A study of over 20,000 Canadian adults hospitalised with COVID-19 found that vaccination significantly lowers the risk of ICU admission and death. Vaccination with one, two, or three doses reduced the likelihood of ICU admission by 34% and odds of dying by 22%.
A large nationwide study of 853,219 COVID-19 patients found that all-cause mortality rates remained unchanged at 16%, while survival improved for most levels of disease severity. However, ICU use and mortality rate increased for critically ill patients on invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO.
A new study suggests that pregnant women are five times more likely to be hospitalized and six times more likely to require intensive care treatment compared to non-pregnant women. Vaccination can significantly reduce this risk, with healthy pregnant women being over five times more likely to be hospitalized without vaccination.
A study found that chickenpox in childhood results in £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. Working women are significantly more likely to provide care for sick children, missing an average of 5 days per child. The true cost is likely higher due to underreported cases.
A population-wide study in Chile shows that a mix-and-match approach to booster vaccination provides the best protection against COVID-19. The study found that heterologous booster vaccines, such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Astra Zeneca, were more effective than using the same vaccine for all three doses.
Inadequate PPE management in Belgian testing centres caused major cross-contamination of samples, resulting in a high rate of false positive results. Scientists found that lack of glove changes between patients was the primary source of contamination.
A Danish study found that the superbug C. difficile can be transmitted from pigs to humans, suggesting a link between animal agriculture and human infections. The study identified multiple antibiotic-resistant genes shared between pig and human isolates, highlighting the potential for zoonotic spread of antimicrobial resistance.
A UK study of over 2,000 COVID-19 patients found that only around 25% feel fully recovered after one year. Women and obese individuals are more likely to experience lower recovery rates. The study highlights the need for effective interventions to address long-term symptoms and improve patient care.
Researchers have identified a panel of cytokines that can help predict which COVID-19 patients are at risk of serious illness and death. High levels of certain cytokines, such as IL-6 and IP-10, can signal an excessive immune response that may lead to organ failure and death.
A blood test can predict which patients with COVID-19 pneumonia are most likely to become severely ill. Researchers found that levels of certain host proteins increased or decreased at different stages of hospitalization, providing insight into the progression of disease.
A third of healthcare workers took sick leave after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, with average length of sick leave being two days. The study found that those given mRNA jabs were most likely to take sick leave after their second or third dose.
A Belgian study found high levels of respiratory pathogens in air samples from nurseries, schools, and nursing homes during winter. The most frequently identified pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae, human bocavirus, and entero-/rhinovirus.
A preliminary study found that organic leafy greens are susceptible to contamination with disease-causing bacteria and protozoa, including Pseudomonas, Salmonella, and Helicobacter. The presence of these pathogens inside free-living amoebae suggests a potential risk to public health through contaminated organic vegetables.
A Spanish study found that adults hospitalised with COVID-19 were three times as likely to die within 30 days and 90 days compared to those hospitalised for seasonal influenza. The study also revealed that COVID-19 patients spent more time in the hospital, ICU, and required more expensive treatment.
Researchers discovered MRSA in 10% of hedgehogs in Helsinki, including a successful clone with global spread potential. The study suggests spillover of antimicrobial resistance from anthropogenic sources to urban wildlife, posing a risk for human patients.
Researchers from King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust studied nine immunocompromised patients with persistent COVID-19 infections, finding that five developed at least one mutation seen in variants of concern. The study provides evidence that new variants may develop in immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers investigated the association between relative telomere length and COVID-19 mortality in 608 adults hospitalised with the virus. In women aged 65 or older, shorter telomeres were associated with a higher risk of dying from COVID-19. Longer telomeres were linked to a reduced risk, particularly in women.
A longer interval between COVID-19 vaccine doses can significantly increase antibody production in naive individuals, with effects observed in younger participants. However, the impact of dosing interval on antibody levels in those with previous infection is minimal.
A 31-year-old woman, a healthcare worker, tested positive for the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2 just 20 days after having a Delta infection. The 20-day gap between infections is the shortest known. Fully vaccinated and boosted, she developed symptoms without immunity.
A US study found that almost three-quarters of antibiotics prescribed to patients over 65 are inappropriate, and two-thirds for Black patients. The study also showed that Hispanic/LatinX patients receive over half of their antibiotics inappropriately.
Outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Australia decreased significantly during the pandemic, with a 38% drop in winter 2020 compared to pre-pandemic years. The reduction was predominantly due to decreases in GP prescribing and targeted public education efforts.
A global study found that COVID-19 deaths increased by an average of 449 more over the weekend compared to weekdays, with the USA, Brazil, and UK experiencing significantly higher increases. The study suggests bureaucratic delays, hospital staffing levels, and organizational factors contribute to the phenomenon.
A Brazilian study reveals that counties supporting President Jair Bolsonaro's 2018 election win have higher COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates. Vaccination efforts led to declining case and death rates nationwide, but these effects were less pronounced in Bolsonaro's strongest supporters.
A study of nearly a million adults in England found that those at risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years are substantially more likely to become seriously unwell with COVID-19. People with elevated cardiovascular risk were six times as likely to die from COVID-19 and had three times the risk of hospitalization, according...
A systematic review of 35 observational studies found that current immunisation coverage target of 95% may only be the minimum requirement for elimination. The analysis estimated average MCV2 vaccine effectiveness was 96.4%, indicating that a vaccination level of 95% should be considered a minimum requirement, not a goal.
