A to Z of Zika Virus: A Comprehensive Review for Clinicians.

Since its first outbreak in 2007 in the Pacific (Yap islands and Federal States of Micronesia), Zika virus has gradually and recently spread to the Americas in 2015. The neurotropic character of the virus was first noted during this outbreak in Brazil in 2015. Increasing number of infants born with microcephaly and other congenital deformities were identified through studies that have highlighted the importance of prevention of transmission of Zika virus in pregnant women. Long-term outcomes in infants born with this infection are now better understood than at the time of onset of this outbreak. Topics covered in this review include the history, modes of transmission, diagnosis of suspected cases, pathophysiology, complications, and prevention of Zika virus infection.

Sinusitis in Children.

Acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) mostly occurs as a complication of acute viral upper respiratory tract infection (URI), which is a common condition encountered in an outpatient setting. ABS manifests with three different presentations, most commonly as persistent symptoms of viral URI (nasal drainage and or cough) for more than 10 days. ABS is also diagnosed when the patient presents with severe symptoms of a URI accompanied by fever >102.2°F and purulent nasal drainage for at least 3 days. Lastly, ABS can complicate viral URI around day 6 or 7 of illness after initial improvement in the symptoms of URI. Imaging studies are not recommended for diagnosing ABS, unless intracranial or orbital complications are suspected. Signs of proptosis, restriction of eye movements, ophthalmoplegia, and visual impairment are very specific for orbital involvement. Treatment of ABS with antibiotics is recommended based on the clinical scenario and has been shown to have higher cure rates as compared to placebo. [Pediatr Ann. 2018;47(10):e396-e401.].

Enhanced Identification of Group B Streptococcus and Escherichia Coli in Young Infants with Meningitis Using the Biofire Filmarray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel.

FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel was tested on 62 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from young infants (0-3 months) with suspected meningitis and compared with CSF cultures. Twelve CSF samples from 9 infants were positive by ME PCR panel (10 Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and 2 Escherichia coli) of which only 5 were positive by culture. The 7 CSF samples that were positive only by ME PCR panel were obtained from infants who had received prior antibiotic treatment. The ME PCR panel can be a useful tool in the rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in pretreated young infants.