Rifampin-impregnated and clindamycin-impregnated silicone catheters appear to be safe and well tolerated in children. Preliminary results suggest a low incidence of shunt infection. Longer follow-up and a larger number of patients are needed to more accurately assess the efficacy of these catheters compared with traditional silicone catheters.

Objectives We determined the prevalence and treatment rates of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in newly arrived refugees in San Diego County, California, and assessed demographic and clinical characteristics associated with these outcomes. Methods We analyzed data from LTBI screening results of 4280 refugees resettled in San Diego County between January 2010 and October 2012. Using multivariate logistic regression, we calculated the associations between demographic and clinical risk factors and the outcomes of LTBI diagnosis and LTBI treatment initiation. Results The prevalence of LTBI was highest among refugees from sub-Saharan Africa (43%) and was associated with current smoking and having a clinical comorbidity that increases the risk for active tuberculosis. Although refugees from sub-Saharan Africa had the highest prevalence of infection, they were significantly less likely to initiate treatment than refugees from the Middle East. Refugees with postsecondary education were significantly more likely to initiate LTBI treatment. Conclusions Public health strategies are needed to increase treatment rates among high-risk refugees with LTBI. Particular attention is required among refugees from sub-Saharan Africa and those with less education.

Use of a surfactant and/or a germicidal will provide some protection against bacteria attaching to silicone surfaces before they are surgically implanted. The use of a surfactant soak of 20% P188 or iodine at a concentration of 5 ppm before inoculation with S. epidermidis significantly decreased the bacterial adhesion to silicone wafers. This finding has relevance to clinical practice because it highlights a simple step undertaken before implanting a ventricular catheter that could reduce the adhesion rate of the most common contaminant of these catheters. This step may become an important factor in decreasing infection rates in shunt-dependent patients.