At VA-GLA, guidelines have been developed by the ID section to address specific issues encountered amongst our specific patient population. These guidelines have been tailored to the antimicrobial flora prevalent amongst patients at VA-GLA and, as such, may not be applicable at other institutions.
Guidelines for certain ID conditions have also been developed by expert panels, including professional societies (e.g., Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Thoracic Society and American Heart Association) as well as Center for Disease Control. These consensus guidelines can be found here.
Guidelines should not be viewed as rules of practice that require 100% compliance. Rather, they should be used to assist in clinical decision-making. Furthermore, guidelines may not be applicable to all patients. If questions or problems arise, then an Infectious Diseases consultant should be contacted.
GLA Guidelines for Specific Conditions
Respiratory conditions
Bacteremia and endocarditis
- Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and infective endocarditis
- Suspected or proven gram-negative bacteremia
- Modified Duke’s criteria for the diagnosis of endocarditis
Other bacterial infections
- Clostridium-difficile-associated diarrhea
- Cellulitis, complicated soft tissue infection, and diabetic foot infections
- Nosocomial urinary tract infection
Fungal Infections
- Suspected or proven candidemia
- Diagnosis and management of invasive and chronic infection by Aspergillus species
Miscellaneous
- When to switch from IV to PO antibiotics
- The role of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) in the treatment of infectious diseases
- Approach to the returning soldier from Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom with potential infection-related symptoms
Guidelines for Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Dosing Recommendations for Specific Antibiotics