Section on Infectious Diseases
Critical Topics in Subspecialties – Infectious Diseases
Antibiotics
The use and abuse of antimicrobial therapy affects children and pediatricians. Talks or sessions
related to this topic should include the following: new agents, antibiotic stewardship, antibiotic
resistance, pharmacokinetics of antibiotics, adverse effects of antibiotic therapy, and empiric
antibiotic choices at various ages and in special circumstances.
Elliott, Sean P. Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens: an Emerging Pediatric Threat. Advances in
Pediatrics, 55, 2008;329 – 348.
Immunizations
Vaccines have been a major benefit to children and pediatricians; we have witnessed decreases in
all vaccine preventable infections. At the same time, we are witnessing an increase in concerns
regarding vaccine safety and questions about the vaccine schedule. Topics in this subject area
would include: new vaccines, the vaccine schedule, vaccine safety, surveillance for vaccine
preventable infections, vaccine hesitancy, communicating information about vaccines,
adverse events following immunizations, and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infections.
Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended childhood and adolescent
immunization schedules-United States, 2009. Pediatrics Vol.123, No. 1, January
2009,189-190.
Emerging infections
This is a topic of interest and importance to all pediatricians. Whether an emerging infection is
related to a new agent or resurgence of an agent, the impact of increased illness is important.
Topics under this heading would include: new infectious agents, role of infection in illness,
outbreaks, avian influenza, surveillance for new agents.
Monto, Arnold. The Risk of Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza: Prospects for Control. CID,
2009; (supplement 1) s20 – s25.