Ronan Murray

Feasibility of real-time polymerase chain reaction in whole blood to identify Streptococcus pneumoniae in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

We assessed a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the lytA and ply gene of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Both assays were applied to whole blood samples from 28 adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Our findings suggest the lytA PCR is more sensitive, and the quantitative aspect of the assay shows promise as an aid to clinical judgment.

Microbiological profile of chronic ulcers of the lower limb: a prospective observational cohort study

Background:  The aim of the study was to determine the microbiological profile of chronic lower‐limb ulcers in a tertiary outpatient setting.

Meta‐analysis of nebulized amphotericin B to prevent or treat pulmonary aspergillosis in immunosuppressed animals

Objectives: Pulmonary aspergillosis in immunosuppressed patients is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. We assessed the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of nebulized amphotericin B (AmB) on mortality of immunosuppressed animals with pulmonary aspergillosis in this meta‐analysis.

A comparison of paediatric and adult infectious diseases consultations in Australia and New Zealand

The objective of this paper is to describe paediatric infectious diseases consultations across Australia and New Zealand. We surveyed infectious diseases physicians at 51 hospitals over a period of 2 weeks in 2012. Compared with adult consults, paediatric consults were more frequently received from general paediatricians/physicians and intensive care, yet less frequently from surgeons and emergency. Respiratory, skin/soft tissue and bone/joint infections were the most frequent consultations in children. These data demonstrate the breadth of formal infectious diseases consults in children. Differences between paediatric and infectious diseases consultations need to be considered when planning both paediatric and adult physician training and future curriculum development.