A new study found that early involvement of an infectious disease specialist in patients with severe sepsis leads to a 40% lower risk of death. The study, which included 248 ER patients, also found that antibiotic prescriptions were stopped more quickly when an ID consult happened early.
US immigrant detention centers have faced criticism over deplorable conditions, including overcrowding and lack of access to healthcare. Seven children have died in the last 10 months amidst outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and mumps.
The UN Climate Action Summit emphasizes the need to address climate change's global health emergency. IDSA urges leaders to invest in monitoring and preparedness for infectious disease threats, including vector-borne and waterborne diseases.
The article highlights the growing public health crisis of opioid and infectious disease (ID) epidemics, citing increased rates of HIV, viral hepatitis, and skin infections linked to rising opioid use. Experts recommend strengthened responses by infectious diseases and substance use specialists, including investments in evidence-based ...
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released updated guidelines for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), suggesting that testing should be limited to high-risk patients. This shift aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatment and minimize the risk of promoting antibiotic resistance.
The review finds that while antibiotic development has improved, the most recently approved drugs represent modifications to existing classes rather than innovative approaches. Unmet needs persist due to a lack of treatment options for multidrug-resistant infections.
Only about 16% of U.S. adolescents have been fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) by age 13, despite national recommendations. Timely HPV vaccination at 11-12 years old has several advantages, including a stronger immune response and better protection against cancers.
The IDSA guidelines emphasize testing and treatment for pregnant women and those at high risk of complications, such as the extremely obese. These individuals should be provided with antiviral treatment as soon as possible if they are sick enough to be hospitalized or have severe symptoms.
A new study found that cancer patients, particularly those with blood-related cancers, have a significantly higher risk of developing shingles due to the virus reactivating later in life. New shingles vaccines offer great promise as a strategy to prevent shingles and its complications in cancer patients.
A new study analyzed nearly 3,800 U.S. outbreaks from 2009 to 2016 and found that severe outcomes were more frequent in outbreaks caused by specific genotypes of norovirus, particularly GII.4. The research may guide efforts to develop vaccines effective against norovirus disease.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released new guidelines for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), emphasizing the importance of review by an infectious diseases specialist before starting treatment. Regular monitoring and blood tests are also recommended to ensure patient safety.
A recent measles case highlights the importance of herd immunity in safeguarding those with compromised immune systems. Despite being fully vaccinated as a child, a Swiss man undergoing leukemia treatment died from severe measles complications.
A study found that a simple cleaning procedure using antibacterial shampoo and wipes can prevent therapy dogs from spreading MRSA to children with cancer. The decolonization process reduces MRSA carriage in both patients and dogs, improving patient safety.
A study of 500,000-plus outpatient antibiotic prescriptions found that nearly half were given without an infection-related diagnosis. The research suggests a huge problem with antibiotic misuse, regardless of symptom, and highlights concerns about 80% of antibiotics prescribed on an outpatient basis.
Research suggests that efavirenz may increase the risk of a neurological condition, such as microcephaly or seizures, in children born to HIV-positive mothers on this ART regimen. The SMARTT study found that 60% more babies exposed to efavirenz developed a neurological condition compared to those not exposed.
A recent study found that at-risk teens and young adults are not being tested for hepatitis C, a serious liver infection, despite their risk of contracting it. The study, which analyzed data from over 250,000 youth, suggests that current guidelines underestimate who is at risk for the infection.
Challenges facing ID physician scientists include inadequate funding for fellowship opportunities and steep compensation disparities, leading to a decline in trainees pursuing careers as physician researchers. To address this, medical societies recommend expanded mentorship, training opportunities, and workforce diversity measures.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that obesity may play a role in how the flu spreads. Obese adults infected with flu shed the virus for a longer time than non-obese adults, potentially increasing the opportunity for transmission to others.
A new lab diagnosis guide from IDSA and ASM aims to help healthcare providers accurately diagnose infectious diseases with rapid molecular testing. The guide provides detailed guidance on test selection, specimen collection, and laboratory management to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A new study suggests that all chronic hepatitis C-infected patients' access to direct-acting antiviral medications must be improved to achieve the public health goal of eliminating hepatitis C infection. Denials were more common among patients with commercial insurance, with 52.4% of prescriptions denied.
A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that patients with drug-resistant infections who received consultation from ID specialists had a 50% lower 30-day mortality rate. ID consultation was also associated with reduced mortality and hospital readmissions for certain types of resistant bacteria.
A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that Australia's highly successful HPV vaccination program has led to a significant decline in cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, an uncommon and difficult-to-treat childhood respiratory disease. As a result, medical costs related to the disease have decre...
A new study confirms outpatient antibiotic use is a primary risk factor for acquiring C. difficile infection in the community, and recent emergency department visits may also pose a risk. The study found that patients with community-associated C. difficile infections were more likely to have prior health care visits and taken antibiotics.
New culture-independent tests are more sensitive than traditional methods in detecting the cause of infectious diarrhea. However, these tests may detect multiple organisms, requiring infectious disease expertise for interpretation. The IDSA guidelines recommend testing children under 5, elderly individuals, and those with specific symp...
