A global analysis of pharmaceutical sales data reveals that as COVID-19 cases rose, so did antibiotics prescribed to patients, averaging less than 10% bacterial coinfection rates. This study emphasizes the importance of responsible antibiotic use during pandemic treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a marked decrease in routine childhood immunization rates in India, with significant implications for the country's immunization program and COVID-19 recovery policies. The study highlights the urgent need for catch-up vaccination campaigns and investments in health systems.
A new report highlights the importance of acknowledging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in regulatory frameworks for accelerated drug approval. The analysis provides recommendations to improve access to new antibiotics in Brazil, India, and South Africa, where antibiotic development is hampered by regulatory hurdles.
A study using longitudinal data from the Indian Young Lives survey found that low-birth-weight infants experienced lower test scores compared to normal birth weight infants. The study estimated a 10% increase in birth weight corresponds to a 0.11 standard deviation increase in cognitive test scores at ages 5-8 years.
A study found that maternal immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can reduce antimicrobial prescribing among young infants. The research, based on a blinded, multi-country trial, showed that infants of mothers assigned the RSV F vaccine experienced fewer antimicrobial prescription courses over the first 90 days of life.
A mathematical modeling study predicts that routine immunization with TCV could avert 46-74% of all typhoid fever cases in 73 countries. Vaccination is also expected to reduce the relative prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant typhoid by 16%, preventing millions of cases and deaths.
The study found that excess deaths occurred at a rate of 5.2 per 1000 residents, representing a 41% increase over typical mortality levels. Excess mortality was substantially higher in older age groups and communities with lower socioeconomic status during the second wave.
A large-scale surveillance study in Madurai, India, found that comorbidities are a significant predictor of positive RT-PCR testing. The study also revealed an equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, highlighting the importance of non-communicable disease control in COVID-19 containment s...
Researchers analyzed country-level health systems capacity and socioeconomic characteristics to understand delays in implementing COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions. Lockdowns significantly reduced physical mobility, while national school closures had no significant impact.
Researchers found that the Mission Indradhanush program increased full immunization rates by 27% and the rate of receiving all vaccines at recommended ages by 8%. The program also improved vaccination rates for children who received treatment in multiple phases.
A large contact tracing study in Science found that children are active transmitters of COVID-19 and superspreading is common. The study also revealed higher mortality rates in the 40-69 age group, particularly in India compared to other countries.
The proportion of Watch antibiotics in global consumption increased 90.9%, primarily in low- & middle-income countries, while Access antibiotics grew 26.2%. The ratio of Access to Watch antibiotics decreased across countries, raising concerns about stewardship challenges.
Researchers found a strong association between flu vaccine coverage and reduced antibiotic use in the US. The study suggests that expanding flu vaccine coverage could reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and mitigate the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
A study of 109,908 non-migrant individuals found that routine childhood vaccination was associated with 0.2-0.3 additional schooling grades among adults, a significant link across socioeconomic and demographic factors. The finding supports the long-term benefits of vaccines beyond health outcomes.
Researchers mapped global trends in antimicrobial resistance rates among food animals in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2018. The study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise, with high rates of resistance identified in antibiotics commonly used in food production.
The study found that measles-vaccinated children had significantly higher scores on cognitive tests and attended better schools than their unvaccinated peers. Long-term health benefits of measles vaccination were also observed in terms of improved growth parameters, such as height and weight.
Researchers found that Hib-vaccinated children had higher HAZ scores, English and math test scores, and schooling attainment compared to unvaccinated children. The study suggests that Hib vaccination prior to age six is associated with improved long-term health, cognition, and schooling outcomes among Indian children.
Researchers developed a drug resistance index to track global trends in antibiotic therapy effectiveness. The study found that high-income countries generally have lower rates of resistance, while low- and middle-income countries face greater challenges due to limited access to newer drugs.
A dollar-for-dollar matching subsidy effectively reduces hospital-acquired infections, according to a study by CDDEP and Princeton University. The researchers found that subsidies should be given to hospitals with lower transmission rates to improve infection control for both facilities.
The study found that men aged 15-54 years and women aged 15-49 years exposed to the ICDS program during their first three years of life completed 0.1-0.3 more grades of schooling than those not exposed. This significant long-term benefit highlights the importance of early-life interventions in improving educational outcomes.
A study by CDDEP researchers found that investing in an effective antibiotic for Staphylococcus aureus infections can save millions of lives during a pandemic. The value of such investment is estimated to be between $3 and $4 billion, highlighting the importance of conserving antibiotics in preparedness plans.
Researchers at CDDEP developed a global checklist for hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs to optimize antibiotic use and slow antimicrobial resistance. The seven-core component checklist was tested in 12 hospitals across nine countries, highlighting common barriers to implementation.
Researchers found that antibiotic prophylaxis regimens are less effective at preventing surgical site infections following colorectal surgery. The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis has remained unchanged for other procedures like appendectomy and cesarean section.
Researchers found that patients infected with multi-drug resistant and extensively drug resistant bacterial infections, especially Gram-negative infections, had significantly higher mortality rates. The study highlights the urgent need for increased surveillance, research, and antimicrobial stewardship efforts worldwide.
A new study found that of 25 newly introduced antibiotics between 1999 and 2014, only 12 had sales in over 10 countries, highlighting the need for improved global distribution.
A new study finds that countries with better infrastructure, lower corruption, and higher spending on public health have lower rates of antibiotic resistance. Improving sanitation, access to clean water, and good governance are crucial in reducing antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers found a broad range of cost per dose delivered across Indian states, with personnel costs accounting for 57% of total costs. The weighted average national cost per dose was $2.29, which is lower than the current allocation of $25 per child.
A study found that patients' beliefs in the harmlessness of antibiotics can lead clinicians to prescribe them more, despite knowledge of side effects, resulting in increased healthcare costs and adverse reactions. The 'WNTAR' belief can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat.
Researchers analyzed national hospitalization data from 2010-2014 and found that MRSA-related hospitalization costs were approximately the same as or less expensive than hospitalizations with MSSA infections. However, patients with MRSA infections had a greater likelihood of mortality than those with MSSA.
A US study tracked antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii infections among children from 1999 to 2012, finding an overall increase in resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems, but a decline after 2008 due to improved infection control measures.
A comprehensive study identifies seven core elements for effective antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals worldwide. These essential components include leadership commitment, accountability, and education, which are applicable across high-income and low-income countries.