In part I of a two-part review, Iruka N Okeke and colleagues describe recent trends and the current status of resistance to antimicrobial drugs in developing countries. Part II, published next month, will address measures to counter this problem. Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Colin Shepard and colleagues provide a detailed review of the global epidemiology of HCV and focus on primary prevention efforts to reduce HCV infections, since there is no vaccine or post-exposure prophylaxis for the virus. Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The number of typhoid cases in the developed world has fallen dramatically, largely as a result of improved sanitation and hygiene. The disease is now characterised as a predominantly travel-associated disease. Bradley A Connor and Eli Schwartz discuss the epidemiology of the disease and review the treatment options available. Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Single-dose ciprofloxacin achieves clinical outcomes similar to, or better than, those achieved with 12-dose erythromycin treatment in childhood cholera, but is less effective in eradicating V cholerae from stool. The Lancet 2005; 366:1085-1093, DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67290-X

Randomized, non-inferiority trial in 510 patients with suspected meningococcal meningitis in Niger. Single dose ceftriaxone was as effective as long-acting chloramphenicol. Single-dose ceftriaxone provides an alternative treatment for epidemic meningococcal meningitis—its efficacy, ease of use, and low cost favour its use.

Hypernatremic dehydration requiring hospitalization is common among breastfed neonates. Increased efforts are required to establish successful breastfeeding. Jaundice was a common presenting complaint.