A study found that antibiotics prescribed by dentists may contribute to Clostridium difficile infections, a serious and potentially deadly infection. The research highlights the importance of using antibiotics only when needed and notes that many unnecessary prescriptions are likely.
PrEP prescriptions increased by 976% in NYC between 2014 and 2016, but men of color, women, and those outside city centers were less likely to receive the HIV prevention medication. Many medical students and healthcare providers remain unaware of PrEP's benefits, highlighting the need for education and outreach programs.
A study published at IDWeek 2017 suggests that women with frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can reduce their risk by increasing their daily water intake. The research found that those who drank an additional three pints of water a day were nearly half as likely to get UTIs compared to those who didn't.
A second-grade handwashing experiment found a 90% reduction in bacteria on hands after washing or using sanitizer gel. This led to a significant decrease in illness-related absences among students.
Chronic pain affects 39-85% of people living with HIV, with neuropathic pain being a significant concern. Guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary treatment approach using non-drug options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and physical therapy.
A large study of Medicare beneficiaries found the high-dose flu vaccine was 36% less likely to result in death following hospitalization or emergency department visits with a flu diagnosis compared to the standard-dose vaccine. However, its effectiveness varied by season and type of influenza virus.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has published guidelines for diagnosing and treating complex neurological infections, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach. The guidelines provide parameters for identifying and managing ventriculitis and meningitis, as well as prevention strategies.
A new study suggests that widely used pain relievers may increase the risk of a heart attack when used during a cold or flu-like illness. Researchers found a stronger association with a heart attack when both an acute respiratory infection and NSAID use were present, with a 3.4-fold increased risk for a heart attack.
The parasite is transmitted by sand fly bites, causing cutaneous, mucosal, or visceral leishmaniasis. Timely diagnosis and treatment with oral miltefosine, heat treatment for CL, and FDA-approved medications are vital to manage the disease.
A new modeling study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that smoking may shorten the lifespan of people living with HIV more than the virus itself. Smoking cessation is crucial to improve life expectancy and overall health among this population, with significant health and economic benefits.
A new monoclonal antibody, ibalizumab, has shown promise in treating patients with multidrug-resistant HIV. Eighty-three percent of patients achieved a virologic response after treatment, making it a potential option for those resistant to all other medications.
Researchers identified 17 cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in California between 1998 and 2016, most developed symptoms after getting measles as infants before being vaccinated. Vaccinating everyone against measles can prevent SSPE, which is fatal and has no cure.
Research shows that people who receive regular dental check-ups have a lower risk of pneumonia than those who don't. Good oral hygiene can limit the quantities of bacteria present, reducing the risk of pneumonia.
A study found that nurses' scrubs are frequently contaminated with bacteria, including MRSA, spread from patients and hospital rooms. This highlights the importance of infection control strategies, such as hand washing, using disposable gloves, and regular cleaning of patient rooms.
A new study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found an increasing proportion of hospitalizations for infective endocarditis linked to injection drug use among younger patients, including more white and female individuals. The study suggests a growing need for programs and services to prevent these deadly and costly infections.
The new guidelines recommend comprehensive management of TB, including directly observed therapy, for all TB patients. Prompt initiation of anti-retroviral therapy during TB treatment can save lives.
Valley fever, caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, affects over 150,000 people annually. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent unnecessary tests and treatment, reducing the impact of complications. Pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with diabetes are at high risk for severe outcomes.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America and American Thoracic Society recommend a 7-day or fewer antibiotic course for most hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) infections. Hospitals should create antibiograms to determine causative strains and ensure effective treatment.
A daily PrEP pill can reduce new HIV cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) by a third in the US over 10 years if guidelines are followed, according to a modeling study. The medication is highly effective in preventing HIV infection when used consistently.
The updated guidelines highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for invasive aspergillosis, a potentially deadly fungal infection. New therapies, including isavuconazole and posaconazole, have improved care, but aggressive diagnosis is still critical.
A new study suggests that detecting HIV earlier through screening programs can lead to lower rates of transmission in local epidemics. In San Diego, an acute infection screening program was implemented, resulting in fewer new HIV diagnoses than expected without such testing.
The new guidelines focus on customizing interventions based on local issues and resources, recommending preauthorization of broad-spectrum antibiotics, syndrome-specific interventions, and rapid diagnostic testing. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
A new study found that women who received seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine during pregnancy were 51 percent less likely to experience a stillbirth than unvaccinated mothers. The study's results support the safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy and suggest that it protects against stillbirth.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that early treatment with the influenza antiviral drug oseltamivir can shorten the time a pregnant woman spends in the hospital, especially for those with severe illness. Annual flu vaccination is also crucial to prevent complications and protect the newborn baby.
Candidiasis is a life-threatening fungal infection requiring early treatment. New guidelines update recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of consulting an infectious diseases (ID) specialist to ensure a good outcome.
Researchers found that statins may hinder immune response to flu vaccine and lower vaccine effectiveness in older adults, suggesting potential implications for flu vaccine recommendations and guidelines. The studies analyzed data from nearly 7,000 adults over 65 in four countries, including the US.