Researchers found that vaccination significantly increases neutralizing antibodies in saliva, reducing transmission risk. The study also shows the importance of receiving a second vaccine dose for maximum protection against evolving virus strains.
Research suggests that common prescription drugs like proton pump inhibitors, beta-blockers, and antimetabolites can increase the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections. These non-antibiotic medications are commonly used to treat various conditions but can also contribute to drug resistance.
A recent trial by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found that azithromycin does not prevent mild COVID-19 cases from progressing to hospitalization or death. The study showed no difference in the risk of progression between those treated with azithromycin and those who received standard care alone.
A study in Switzerland found that people living in poorer neighborhoods were less likely to be tested for COVID-19, but more likely to test positive, be hospitalized, or die compared to those in wealthier areas. The study also found stronger associations between neighborhood socioeconomic position and outcomes in younger age groups.
A WHO-sanctioned panel will discuss the need for more warnings before it's too late to address antimicrobial resistance. The world is facing a growing threat to modern medicine, with patients paying high prices for antibiotics due to a weak market and lack of access.
A new study reveals CoronaVac vaccine antibodies are less effective against the P.1 Brazil variant, raising concerns about vaccination program effectiveness and potential reinfection of previously infected individuals.
The CoronaVac vaccine demonstrated 83.5% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effectiveness against hospitalization in a phase 3 trial. The study involved adults aged 18-59 and showed high efficacy with a very good safety profile, but further data is needed on the vaccine's long-term effects and efficacy against new variants.
A large study found that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollutants like PM2.5 increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Communities of color in Detroit are disproportionately affected due to systemic inequalities and higher exposure to industrial pollution.
A new study found that patients taking immunosuppressants like methotrexate had weaker antibody responses to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after the first dose. However, T-cell responses were preserved in these patients, suggesting potential risks and benefits of vaccinating immunocompromised individuals.
A California study suggests that partnering with black churches and medical professionals can increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake in black communities. The study found that a three-tier approach to mobile vaccination clinics, involving faith leaders and pharmacists, resulted in a significant increase in vaccine uptake among blacks.
Researchers have discovered Yersinia pestis infection in two medieval graves in Southern Italy, providing the first genetic evidence of the Black Death's arrival in the region. The analysis of ancient DNA from the teeth of the victims confirms that they died from plague or other infectious diseases during the second pandemic.
Research shows aspirin can reduce ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction risk by 36% in pneumonia patients. Aspirin also lowers MI rates by 54%, providing potential preventive role for primary care settings.
Cases of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing, school closures, and mask use. The study suggests that infection with COVID-19 may have provided protection against other respiratory viruses through viral interference.
An 83-year-old man was diagnosed with HIV after experiencing fever and weight loss. He was treated with antiretroviral therapy and achieved an undetectable viral load. The case highlights the importance of targeting older adults for HIV testing, as they are often diagnosed late and at higher risk of death.
A study at ECCMID identifies existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat gonorrhoea by targeting efflux pumps, which remove toxic compounds from bacterial cells. The research found 57 potential drug candidates, including dequalinium and doxorubicin, which may serve as lead compounds for new gonorrhea treatments.
A study found that cats are more susceptible to COVID-19 than dogs, with 67% of owned cats testing positive for antibodies. Cats that sleep on their owner's bed are particularly at risk, and prolonged contact with owners may increase the chance of infection.
A study published at ECCMID 2021 found that individuals with depression and schizophrenia have a higher incidence of TB. The research suggests that mental health may play a causal role in increasing TB risk, particularly through its effect on the immune system.
A study of 156 dogs and 154 cats found that 6% had active COVID-19 infections and 17.4% had antibodies indicating past exposure. The researchers suggest that the most likely route of transmission is from human to pet, rather than the other way around.
A single dose of either the Pfizer or Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine offers around 60% protection against infection from SARS-CoV-2 in residents of long-term care facilities aged 65 and over. Vaccination also reduces the risk of transmission and infectivity, with a protective effect evident from 4 weeks after vaccination.
A new study found that one in ten veterinary workers in the Netherlands carries strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including ESBL-producing bacteria. The study suggests that occupational contact with animals may be a key factor in transmitting these resistant bacteria to humans.
The study analyzed 114 COVID-19 guidelines from leading organizations in the UK, France, Germany, and the US, finding significant variations in respiratory protection recommendations. The variations were attributed to differences in national and international guidelines, as well as shortages of equipment.
Research shows that surgical face masks can filter out up to 98% of particles and provide low resistance to breathing. In contrast, plastic face shields have little to no protective effect.
A 29-year-old woman was hospitalized with sepsis 14 months after a dermal filler injection, revealing rare bacterial causes and increasing awareness of the need for cosmetic patients and healthcare professionals.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing global mental health issues, fueled by worsening social determinants, job insecurity, and fear of infection. Millions are at risk of being pushed back into extreme poverty, a crisis that could reverse years of development in vulnerable countries.
A study found that patients with COVID-19 who presented within 3 days of symptom onset had more severe disease, including higher levels of organ failure, and were at increased risk for complications and death. Despite receiving antiviral therapy, mortality rates remained high in this group.
