A new study reveals that seasonal changes in outpatient antibiotic use can significantly alter drug resistance patterns. The findings suggest that reducing inappropriate antibiotic use requires coordinated efforts between hospitals and the broader community to be most effective.
Proper treatment of diabetic foot infections can prevent lower extremity amputations, and about half of these amputations can be prevented. A multidisciplinary team, including infectious diseases specialists, podiatrists, surgeons, and orthopedists, is recommended for best care.
An investigation found that a reusable open-top grocery bag stored in a hotel bathroom contaminated with norovirus aerosol led to an outbreak among 17 girls and their chaperones attending a soccer tournament. Proper disinfection of areas and use of multiple bathrooms can help limit outbreaks.
A new study suggests that broader screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) would be cost effective in reducing related mortality and morbidity. The report emphasizes the importance of linking those infected with the treatment they need to prevent further complications.
A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found a significant association between H. pylori bacteria and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in adults, particularly those with obesity. This link suggests that the bacteria may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.
A new report estimates that broader screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) would be cost-effective in reducing mortality and morbidity. The study recommends a one-time screening for all adults between 20 and 69 years old to identify those infected with the virus, which affects 4 million U.S. residents.
Frequent anti-infective shortages can alter clinical care, leading to worse outcomes for patients, particularly hospitalized individuals. Multidisciplinary stewardship programs and enhanced regulatory oversight are proposed solutions to mitigate the impact of these shortages.
A multinational study found that viral load is the single most important factor influencing risk of sexual transmission to an uninfected partner. Condom use significantly reduces risk of HIV infection and lowers viral loads to help prevent spread.
A new study suggests that immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) is more beneficial for recently infected HIV patients than deferred treatment. The study found that participants who received ART immediately had better outcomes and were protected from disease progression not only during treatment but also after treatment was stopped.
An observational study found that statin use was associated with a decreased risk of dying among hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza. Researchers also noted the potential benefits of randomized controlled trials to further examine the effectiveness of statins for influenza treatment.
A recent investigation into a 2009 multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli identified commercial prepackaged cookie dough as the culprit. The study recommends that manufacturers reformulate their product to make it safer and provides guidance for consumers on how to prevent illness by baking the dough before consuming.
The study reveals that while the Hib vaccine has reduced Hib disease in young children, other strains of the bacteria continue to cause substantial disease in older adults and infants. The burden of disease is highest among the elderly and youngest age groups, with nearly a quarter of cases being fatal.
A 2010 outbreak involving 13 NBA teams highlights the risk of norovirus among athletes and staff. Strict hygiene measures, including hand washing and disinfecting, can limit transmission and prevent illnesses.
Researchers have identified a human chromosome containing a specific gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis (HSL), the common cold sore. The study found a positive link between the frequency of outbreaks, hereditability, and the presence of a specific gene, C21orf91, on chromosome 21.
The new guidelines prioritize preventing bacterial pneumonia in children, recommending yearly flu vaccines and targeted antibiotic therapy. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of accurately diagnosing pneumonia to avoid unnecessary medical interventions.
A study by the CDC found that rotavirus vaccination in infants reduces hospitalizations for severe diarrhea in older children and adults. The study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, shows that vaccinating infants can indirectly prevent serious disease in unvaccinated groups.
A new study identified a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella with high resistance to ciprofloxacin, infecting 489 patients in France, England and Wales, and Denmark between 2000 and 2008. Poultry is believed to be a major vehicle for spreading these infections.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that simple guidelines decreased unnecessary antibiotic use in Quebec, Canada. The guidelines, which emphasized proper antibiotic use and selection of shortest treatment duration, resulted in a 4.2% decrease in outpatient antibiotic prescriptions.
The rotavirus vaccine has dramatically decreased hospitalization rates for gastroenteritis among infants and older children. In the US, vaccination led to a 87-96% reduction in rotavirus hospitalizations among eligible children between 6 months and 24 months.
A new analysis found mortality from all causes to be higher in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. The study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, compared mortality rates among 9,378 adults with and without hepatitis C and found a two-fold increased risk of death from both liver- and non-liver related causes.
Researchers have found that shingles may be associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, particularly in the year following a shingles attack. The study suggests that this risk is still relatively low and varies by geographical location and income.
Researchers found that Zaire ebolavirus replicates in pigs, causing disease and transmitting the virus to unexposed animals. Pigs with respiratory symptoms shed high viral loads, posing a risk of transmission to humans.
A recent measles outbreak in Tucson, Arizona, resulted in 14 confirmed cases and highlighted the need for continued vigilance in healthcare settings. The investigation revealed that the lack of electronic records documenting health care personnel's immunity status led to unnecessary vaccinations and furloughs, resulting in significant ...
A new probiotic treatment has been shown to reduce the rate of recurrent urinary tract infections in women. The study found that women who received a Lactobacillus crispatus intravaginal suppository had lower infection rates compared to those who received a placebo.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that antibiotic-resistant super bugs threaten public health, citing a need for urgent action. The organization recommends initiatives to combat resistance, including incentivizing R&D, recalibrating FDA requirements, and promoting judicious use of antibiotics.
