giardiasis (SG) episode among Arab-Bedouin children in Israel. METHODS: A community-based, prospective cohort study was conducted in Rahat, a Bedouin township in southern Israel. Infants (n=238) were followed by weekly visits from birth to age 18 months. Giardia infection was identified by antigen detection in faecal specimens. RESULTS: Approximately 26% of children experienced one or more SG episode. Mean (SD) age for first SG episode was 12.3 (3.3) months, with 95% of episodes occurring in children >6 months of age. Risk for the first SG in children >6 months of age was associated with it being spring or summer [odds ratio (OR) 6.16, p<0.001], exposure to livestock (OR 4.89, p=0.002) and prior infection with entero-aggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) (OR 1.12 for each additional percentage in stool prevalence, p=0.02). Weight-for-age Z-scores at age 6 months were inversely related to SG risk (OR 0.62 for each unit increase in Z-score, p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Giardiasis is an important cause of diarrhoea in Bedouin children. Increased risk of SG in spring/summer might be linked to environmental conditions or seasonal dietary practices which increase virulence or transmission. SG in those exposed to livestock suggests that there are zoonotic risk factors or that hygiene is a causal factor. The association between EAEC infection and SG warrants further investigation.

Can CT imaging improve targeting accuracy in clip-based proton therapy of ocular melanoma?

To evaluate the benefit of adding CT imaging to the simulation process of clip-based proton therapy of ocular melanomas. For thirty ocular melanoma cases, the clip position in the eye model was determined based on orthogonal radiographs as well as on a CT image set. The geometrical shift of the clips between the standard simulation process and standard simulation process with addition of CT imaging (CT-guided) was determined. The dosimetric impact was evaluated by developing treatment plans based on both the standard-process model and the CT-guided model. In 40% of the studied cases, the difference in clip position between eye models created with and without CT was less than 0.5 mm. This difference was more than 1 mm in 17% of cases. The dosimetric impact of shifts below 1 mm was low because these shifts did not exceed the planning margins. For the four cases with a shift of more than 1 mm a reduction in target coverage (ΔV99%) of -3% to -6% was observed. Changes in macula and optic-disc mean dose of up to 16% and 35% of the prescribed dose were seen when these structures abutted the target. Adding CT imaging to the simulation process is beneficial in select cases where discrepancies between the eye model and ophthalmology measurements occur or where a critical structure is located close to the target and improved localization accuracy is wanted. For the majority of patients, addition of CT imaging does not result in quantifiable changes in dosimetry. Nevertheless, CT imaging is a valuable tool in the quality control of the modeling and treatment-planning process of clip-based eye treatments.

Impact of PCV7/PCV13 introduction on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in young children: Comparison between meningitis and non-meningitis IPD.

BACKGROUND: The worldwide introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) into National Immunization Programs resulted in rapid and substantial reduction of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) rates in children. However, the reduction of meningitis vs. non-meningitis IPD (nm-IPD) was not yet fully elucidated. We compared 7-valent and 13-valent PCV (PCV7 and PCV13) impact on pneumococcal-meningitis vs. nm-IPD in Israeli children <5years. METHODS: We conducted an ongoing nationwide, prospective, population-based, active surveillance. PCV7 and PCV13 were implemented in Israel in July 2009 and November 2010, respectively. All pneumococcal isolates (blood and/or CSF) from IPD episodes in children <5years from July 2000 through June 2015 were included. Extrapolation for missing serotypes (34.7% of all isolates) was conducted. RESULTS: 4163 IPD cases were identified; 3739nm-IPD (89.8%) and 424 meningitis (10.2%). During the pre-PCV period (2000-2008), children <12months constituted 52.1% and 33.7% of meningitis and nm-IPD, respectively (p<0.001). The respective proportions of non-PCV13 serotypes (non-VT) were 18.2% vs. 10.1%, (p<0.001). Comparing the last study year (2014-2015) to the mean of pre-PCV period, meningitis incidence in children <5years decreased non-significantly by 27%, while nm-IPD decreased significantly by 69%. Dynamic rates of meningitis and nm-IPD caused by PCV13 serotypes were similar, with 93% and 95% overall reductions, respectively. However, non-VT increased in meningitis relatively to nm-IPD, mainly in children <24months. Serotype 12F rose sharply and significantly since 2009-2010 through 2014-2015 (28.6% of all non-VT meningitis in children <24m). CONCLUSIONS: The overall impact of PCV7/PCV13 in children <5years in Israel was less prominent in meningitis than in nm-IPD. This could be attributed to the younger age of children with meningitis and differences in causative serotypes between the two groups, as the decline of the incidence of meningitis and nm-IPD caused by vaccine-serotypes is similar. Continuous monitoring of meningitis and nm-IPD is warranted.

