The HIV Medicine Association strongly opposes The Gambia's use of an unproven herbal remedy for treating HIV/AIDS. The organization urges patients to resume taking their prescribed antiretroviral medications, which have been shown to save lives in Africa.
A rare case of hepatitis B virus transmission between two patients at a dentist's office has been documented, highlighting the need for meticulous infection control. Universal vaccination against HBV would likely have prevented both cases.
A new study reveals that severe dengue infections are more common than previously thought, with 23% of patients requiring hospitalization. The study suggests that the World Health Organization's definition of dengue hemorrhagic fever may be too narrow, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
A new study has identified hospital bed placement, staff working with symptoms of SARS, and oxygen therapy as significant risk factors for the spread of respiratory infections in hospitals. The findings have implications for controlling other respiratory disease threats, including pandemic influenza.
A study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that early HIV infections account for nearly half of all transmission occurrences. Early infection is characterized by a high viral load, making newly infected individuals highly infectious.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that rhinoviruses, a common cause of the common cold, are associated with hospitalizations for fever and respiratory illnesses in young children. Children with asthma or a history of wheezing have a higher risk of hospitalization due to rhinovirus infection.
A study suggests that the majority of drug-resistant TB cases among patients undergoing treatment are caused by new infections, not acquired resistance. This finding could drive a major shift in strategy for controlling TB.
A study of 32 African adolescents reveals long-standing HIV infection leads to stunted growth, chronic ill health and organ damage. Early testing and care can prevent this, highlighting the need for reduced barriers.
Thai researchers discovered that patients failing first-line antiretroviral therapy are also resistant to similar drugs, leaving few options for replacement therapies. The lack of affordable virus-detection tests hinders early detection and treatment adjustments.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that more people were at risk of anthrax infection after the 2001 attack on Sen. Tom Daschle's office than previously known. Prompt intervention with antibiotics and vaccination appeared to be highly effective against the disease, with no deaths resulting from the act.
A futures market for influenza activity has been created, predicting outbreaks two to four weeks in advance with high accuracy. The market aggregates expert opinions of healthcare providers, allowing for real-time analysis and informed decision-making in public health.
A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found no association between Kawasaki disease and coronavirus NL63. This conclusion contradicts an earlier study suggesting a potential link, which was later disputed due to selection bias concerns.
Two candidate vaccines have shown promise in a recent study, demonstrating an immune response in healthy adults and inducing positive CD4 T cell responses. The combination of DNA priming and rAd5 boosting may lead to higher levels of T cell responses and improved vaccine efficacy.
A review of Clostridium sordellii infections suggests that the connection between mifepristone and misoprostol in medically induced abortions is unclear. Despite four reported deaths, nearly 2 million European women have used mifepristone without C. sordellii infections. Further research is needed to identify factors that predispose to...
A study found that 92% of ear infection cases were caused by bacteria, while 70% were caused by viruses. Viruses can impair antibiotic efficacy, leading to partial effectiveness in treating AOM.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases has published a supplement offering current information on pandemic and seasonal influenza, featuring leading experts discussing research and recommendations. The article highlights key findings on disease surveillance, vaccine manufacturing, and public health response plans.
Two studies reveal that contaminated carrots are a source of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection, while exposure to antibiotic-treated poultry increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant gut bacteria. The findings highlight the need for improved food safety regulations and hygiene practices to prevent such outbreaks.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has updated its Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. The new guidelines include recommendations for a single dose of antibiotic for high-risk patients and expanded discussion on chronic post-Lyme syndromes.
Researchers have achieved effective immunity with a low dose of bird flu vaccine using MF59 adjuvant, potentially stretching vaccine supply. The study showed that antibody levels were significantly better and that a single dose of the adjuvanted vaccine was as good as two doses without adjuvant.
HIV-positive patients with low CD4 cell counts face increased risk of malaria treatment failure, highlighting the need for tailored treatments to address immune suppression. The study emphasizes the importance of combining antimalarial and antiretroviral therapies to maximize effects on both diseases.
A study published by Infectious Diseases Society of America found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are causing an increase in muscle infections, particularly among children. The researchers discovered a specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus associated with more severe disease, and emphasized the need for physicians to consider ini...
A study of 49 patients diagnosed with West Nile fever found that half experienced ongoing health complaints, including fatigue, memory problems, and depression, similar to those who had more severe forms of the disease. The research suggests that West Nile virus may cause a spectrum of illness and damage to the brain.
A 2004 China polio outbreak caused by vaccine-derived virus was identified and controlled after a province-wide immunization campaign. The outbreak occurred in an area with lower vaccination rates, highlighting the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus emergence in pockets of low coverage.
A new study shows that a single dose of an anti-malarial drug can significantly lower the risk of malaria in infants. Infants given this treatment had a one-fifth reduction in hospital admissions compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers suggest that cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins could be useful in treating and preventing severe complications of the flu during a pandemic. Statins have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that may also benefit people with influenza, making them a potential alternative to vaccines.
