Vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella in children
Abstract Background Mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) are serious diseases that can lead to potentially fatal illness, disability and death. However, public debate over the safety of the trivalent MMR vaccine and the resultant drop in vaccination coverage in several countries persists, despite its almost universal use and accepted effectiveness. Objectives To assess the effectiveness […]
Mannitol and other osmotic diuretics as adjuncts for treating cerebral malaria
Abstract Background Cerebral oedema occurs with cerebral malaria, and some clinicians think osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol or urea, may improve outcomes. Objectives To compare mannitol or urea to placebo or no diuretic for treating children or adults with cerebral malaria. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (Issue 4, 2010), […]
Vaccines for preventing tick-borne encephalitis
Abstract Background Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease of the central nervous system caused by a tick-borne viral infection. TBE can lead to severe neurological syndromes such as meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and meningoencephalomyelitis, which can result in death. There is no treatment, and prevention with the vaccine is the only intervention currently available. Objectives To evaluate […]
Treatment of acute cryptococcal meningitis in HIV infected adults, with an emphasis on resource-limited settings
Abstract Background Despite the advent and increasingly wide availability of antiretroviral therapy, cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity amongst individuals with HIV infection in resource-limited settings. The ideal management of CM remains unclear. The aim of this review is to assess the evidence for deciding on which antifungal regimen to […]
Interventions for skin changes caused by nerve damage in leprosy
Abstract Background More than three million persons are disabled by leprosy worldwide. The main complication of sensory nerve damage is neuropathic ulceration, particularly of the feet. In this review we explored interventions that can prevent and treat secondary damage to skin and limbs. Objectives To assess the effects of self-care, dressings and footwear in preventing […]
Third generation cephalosporins versus conventional antibiotics for treating acute bacterial meningitis
Abstract Background Antibiotic therapy for suspected acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) needs to be started immediately, even before the results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and antibiotic sensitivity are available. Immediate commencement of effective treatment using the intravenous route may reduce death and disability. Objectives The objective is to compare the effectiveness and safety of third […]
Management of toxoplasmic encephalitis in HIV-infected adults (with an emphasis on resource-poor settings)
Abstract Background Cerebral toxoplasmosis or toxoplasmic meningoencephalitis (hereafter referred to as TE) was one of the first opportunistic infections to be described in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -infected patients. Treatment of TE has been relatively successful in comparison to other opportunistic infections. Prior to the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a median survival […]
Routine surgery in addition to chemotherapy for treating spinal tuberculosis
Abstract Background Tuberculosis is generally curable with chemotherapy, but there is controversy in the literature about the need for surgical intervention in the one to two per cent of people with tuberculosis of the spine. Objectives To compare chemotherapy plus surgery with chemotherapy alone for treating people diagnosed with active tuberculosis of the spine. Search […]
Antifungal interventions for the primary prevention of cryptococcal disease in adults with HIV
Abstract Background Cryptococcal disease is an opportunistic infection that causes significant morbidity and mortality in adults with HIV. Primary prophylaxis with antifungal interventions may decrease cryptococcal disease incidence and associated mortality. Objectives To assess the efficacy of antifungal interventions for the primary prevention of cryptococcal disease in adults with HIV. Search methods We searched the […]
Polysaccharide vaccines for preventing serogroup A miningococcal meningitis
Abstract Background Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the 1970s and early 1980s showed the polysaccharide serogroup A vaccine (SgAV) prevented serogroup A meningococcal meningitis (SGAMM). Subsequent non-RCTs suggested significant variations in the age-specific duration of protection among children. Objectives To determine the protective effect, duration of protection, age-specific effects and the effect of booster doses […]