An experimental burned mouse model is described that is clinically relevant to burn wound sepsis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mice subjected to a nonlethal burn by flame were challenged with P. aeruginosa. The LD50 after subcutaneous injection in the skin of the burn up to 24 hr after the burn was smaller than 10 organisms vs. 10-6 organisms in normal animals. By three days after the burn, the value returned to and exceeded that of normal animals. This dramatic change in the LD50 after the burn was not seen when mice were challenged with other organisms. Challenge with P. aeruginosa by different routes immediately after burning showed less dramatic decreases in the LD50. Enumeration of infecting organisms in the skin of the burn and in major organs suggests the possibility of a toxic event.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spontaneously cleared in 15% to 45% of individuals during primary infection. To define the role of alcohol, race, and HBV or HIV coinfections in natural HCV clearance, we examined these parameters in 203 spontaneously HCV-recovered subjects (HCV Ab+/RNA-subjects without prior antiviral therapy) and 293 chronically HCV-infected patients (HCV Ab+/RNA+). Subjects were identified from 1,454 HCV anti-

The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has increased significantly in LTCFs, although trends have varied substantially across different institutions. These trends have been particularly pronounced for fluoroquinolone resistance among the Enterobacteriaceae. These findings demonstrate that antimicrobial resistance is widespread and increasing in LTCFs, highlighting the need for future studies to more clearly elucidate the risk factors for, and potential interventions against, emerging resistance in these settings.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spontaneously cleared in 15% to 45% of individuals during primary infection. To define the role of alcohol, race, and HBV or HIV coinfections in natural HCV clearance, we examined these parameters in 203 spontaneously HCV-recovered subjects (HCV Ab+/RNA-subjects without prior antiviral therapy) and 293 chronically HCV-infected patients (HCV Ab+/RNA+). Subjects were identified from 1,454 HCV anti-

We identified 1,805 gram-negative organisms in urine cultures from residents of 63 long-term care facilities (LTCFs) over 10 months. Fluoroquinolone resistance was 51% among E. coli, while 26% and 6% of Klebsiella were resistant to ceftazidime and imipenem, respectively. Resistance varied significantly by type of LTCF, LTCF size, and geographic region.