A new study has found that hospital toilet surfaces in the UK are contaminated with multi-drug resistant superbugs, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The study reveals that patient toilets were the worst affected, with higher levels of bacteria and fungi found on floors and high surfaces than hand-touch sites.
A new study found that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevalence in bloodstream infections varies by age and sex, with age being a significant factor. The study analyzed data from 29 European countries and found diverse patterns of association between AMR and age/sex for different bacterial species and resistance phenotypes.
Researchers developed a ten-minute breath test to monitor antibiotic concentrations, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood tests. The study found that exhaled breath samples can detect specific metabolites associated with antibiotics, paving the way for potential therapeutic drug monitoring.
A new study found that ChatGPT's responses to key questions about brain abscess diagnostics and treatment were unclear or incorrect in some cases, potentially putting patients at risk. The AI model provided clear answers to most questions but failed to provide adequate guidance on certain treatment decisions.
A growing concern in Europe and globally, enterovirus paralysis can cause devastating symptoms similar to polio. Surveillance systems are desperately needed to identify the scale of this threat.
Research found high levels of resistance to critically important antibiotics in uncooked meat, including chicken, lamb, beef, and pork. Uncooked dog food samples also showed similar resistance patterns.
The global cervical cancer vaccine roll-out has shown significant effectiveness in reducing HPV-related diseases. However, there are huge variations in coverage between countries, with high-income nations leading the way and many low- and middle-income countries lagging behind. Globally, only 44% of girls have received at least one dos...
The global measles case total for 2023 is almost double that of the previous year, with a significant increase in cases reported in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Experts attribute this to increased transmission due to gaps in immunization coverage and lack of uniformity in vaccination rates.
A study found a significant increase in negative tweets about vaccines after COVID-19 jabs became available, coinciding with government and healthcare announcements. The researchers argue that a new approach is needed to address negative messaging, avoiding terms like 'anti-vaxxers'.
Researchers are developing CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology to modify and attack AMR bacteria, offering new tools to battle the increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance. By targeting specific genes and using phage-based delivery systems, scientists aim to develop safer therapies.
A pilot study found that targeted gut-microbiota therapy improved symptoms in almost all patients with post-infection IBS, with 38.5% achieving total remission. The treatment involved a personalised blend of antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics tailored to each patient's unique microbiome.
CRISPR technology holds promise in tackling antimicrobial resistance by re-sensitizing bacteria to first-line antibiotics. However, bacteria have developed anti-CRISPR systems that can repair damage caused by the technology, complicating its effectiveness.
New therapies aim to strengthen the body's immune responses and restore antimicrobial functions to combat TB. Researchers have identified small molecule compounds that reduce Mtb growth inside immune cells by up to 50-75%, suggesting a potential complement to standard therapy.
Malaria parasite can be transmitted through blood donations, organ transplants, and needle sharing. Dr. Sophie Le Cam highlights the need for more sensitive testing methods to detect asymptomatic infections in donors from malaria-endemic countries.
Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles collaborated with cartoonist Toby Morris to create digestible graphics about COVID-19, reducing transmission chains and promoting public measures. However, she faced abusive messages and personal attacks, highlighting the need for adequate support from employers.
Effective public health communication is crucial for controlling the spread of disease, maintaining public trust, and encouraging compliance with health measures during epidemics. The African continent's diverse linguistic and cultural landscape requires tailored communication strategies to address social and economic factors.
A German study of over 1,300 hospitalised adults with moderate COVID-19 found that antibiotic treatment was associated with a five times greater likelihood of clinical deterioration. The researchers highlight the need for improved antibiotic stewardship interventions and rational use of antibiotics during viral pandemics.
A recent US study found that hospital-acquired antimicrobial-resistant infections increased by 32% during the COVID-19 pandemic and still exceed pre-pandemic levels. The study highlights the urgent need for solutions to address difficult-to-treat gram-negative infections, which are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
Mosquito-borne diseases are becoming a global phenomenon due to climate change, increasing the risk of local transmission in Europe and beyond. Researchers are developing early warning systems to combat outbreaks, which could save millions of lives.
Climate change exacerbates antimicrobial resistance by increasing global temperatures, sea levels, and disease transmission. This threat multiplier effect poses significant risks to human health, food supply, and ecosystem integrity.
A new UK/German study suggests that perceptions of serious side effects are less than half as important as common side effects, such as fatigue or pain at the injection site, when making a decision to be vaccinated. The study found that educating the public about vaccine safety and efficacy is crucial in boosting vaccination uptake.
A recent study found that infants born via C-section have more antibiotic-resistant genes, while antibiotic use and prematurity fuel resistance. Infants from Africa had more resistant genes than those from Europe. Probiotics may help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance in infants by targeting their gut microbiome.
A new ultraviolet light technology called far-UVC has been shown to be effective in killing viruses and bacteria without the safety concerns of conventional UV light. This technology could help reduce the risk of healthcare infections and even the next pandemic by continuously decontaminating occupied spaces.
A VACCELERATE Consortium survey study found that 57% of global infectious diseases experts ranked influenza as the top pandemic risk, with Disease X and SARS-CoV-2 also among the most concerning pathogens. The study highlights the need for continued preparedness and surveillance to prevent pandemics.
A recent study published at the ESCIMD Global Congress found that Black female patients are at higher risk of death from carbapenem-resistant enterobacterales (CRE) bloodstream infections. The study analyzed data from 362 US hospital patients and discovered that Black females had a significantly increased risk of mortality compared to ...
