Questions & Answers

Antibiotic Use Q&A

Antibiotic Use Q&A: pregnant, bladder infection and antibiotics; antibiotics and helpful bacteria; bacteremia and treated with antibiotics; antibiotics and alcohol.

Treatment for melioidosis

Answer: Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Pseudomonas pseudomallei. The disease has several forms depending on the location of the infection, each varying in severity. Melioidosis is most frequently reported in Southeast Asia. The bacterium that causes the disease is found in the soil, rice paddies, and stagnant waters of the area.

Common Variable Immune Deficiency

A relative has been diagnosed with “common variable immune deficiency”, after losing 100 pounds with chronic diarrhea and after countless tests. What is it; how is it treated; who/where are the experts? Common variable immunodeficiency is one of several genetically based immune deficiency syndromes (as opposed to an acquired immunodeficiency such as AIDS). The syndrome is characterized by low gamma globulins, recurrent bacterial infections, and increased incidence of malignancy.

Ear Infection

I have a 8 month old daughter who since the age of 4 months has had reoccurring ear infection in the right ear only, she never has any fever, or cold symptoms. Her pediatrician has treated them with amoxicillin and sulfa drugs as a preventative, but 2-3 days later she has another infection. The ENT wants to put bilateral ear tubes in. Is she too young? and are there any other options open that you could point in the direction of.

Beta Hemolytic Strep

My daughter is expecting her second child (13 weeks pregnant). Her doctor has diagnosed her with “beta hemolytic strep”. She has been through several courses of antibiotics, and the infection persists. What are the dangers to the infant? How likely are those outcomes? What is the danger to my daughter?

Prevent strep throat

It is possible to prevent strep throat. In people who have had complications of strep infection, such as rheumatic fever or recurrent cellulitis (strep infection of the lower extremities), daily preventative (prophylactic) doses of penicillin can be taken indefinitely.