Researchers found that healthy companion animals and their owners can transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes to each other, highlighting the importance of hygiene practices around pets. The study suggests that even low-level shedding of bacteria by healthy carriers can pose a risk to vulnerable individuals.
New data from the MOVe-OUT trial reveals that molnupiravir significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection within three days of treatment. In contrast, those receiving a placebo took up to five days to clear the virus. The study confirms molnupiravir's effectiveness in accelerating viral RNA decline and eliminating infectious virus.
A new analysis of data on molnupiravir shows the drug effectively clears active SARS-CoV-2 virus in both immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients. The study found similar reductions in viral replication and no infectious virus detected after treatment, indicating equal efficacy in both groups.
An analysis of patient-reported data on molnupiravir suggests improved outcomes for most COVID-related symptoms, including loss of smell and fatigue. The drug also showed reduced symptom progression in non-hospitalized patients with high-risk conditions.
A French study suggests that long-term use of protease inhibitors may lower the risk of COVID-19 infection by 70%. The study found that patients taking PIs had a lower incidence of COVID-19 compared to those not on PIs, despite having similar risk factors.
Researchers found that patients infected with the Alpha variant experienced different neurological and emotional symptoms compared to those infected with the original form of SARS-CoV-2. The study suggests that different COVID-19 variants may give rise to distinct long COVID symptoms.
The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases finds organ donation from COVID-19 patients is safe and does not transmit SARS-CoV-2. Recipients with asymptomatic infections are also now eligible for transplant, but must be triple-vaccinated.
The omicron variant's infectiousness period is uncertain, with evidence suggesting it may not be shorter than previous variants. Dr Marjolein Irwin-Knoester recommends a maximum of 7-day isolation for most cases, striking a balance between virus infectivity and community acceptance.
Outbreaks in Hong Kong's high-rise housing have shown vertical transmission of COVID-19 via drainage stack bioaerosols, which can spread through pipes and enhance by poor ventilation. The omicron variant has contributed to the rapid spread.
Organ donation from dying COVID-19 patients appears to be safe and does not infect recipients with SARS-CoV-2. The study found all 6 abdominal organs had stable graft function and no unexpected rejection occurred.
Research from six countries highlights social media's importance for migrant and ethnic minority populations seeking COVID-19 information, particularly in cases of language barriers or limited access to official sources. Positive social media experiences can increase vaccine uptake by sharing personalized and culturally tailored public...
A pilot study suggests that long COVID symptoms could be linked to the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the vagus nerve. The study found significant alterations in the vagus nerve, including thickening and reduced function, in patients with long COVID symptoms.
A study found that previous COVID-19 infection improves the performance of antibodies and potentially provides longer-term protection, especially in obese individuals. In contrast, vaccination does not enhance antibody quality and may not provide sustained immunity in those who have been previously infected or overweight.
A new study found that silver-impregnated PVC foil significantly reduces levels of contamination on high-touch surfaces in hospitals. Clinically important bacteria, including Enterococci, were less likely to be present on foil-covered surfaces.
Researchers found that electric toilet water-jet nozzles can harbor multidrug-resistant bacteria, which can be transmitted to patients with weakened immune systems. The study highlights the need for modified hand hygiene practices and toilet disinfection protocols in hospitals to prevent superbug transmission.
A study found that COVID-19 outbreaks in French nursing homes were primarily caused by infected staff, rather than environmental factors or resident characteristics. The results suggest that even with strict hygiene measures in place, staff infections can still lead to outbreaks among residents.
A new study found that fully vaccinated care home residents are still at risk of COVID-19, with the vaccine being less effective in older adults. The study showed that unvaccinated residents were three times more likely to develop the infection than those who had received two doses of the vaccine.
The flu vaccine has been found to protect against severe effects of COVID-19, including ICU admissions, sepsis, and strokes. Patients vaccinated against flu were less likely to visit emergency departments and be admitted to ICUs.
A vaccine to protect against hepatitis C could be developed and rolled out within five years, according to Professor Sir Michael Houghton. The development of a vaccine is crucial for reducing new infections and mortality rates by 90% and 65%, respectively, by 2030.
The mcr-1 gene, providing resistance to last-resort antibiotic colistin, has been detected in humans and pets worldwide since its first report in China in 2015. Research finds that household pets may be acting as reservoirs of the gene, aiding its spread in the community.
A study found that raw dog food in European supermarkets and pet shops contains antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including 'superbugs' found in hospital patients. The researchers concluded that dog food is a source of bacteria resistant to last-resort antibiotics and could potentially spread to humans.
A Belgian case report documents a 90-year-old woman's simultaneous infection with two different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: B.1.1.7 (UK) and B.1.351 (South Africa). The patient developed rapidly worsening respiratory symptoms, leading to death. This is one of the first documented cases of co-infection with VOCs.
A study analyzing over 1,200 VA outpatient clinics found a 3.9% annual decline in total antibiotic prescriptions between 2011 and 2018. The largest decrease was seen for ciprofloxacin, while outpatient use of doxycycline, azithromycin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate remained high.
A large-scale study from South Africa found that the Beta variant increased COVID-19 hospitalization and death risks compared to previous waves. The study suggested a higher case fatality risk of 26.9% during the second wave, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
A study reveals that highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 can emerge in people living with advanced HIV if they cannot clear the virus through effective antiretroviral therapy. This increases the risk of severe disease and potentially more potent variants.