Researchers highlight the risk of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging due to prolonged viral replication in immunocompromised individuals. Close genomic surveillance and early diagnostic tests are crucial to mitigate potential public health threats.
A new implementation programme highlights challenges of locating and re-engaging former prisoners and individuals living with HIV who drop out of care. The study found that retaining these patients in care is crucial to end the global HIV epidemic.
A study of tens of thousands of individuals found that post-TB lung disease is a significant global challenge. TB survivors experience restrictive lung damage and airflow obstruction, reducing their ability to breathe efficiently and increasing the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
A new UK/Portuguese study suggests that pets can act as reservoirs of resistance, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria to their healthy owners. The study found multidrug-resistant bacteria in both pet-owning households and among the owners themselves.
A pilot study found that ChatGPT provided factual responses to common questions about vaccination and STIs, demonstrating its potential as a tool to reduce vaccine hesitancy and provide helpful advice on sexual health. The AI chatbot's accuracy and conciseness were comparable to professional organizations' guidelines.
A new EU study has found that over-60s are six times more likely to acquire pneumonia-causing bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae after daily contact with young children. Pneumococcal infections mainly affect children under two and the elderly, claiming almost two million lives worldwide every year.
A population-wide observational study found an association between tuberculosis (TB) and a higher incidence of various cancers. TB patients were more likely to be diagnosed with lung, blood, gynaecological, colorectal, thyroid, oesophagus, and stomach cancers compared to the general population.
Austrian researchers report a breakthrough mpox infection in a fully vaccinated man who received two doses of the Jynneos vaccine. The case highlights the potential durability of protective immunity after complete vaccination and emphasizes the importance of clinical suspicion in high-risk groups.
Researchers found that Mpox antibodies decrease significantly within a year of MVA-BN vaccination, especially in individuals without prior smallpox vaccination. In contrast, antibody levels remained high in those with childhood smallpox vaccination, suggesting long-term protection.
A Swedish study reveals that neutralising antibodies to the monkeypox virus decline significantly after two doses of the MVA-BN vaccine within the first month. The findings suggest that a booster dose may be necessary to maintain immunity, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence before policy decisions are made.
Researchers have identified distinct molecular signatures associated with sepsis, enabling more accurate diagnosis and prognosis. The study's findings suggest a potential new tool to target specific therapies at patients most likely to develop severe symptoms.
A UK study found that individuals with multiple sclerosis had a seven times greater risk of hospitalization and a four-fold increased risk of dying from COVID-19, even after repeated doses of vaccines. Vaccination alone may not adequately protect this vulnerable population, highlighting the need for additional preventive measures.
The incidence of STIs among older adults is rising globally, with data from the US CDC showing a more than doubling of rates over the past decade. Experts say misconceptions about age and sex, as well as limited access to sexual health services, contribute to the problem.
Older people with HIV are more likely to have comorbidities and become frail compared to their age groups without HIV. By 65 years old, around 70% of those living with HIV for 20 years or more are living with multiple conditions.
A study of two large European patient cohorts found that increased abundance of butyrate-producing gut bacteria is associated with reduced risk of hospitalization for infections. Each 10% increase in these bacteria resulted in a 14-25% lower risk of hospitalization, regardless of demographics or comorbidities.
Researchers successfully demonstrate CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology to eliminate all traces of the HIV virus from infected cells in laboratory settings. The study aims to develop a robust and safe combinatorial regimen to target diverse HIV strains across various cellular contexts.
Research suggests that long COVID's impact on the health system is due to high volumes of COVID-19 cases rather than symptom severity. Symptoms reported with long COVID include fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, but are indistinguishable from those experienced by individuals with seasonal influenza or other post-viral illnesses.
A new review focuses on personalised care for diseases like influenza, enabling accurate determination of when the infectious part has passed. The approach involves dialogue about treatment and prevention options, as well as individualised risk assessments to promote transparency and equity in medical care.
A new review at ECCMID 2024 will examine improving preventive measures to stop surgical infections. It highlights the need for evidence-based recommendations, citing examples such as pre-surgery showering and instrument handling, while acknowledging inconsistent practices.
Research suggests AI can identify key risk factors for outbreaks, pinpointing specific
A new research review at ECCMID 2024 explores the use of AI in infection control, including ensuring correct mask wear and intelligent cleaning. The key to successful AI use is identifying problems and offloading repetitive tasks to AI systems.
Research highlights devastating impact of war injuries on civilians and soldiers, resulting in complex bone and soft-tissue infections. Doctors describe treating patients with highly complex musculoskeletal infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Researchers found that identifying and targeting 'supercontactors', including nurses and patients with neurological disorders, can significantly reduce the incidence of MRSA colonization. Simulation studies showed that reinforced contact precautions and vaccination targeting these individuals can be more effective than random selection.
A London hospital recently took swift action to contain a potential measles outbreak, highlighting the importance of vaccination and prompt contact tracing. The hospital identified nine patients at high risk, including pregnant women and those with severe immunosuppression, and administered post-exposure prophylaxis to those not immune.
Researchers are investigating whether faecal microbiota transplantation can modulate the immune reaction and alter gut microbiota in early-stage ALS patients. The trial aims to investigate the relationship between specific gut bacteria and their action on immune system cells.