Postanginal sepsis following infectious mononucleosis.

During a five-year period, three patients were seen with postanginal sepsis occurring within ten days of the onset of infectious mononucleosis. Postanginal sepsis was not diagnosed in other hospitalized patients during this period. These cases demonstrate that postanginal sepsis can be a complication of infectious mononucleosis.

Growth and nutritional status of Bedouin infants in the Negev Desert, Israel: evidence for marked stunting in the presence of only mild malnutrition.

Growth and feeding practices of 353 Bedouin infants from the Negev Desert, Israel, were compared to those of 302 Jewish infants from the same area and to American standards. These two populations differed in their cultures and educational backgrounds. The use of medical and health services was lower among the Bedouin population. The feeding practices of the Bedouin infants were markedly different from those of their controls. The Bedouin infants show a progressive decrease in weight, length, and head circumference (means of all three parameters were around the 5th percentile) while the Jews were comparable to Americans. The nutritional status was assessed by three different anthropometric measurements. The weight to length ratio showed that 88% of Bedouin and 96% of Jewish infants were above the 10th percentile. Tricep skinfold measurements showed that 96% of the Bedouins and 99% of the Jews were above the 5th percentile. The midarm circumference to head circumference ratio was in the range between 0.280 and 0.310 (mild malnutrition range) while that of the Jews was above 0.310 (well-nourished range). These data show marked stunting in the presence of only mild malnutrition. This observation argues against the general belief that marked stunting is the result of prolonged severe malnutrition. Differences in cultural and genetic backgrounds, as well as different feeding practices and increased morbidity, could contribute to this phenomenon.

PIP: Growth and feeding practices of 353 Bedouin infants from the Negev Desert in Israel were compared to those of 302 Jewish infants from the same area and to American standards. These 2 populations differed in their cultures and educational backgrounds. The use of medical and health services was lower among the Bedouin population. Feeding practices of the Bedouin infants were markedly different from those of their controls. The Bedouin infants show a progressive decrease in weight, length, and head circumference (mean of all 3 parameters was around 5th percentile) while the Jewish children were comparable to Americans. The nutritional status was assessed by 3 different anthropometric measurements. The weight-to-length ratio showed that 88% of Bedouin and 96% of Jewish infants were above the 10th percentile. Tricep skinfold measurements showed that 96% of the Bedouin and 99% of the Jews were above the 5th percentile. The midarm circumference-to-head-circumference ratio was in the range between 0.280-0.310 (mild malnutrition range) while that of the Jews was above 0.310 (well-nourished range). These data show marked stunting in the presense of only mild malnutrition. This observation argues against the general belief that marked stunting is the result of prolonged severe malnutrition. Differences in cultrual and genetic backgrounds as well as different feeding practices and increased morbidity could contribute to this phenomenon.

Atypical bacterial infections explained by a concomitant virus infection.

Because both viral and bacterial infections are common during early childhood, dual infections are not unexpected. However, the clinical manifestation of such combined infections may be, difficult to interpret, and they are often misdiagnosed as "atypical bacterial infection." Five patients with concomitant viral-bacterial infections are described. In all five cases, virus detection enabled the physicians to better understand an otherwise puzzling clinical presentation. In view of the recent progress in rapid viral diagnoses and the potential of antiviral drugs, the possibility of dual infection should be investigated more often.

