Research found a direct correlation between viral levels in blood and semen, with acutely infected individuals being hyper-infectious before symptoms occur. Transmission rates during heterosexual sex are likely to be much higher than previously thought during this period.
A study suggests that regular doses of cranberry juice or tablets can reduce the risk of female urinary tract infections (UTIs) by up to 50% in sexually active adult women. Cranberry juice's effectiveness in treating existing UTI cases is still unknown, but it offers a potential natural alternative to antibiotics.
A 1999 outbreak of furunculosis in rural Alaska identified individuals with MRSA who received more antibiotics, highlighting a link between antibiotic use and increased risk of skin infections. The study found that Panton-Valentine leukocidin virulence factor was present in nearly all methicillin-resistant isolates.
Researchers found only six new antibiotics in R&D pipeline, a 56% decline since 1998. The lack of new antibiotics poses significant risks for patients and public health due to emerging drug-resistant bacteria.
A study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America found that HIV drugs from developing countries meet US standards for active ingredient levels. Bioequivalency studies are still necessary to ensure efficacy and safety, according to lead author Dr. Scott Penzak.
A study found that HIV-positive US military personnel who received a smallpox vaccine between 2002-2003 showed no negative effects. The researchers suggest exempting HIV-infected individuals from vaccination during outbreaks, but consider weakened vaccines for immunocompromised people in the future.
Players suffered from infections by Aeromonas hydrophila after playing in mud prepared with stagnant river water. Organizers advised precautions to protect players against infection, including using treated water and disinfectants.
A recent study examined 350 adult volunteers and found that 3.6% developed harmless skin rashes after vaccination. The rashes cleared up on their own within one to three weeks without serious symptoms.
A study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America suggests that gonorrhea tests may produce false-positive results, particularly in low-risk populations or areas with low gonorrhea rates. Doctors are urged to obtain their patients' sexual histories to accurately diagnose and interpret test results.
Chlorine dioxide-infused gloves can destroy various microorganisms, including E. coli and salmonella, reducing transmission risks in medical and food industries. The technology has potential applications beyond gloves and hands, including preventing infections in vulnerable patients.
The study highlights the dangers of crystal methamphetamine use on HIV risk, particularly among young men who have sex with men. Methamphetamine can suppress a part of the immune system important in fighting off HIV, increasing the risk of infection and contracting the disease.
The study found that inactivated influenza virus vaccines are effective in protecting children against the flu, reducing hospitalization rates comparable to those of elderly people. Vaccinating children can also protect adults from getting infected and save money on treatment costs.
A 1998 Finnish outbreak was traced to contaminated iceberg lettuce grown on open fields with roe deer, which carry the Y. pseudotuberculosis pathogen. Researchers investigated and proposed prevention methods, including fenced fields and disinfection strategies.
A study by Singapore investigators found that SARS infection occurred in healthcare workers with normal chest X-rays, even those not directly exposed to patients. The researchers detected SARS antibodies in 8 out of 112 exposed workers, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
A new study has shown that vaccinia transfer after smallpox immunization is extremely low if proper precautions are taken. The risk of transmission can be greatly reduced by keeping the vaccine site bandaged and practicing thorough hand-washing.
Researchers found that post-exposure oseltamivir prophylaxis significantly reduced virus transmission and illness in households. The strategy was more effective than treating the ill household member only, with a 63% protective efficacy rate.
A study of 100 patients with abnormally high liver enzymes found that 57 had HCV RNA in their liver biopsies, suggesting occult infection. HCV RNA was also detected in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells from 40% of patients, potentially allowing for easier detection and monitoring.
A study found that HIV-positive women are more likely to engage in unprotected sex due to a lack of empowerment or low self-esteem. Ongoing risk-reduction counseling and substance abuse treatment are crucial to curb high-risk behavior, experts say.
A large-scale study found that long-term mortality in community-acquired pneumonia patients is influenced by factors such as age, nutritional status, and preexisting illnesses. The severity of pneumonia at initial presentation surprisingly did not predict mortality, with lower-grade fever actually linked to higher long-term death rates.
A study of HIV-infected patients undergoing liver transplantation found improved survival rates compared to HIV-negative patients. Poorer survival was associated with postoperative intolerance, low CD4 counts, and hepatitis C coinfection.
A recent investigation found that a Texas salvage store was the source of a foodborne botulism outbreak. Food safety experts advise customers to inspect packaging for signs of decay and spoilage, as well as to maintain standards of health when shopping at any facility.
A six-year study of MRSA in California jails found that two dominant S. aureus clonal groups, ST30:Z and ST8:S, drove the expansion in resistance, gaining multi-drug resistance over time. The study highlights the need to track the spread of individual strains using techniques like PFGE and MLST.