A contact tracing study found that wearing masks all the time reduced COVID-19 infection risk by 77% compared to not wearing them. Consistent practice of handwashing and social distancing also significantly reduced the risk, with benefits observed when maintaining at least a 1-metre distance from patients.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2 emergence was associated with a significant decrease in the circulation of other common respiratory viruses. Patients with COVID-19 had worse clinical outcomes and were more likely to develop pneumonia compared to those with co-infections.
Research found that changes in cell populations and circulating inflammatory proteins are already partly present in older healthy individuals. The study identified markers that explain the high susceptibility of older individuals to severe COVID-19 and inform efforts to prevent and treat the disease.
A new study reveals that higher COVID-19 mortality in men may be attributed to variations in circulating inflammatory proteins and immune cell populations compared to women. The research found lower counts of certain white blood cells and higher levels of inflammation-related molecules in healthy male participants.
A study of UK key workers found that around half who reported COVID-19 symptoms did not test positive for antibodies, suggesting other conditions. The research suggests self-reported symptoms overestimate COVID-19 disease relative to serology.
A head-to-head comparison of five SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays reveals that the Siemens and Oxford assays performed with the highest sensitivity and specificity, meeting regulatory targets. The study emphasizes the importance of accurately evaluating test performance to understand limitations and improve usage.
Nationwide COVID-19 antibody seroprevalence studies in Brazil show that cities along the Amazon River were severely affected at the beginning of the pandemic, as well as poorer and Indigenous communities. The research highlights a cluster of high prevalence in 11 cities along the Amazon River, with levels among the highest ever reported.
A study from the UK reveals a significant reduction in diagnoses of common conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings suggest that many cases may have gone undetected, undiagnosed, and untreated due to reduced healthcare engagement.
Research suggests that UK's COVID-19 preventive measures have prevented hundreds of deaths among homeless people in the country. The measures, including hotel room accommodation and infection control, were estimated to have avoided over 21,000 infections, 266 deaths, and 1164 hospital admissions.
A new study suggests that as lockdowns took effect, COVID-19 patients' viral loads decreased, leading to lower proportions requiring intensive care. This association may be linked to the previously observed relationship between viral load and less severe clinical manifestations.
A large study has confirmed that men with COVID-19 have a 62% increased risk of death compared to women, likely due to higher levels of inflammation. Men also experience more severe symptoms, longer hospital stays, and are more likely to require ICU care.
A study found that COVID-19 outbreaks in English care homes resulted from both external and internal sources, with a high mortality rate among residents. The research analyzed genomic data and identified multiple viral clusters, indicating both independent acquisitions and transmission between residents and healthcare workers.
A US study found a steady decline in initial SARS-CoV-2 viral loads among hospitalised patients from April to June 2020, coinciding with a decrease in deaths. The authors suggest an association between initial viral load and mortality, but note that exact reasons for the decline are unclear.
A review of evidence suggests that school closures may have negative consequences on children's mental health and limited effectiveness in preventing transmission. Experts recommend balancing pros and cons of reopening strategies, taking into account psychological, educational, and social consequences.
A systematic review of air contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals found high levels of viral RNA in patient toilets, staff areas and public spaces. The positivity rate was 27.5% in close patients' environments, with lower rates in distant areas.
Research finds that lower blood zinc levels are associated with poorer outcomes in COVID-19 patients, including higher inflammation and mortality. Patients with lower plasma zinc levels had a 7% reduced risk of in-hospital mortality compared to those with higher levels.
Research suggests that cancer patients with COVID-19 have a higher mortality rate due to their age and comorbidities, rather than the cancer. The study found that survival at 30 days was worse in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients.
A meta-analysis of studies shows that 40% of healthcare workers with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, increasing the risk of silent transmission. Healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 are at risk of severe complications and death, highlighting the need for universal screening.
A study found that a significant number of pet cats and dogs develop antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 after being exposed to the virus through contact with their owners. The study suggests that pets may be at risk of infection if their owners have COVID-19.
Rates of moderate, severe, and critical COVID-19 were similar across racial and ethnic groups in an early US COVID-19 hotspot. African Americans had higher comorbidity index scores but lower BMI compared to Caucasians and Latinx patients.
A study investigating SARS-CoV-2 infections on 16 Dutch mink farms found evidence of zoonotic transmission, where the virus jumped between people and minks. The study revealed that over 66% of farm workers had SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting direct contact with infected minks was a primary mode of transmission.
A study found that 26% of young hospitalised patients with COVID-19 developed pneumonia, while severe cases accounted for 2%. The study highlights the risk of pneumonia and severe pneumonia among young individuals, emphasizing the need for awareness and vigilance.
A study found that persistent fatigue occurs in more than half of patients recovered from COVID-19, affecting both admitted and non-admitted patients equally. The researchers also discovered a higher representation of women and individuals with pre-existing depression/anxiety among those experiencing persistent fatigue.
A new meta-analysis of published studies on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment finds no mortality benefit, while combining it with azithromycin is associated with a 27% increased risk. The study supports current clinical recommendations against using these drugs for COVID-19 patients.
A European survey of 1,500 parents found varying levels of support for vaccination across five countries. Parents in Spain were the most pro-vaccination, while those in France were the least favourably inclined. The UK and Germany had significant proportions of parents opposed to all vaccinations.