Focal encephalitis with enterovirus infections.

We report on four pediatric patients with Enterovirus infections who were admitted to the hospital with signs or symptoms of acute, focal encephalitis. All four experienced focal seizures. Each had a cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis at the initial lumbar puncture. In all four patients the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis was entertained. Each child improved spontaneously within a few days of admission to the hospital, and only one had residual neurologic abnormalities at the time of discharge. A brief review of these cases, and three additional cases from the literature, indicate that the enteroviruses, particularly the group A Coxsackieviruses, are rare causes of acute focal encephalitis in children and adolescents.

Clinical features and epidemiology of invasive Kingella kingae infections in southern Israel.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical spectrum and epidemiology of invasive Kingella kingae infections in children living in southern Israel. DESIGN: Five-year observational, descriptive study. POPULATION: Children in whom K. kingae was isolated from blood or other normally sterile body fluid. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with invasive K. kingae infection (13 male and 12 female) were identified. Twenty-four of these children were younger than 2 years. The annual incidence was 14.3, 27.4, and 31.9 cases per 100,000 children < or = 4 years, < or = 24 months, and < or = 12 months, respectively. Seventeen (68%) of 25 patients sought treatment between July and December. Concomitant upper respiratory tract infection or stomatitis was observed in 14 (56%) of the patients, suggesting a respiratory or buccal source for the infection. Four children were bacteremic: 2 of them suffered from a lower respiratory tract infection, and the remaining 2 had bacteremia with no evident focal infection. Twenty-one children had skeletal infections and none of them was bacteremic; 16 had septic arthritis, 3 had osteomyelitis, 1 had both osteomyelitis and septic arthritis of the adjacent joint, and 1 had dactylitis of the hand. Involvement of the ankle was unusually frequent among children with septic arthritis, whereas the calcaneus was involved in 3 of the 4 children with osteomyelitis. Antibiotic treatment resulted in full recovery in all cases, and only 2 patients with septic arthritis required surgical drainage. CONCLUSION: Kingella kingae is a much more common cause of invasive infection in young children than has been previously recognized. The disease has a clear seasonal pattern, usually affects the skeletal system, frequently involves unusual bones and joints, and follows a benign course.

Febrile infants at low risk for serious bacterial infection--an appraisal of the Rochester criteria and implications for management. Febrile Infant Collaborative Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: Prospective studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that infants unlikely to have serious bacterial infections (SBI) can be accurately identified by low risk criteria. METHODS: Febrile infants (rectal T > or = 38 degrees C) < or = 60 days of age were considered at low risk for SBI if they met the following criteria: 1) appear well; 2) were previously healthy; 3) have no focal infection; 4) have WBC count 5.0-15.0 x 10(9) cells/L (5000-15,000/mm3), band form count < or = 1.5 x 10(9) cells/L (< or = 1500/mm3), < or = 10 WBC per high power field on microscopic examination of spun urine sediment, and < or = 5 WBC per high power field on microscopic examination of a stool smear (if diarrhea). The recommended evaluation included the culture of specimens of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine for bacteria. Outcomes were determined. The negative predictive values of the low risk criteria for SBI and bacteremia were calculated. RESULTS: Of 1057 eligible infants, 931 were well appearing, and, of these, 437 met the remaining low risk criteria. Five low risk infants had SBI including two infants with bacteremia. The negative predictive value of the low risk criteria was 98.9% (95% confidence interval, 97.2% to 99.6%) for SBI, and 99.5% (95% confidence interval, 98.2% to 99.9%) for bacteremia. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the ability of the low risk criteria to identify infants unlikely to have SBI. Infants who meet the low risk criteria can be carefully observed without administering antimicrobial agents.

Fluoroquinolones in paediatrics--1995.