A new experimental vaccine has shown significant protective effects against multiple H5N1 strains in lab animals. The two-dose vaccination schedule induced higher levels of antibodies that were cross-reactive to various viruses, suggesting a potential solution for stockpiling vaccines during pandemics.
A new study analyzed national surveillance data and found that widespread adoption of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) led to at least 3 million years of life saved in the US. The study suggests that reducing barriers to care, such as pre-test counseling, could lead to even greater benefits.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America calls for routine HIV testing to identify those who need treatment. Early testing and connection with care can save millions more lives beyond the three million already saved through antiretroviral therapy.
A recent study found that patients with genital HSV-2 infection who knew they had the virus and informed their partners were about half as likely to transmit the virus. The study suggests testing and disclosure as effective tools to prevent HSV-2 transmission, along with suppressive antiviral therapy and condom use.
A study examining Campylobacter jejuni isolates from 585 Australian patients found only 2% were resistant to ciprofloxacin, a type of fluoroquinolone. This low level of resistance likely reflects Australia's policy of prohibiting fluoroquinolones for animal use.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 63,000 patients hospitalized for pneumonia between 1999 and 2003. Vaccination was associated with a 40-70% lower risk of death during hospitalization compared to unvaccinated or unknown status patients.
A study found that 76% of children exposed to tobacco smoke carried pneumococci, compared to 60% of those not exposed. Higher carriage rates are associated with a higher risk of infection, according to lead author David Greenberg, MD.
A new study found that early antiretroviral therapy can significantly improve CD4 cell count outcomes in HIV-infected infants. Children who started treatment between 5 months and 5 years of age were 60% less likely to experience a decline in their CD4 cell count z-score compared to those who started treatment before 5 months.
A study analyzing healthcare utilization data for HIV-infected patients found that HAART is cost-effective as long as patients stick to treatment. However, the study also revealed significant disparities in healthcare costs between healthier and sicker patients, highlighting inadequate reimbursement to treating physicians and clinics.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants and young children may be shortened by three weeks per degree Celsius rise in annual mean daily temperature. Rising temperatures may also increase the spread of other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza.
The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other drug-resistant bacteria has been increasing in intensive care units nationwide. Researchers found a decrease in MRSA strains resistant to multiple drugs, which they attribute to community MRSA strains replacing hospital-associated strains.
The study found that Chlamydial infection was common in both heterosexual and homosexual men with NGU, with C. trachomatis and M. genitalium being associated with unprotected vaginal sex. Oral-genital contact may be an important mechanism of NGU pathogen transmission, according to the findings.
A recent study found nearly one-third of the US population is colonized with staph bacteria, with a significant increase in drug-resistant superbugs. The prevalence was highest among males and children between 6-11 years old, with MRSA affecting 0.8% of participants.
Researchers found that two doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) provided similar immunity to one dose of the live virus vaccine. However, IPV's mucosal immunity was less effective than OPV's. The study suggests that HPV-immunized communities are partially protected from poliovirus spread.
A study analyzing 35 soldiers' remains identified lice carrying DNA from Bartonella quintana and Rickettsia prowazakii, linking these diseases to Napoleon's retreat from Russia. The findings suggest louse-borne diseases were a major factor in the army's decline.
Researchers found US swine workers, farmers and veterinarians to be seropositive for swine influenza antibodies, increasing their risk of infection. A human influenza vaccination program is recommended to prevent an epidemic.
Researchers found that HAART can reduce the risk of tuberculosis in HIV patients, but not eliminate it. Patients who are immunodeficient or exposed to TB in a hospital setting are at increased risk of developing active TB.
Two studies have clarified the risk factors for mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus, revealing a higher rate of infection in infant girls. The studies found that time in labor, internal fetal monitoring devices, and maternal history of injection drug use were associated with transmission.
A new study found that measles immunization can prevent fatal brain infections caused by SSPE. The researchers discovered wild-type measles virus in brain tissues from vaccinated individuals with SSPE, suggesting that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing these infections.
Researchers found high HCV rates among former plasma/blood donors and villagers who received blood transfusions. Unhygienic plasma donation and blood transfusion are strong risk factors for HCV infection in rural central China.
George Orwell's struggles with tuberculosis and possible infertility contributed to the dark tone of 1984, but also gave him a unique perspective on human suffering. His writing became more universal as he drew from his own experiences with illness.
The introduction of generic ART led to a significant decline in HIV-related deaths in India between 1997 and 2003. Accessible drugs have also reduced the incidence of opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis among immunocompromised patients.
A new study finds that a drug combination against AIDS-related infections also prevents malaria in children. The combination, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TS), was found to be highly effective in preventing malaria, reducing the incidence by 99.5%, and also reduced gastrointestinal illnesses.
Research suggests that performing genotype resistance testing at the time of HIV diagnosis can guide treatment choices, increasing patient survival by over 14 months. The cost-effectiveness analysis indicates a cost of $23,900 per quality-adjusted life year gained, comparable to other HIV interventions.
Researchers used molecular epidemiologic methods to identify the relationships between four separate foodborne hepatitis A virus outbreaks in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The methods helped public health officials respond quickly to outbreaks and provided reassurance that a larger outbreak was not occurring.