A study on a cruise ship norovirus outbreak found that infected passengers were more likely to have an ill cabin mate and resided or dined on the deck level where a vomiting incident occurred. Quick reporting by sick passengers and crew is crucial in preventing the spread of illness.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV-infected patients have a higher risk of bone fractures compared to the general US population. The study analyzed data from over 5,800 HIV-infected patients and observed annual fracture rates 1.98-3.69 times greater than the general population.
A new study examines recurrent wound botulism among injection drug users in California, finding that nearly three-quarters of reported cases are linked to this condition. The study highlights the risk of repeated cases despite potentially developing protective immunity against botulism.
Researchers found that statin atorvastatin reduced CD38 and HLA-DR levels on T cells in HIV-infected patients, suggesting potential benefits in disease management. The study's findings support exploring the role of statins as an anti-inflammatory therapy for HIV.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that 36 patients out of 1,800 HIV-infected men were diagnosed with hepatitis C, with 25% having a history of injection drug use. The study emphasizes the need for continued screening and awareness of risk behaviors among HIV-infected individuals.
A recent study found that despite a significant decline in HIV infection rates, new cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have declined only slightly among injection drug users. The findings suggest that current prevention efforts must be intensified to reduce the risk of HCV infection, particularly among younger IDUs.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that convalescent plasma therapy may reduce the death rate in patients severely ill with 2009 H1N1 influenza. The treatment showed a 20% mortality rate compared to 55% in non-treated patients, and reduced viral load at a higher rate.
A study of over 2,000 US patients found greater HIV/AIDS-related morbidity among women, nonwhites, and those from the southern US. The disparities were attributed to socioeconomic factors beyond biological influences.
A new study confirms that two doses of the varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine provide excellent protection in children against this highly contagious and, in some cases, severe disease. The study found that the effectiveness of two doses of vaccine was 98.3 percent in protecting against varicella, significantly higher than one dose.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has released its first-ever guidelines for the treatment of MRSA, which may mean not prescribing antibiotics for less complicated forms of infection. The guidelines address treatment of both common and invasive MRSA, a potentially deadly infection responsible for 18,000 deaths annually.
Research analyzing California hospital data found extreme obesity significantly increased risk of death from 2009 H1N1. Half of hospitalized patients over 20 were obese, with nearly three-fold increased odds of death compared to non-obese counterparts.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that cranberry juice had no significant effect on reducing the recurrence of urinary tract infections. Among participants who suffered a second infection, those who drank cranberry juice showed a higher recurrence rate compared to those who received a placebo.
Recent studies reveal a rise in dual-resistance among certain influenza viruses, their increased transmission, and the limited availability of alternative treatment options. This poses significant public health concerns.
A 2008 study found that raw milk was the cause of an E. coli outbreak in Connecticut, resulting in 14 cases and 7 confirmed infections. The outbreak led to proposed legislation aimed at controlling raw milk sales, but ultimately resulted in the discontinuation of raw milk sales in a major retail store.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that aerosol transmission of influenza may have occurred in a Hong Kong hospital. The authors identified an unbalanced indoor airflow that spread infectious aerosols across the ward, infecting nine patients.
Recent studies published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found evidence supporting a possible link between XMRV and prostate cancer. However, conflicting reports suggest that XMRV is unlikely associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV infection, or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Although immunity to mumps is high in the US, maintaining and improving vaccine coverage is crucial to prevent future outbreaks. The study found that only about 90% of the population has sufficient antibodies, which may not be enough to stop transmission.
The ST131 strain of E. coli is a major cause of serious antimicrobial-resistant infections in the US, accounting for 67-69% of resistant isolates. Researchers urge discovering its sources to prevent further spread.
A study of nearly 45,000 patients found that many with HIV in the US and Canada do not receive care early enough, resulting in lower CD4 cell counts. This delay increases the risk of clinical disease progression and ongoing transmission.
A study found that vaccinating infants against rotavirus significantly reduced U.S. hospitalization rates for acute gastroenteritis, with a 28-50% decrease among young children. The vaccine prevented an estimated 55,000 hospitalizations during the 2008 season.
Researchers found that surgical masks were as effective as respirators in preventing hospital staff from acquiring H1N1. The study suggests that a uniform policy of using surgical masks when in close contact with patients can protect healthcare workers from infection.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America calls for the development of 10 new antibiotics by 2020 due to rising antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The urgency is underscored by heartbreaking patient stories of those who have suffered and died from these infections.
A study found that household discussions about influenza prevention reduced the risk of secondary cases by 40%. Transmission was rapid, with half of cases occurring within three days and nearly 90% within one week.
A Chilean hospital's early use of antiviral treatment and aggressive management improved outcomes for H1N1 patients, with virtually all receiving treatment within 48 hours. The hospital also implemented life support measures such as ECMO to further reduce severe cases and deaths.
A new report found that over 30% of seniors in 36 states are not immunized against pneumonia, highlighting a need for increased awareness and access to vaccines. The report also highlights low vaccination rates for the seasonal flu, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough vaccines.