The fluoroquinolones are characterised by a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity that includes many Mycobacterium, Chlamydia, Legionella, and Mycoplasma species as well as many multiply-resistant bacterial strains, good oral bioavailability, extensive tissue penetration, low protein binding and long elimination half-lives. Numerous clinical trials have shown that these compounds are effective and well tolerated in the treatment of adult patients with various infections, including urinary tract, respiratory tract, skin and soft tissue, bone and joint, and gynaecological infections, sexually transmitted diseases, infectious diarrhoea, infections in immunocompromised patients, and in surgical prophylaxis. Thus, there is increasing pressure to use this class of drugs in paediatric patients. However, concerns regarding adverse effects, particularly cartilage toxicity, have restricted development of the fluoroquinolone compounds for use in this population. Potential indications include Pseudomonas infections (mainly exacerbations of cystic fibrosis), urinary tract, gastrointestinal and central nervous system infections, infections in immunocompromised patients, certain otorhinolaryngological infections and infections caused by multiply-resistant pathogens. To date, clinical experience gained with fluoroquinolones in paediatric infections, which has been mainly on a compassionate-use basis, indicates that well-designed formal studies should be conducted to fully assess the efficacy and tolerability of these agents in specific indications in children.

Parenteral-oral switch in the management of paediatric pneumonia.

In phase I of a 2-phase study, 56 evaluable children (0.8 to 5 years) with lobar or segmental pneumonia received intravenous or intramuscular ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg/day for 2 days followed by oral cefetamet pivoxil 20 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses to complete 7 days of treatment. All patients achieved a clinical cure. In phase II, a randomised open multicentre study, 62 children with pneumonia received an identical regimen to phase I (arm A), and 59 children received ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg/day for 1 day followed by 6 days' treatment with cefetamet pivoxil 20 mg/kg/day (arm B). Patients from phase I and arm A were combined giving a total of 118 evaluable patients in arm A. At the end of treatment, 100% of patients in arm A and 96% in arm B achieved a clinical cure; cure was maintained in 99 and 98% of patients, respectively. Two (4%) patients in arm B failed therapy; in both cases, factors other than treatment failure may have accounted for the poor response. 11 and 12% of patients in treatment arms A and B, respectively, experienced adverse events; gastrointestinal events (nausea and/or vomiting) were reported in 9 and 8% of patients, respectively. In conclusion, 1 or 2 days' treatment with parenteral ceftriaxone before switching to oral cefetamet pivoxil was safe and effective in the treatment of childhood pneumonia. Therefore, parenteral-oral switch is a feasible treatment option in the treatment of serious paediatric community-acquired pneumonia.

Detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia intestinalis in Bedouin children from southern Israel.

During an 18 month period, a total of 4796 stool specimens collected from 151 Bedouin children enrolled in a cohort study and followed from birth, were screened for Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and other intestinal parasites. Specimens were collected in phenol-alcohol-formalin (PAF) preservative and examined prior to, and after, formalin-ether concentration (FEC). During 6 months of the second year Giardia intestinalis was observed in 17.6% of the specimens and Cryptosporidium in 0.9% as compared with 1.8% (Giardia intestinalis) and 1.6% (Cryptosporidium) observed during the first year. Giardia intestinalis was detected in 8.4% (407/4796) of all the samples examined and Cryptosporidium in 1.3% (63/4796). Other intestinal protozoan parasites and helminthic ova demonstrated in the stool specimens included: Entamoeba coli (0.1%); Entamoeba histolytica (< 0.1%); Hymenolepis nana (0.1%); and Trichuris trichiura (< 0.1%). Mixed infection with 2 parasites was observed in 0.3% of the specimens. PAF fixation was found to be highly effective in preserving the integrity and antigenicity of both Cryptosporidium-oocysts and Giardia intestinalis-cysts. The detection rate of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium before FEC was not significantly different from that obtained after FEC, showing differences of only 1% and 3% for Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium, respectively.