Articles tagged with Acute Infections
A large UK trial found that adding procalcitonin (PCT) to routine care did not reduce IV antibiotic use in hospitalized children. The study, part of the BATCH trial, enrolled nearly 2,000 children and tested PCT's effectiveness in guiding treatment decisions.
Researchers document five cases of parvovirus B19-induced myocarditis in preschoolers from northern Greece, highlighting the virus's unique impact on endothelial cells. The study emphasizes the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity in children.
Researchers provide comprehensive review of RSV's virology, clinical impact, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for effective vaccines to mitigate this critical health need. The review highlights RSV's severe impact on infants, children, and older adults, as well as its potential effects on multiple organs and systems.
A recent review examines how SARS-CoV-2 variants impact long COVID symptoms, revealing key differences in clinical manifestations and vaccination effectiveness. The study suggests that vaccinations significantly reduce both acute and long-term symptoms, making a critical contribution to managing the condition.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that hospital-acquired pressure ulcers are associated with poorer neurological outcomes and reduced motor function in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury. The findings suggest that preventing pressure ulcers can help protect these patients and lead to improved medical care.
A new study found that zinc deficiency promotes lung infection by Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, which is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Blocking IL-13 prevented infection-associated death in an animal model, suggesting anti-IL-13 antibodies may protect against bacterial pneumonia in patients with zinc deficiency.
A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children living in areas with a high burden of tuberculosis have a consistently high annual risk of developing TB infection throughout childhood. By age 10, over 10% of children developed TB disease.
The project aims to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing rates for children with acute respiratory tract infections, linked to adverse health events and antibiotic resistance. The program will provide tools and education to support providers in using narrow-spectrum antibiotics only when necessary.
The school aims to implement evidence-based practice and reduce antibiotic misuse in pediatric populations. The PCORI funding will support work with physicians, families, and providers to delay unnecessary antibiotics.
A new study reveals how three species of bacteria coexist in biofilms by playing a game of 'nice' and then moving out when the surface becomes too crowded. The dominant species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, disperses to allow other species to thrive.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that nearly 4 in 5 hospitals are not staffed at sufficient levels to keep patients safe from preventable infections. The study highlights the need for customized infection prevention staffing recommendations, which can be provided by an online calculator tool.
Researchers at Houston Methodist are working on a national consortium to develop vaccines against two common and destructive strains of herpesviruses. The project aims to create prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines using a computational toolkit that could transform vaccine development.
A nationwide Swedish study found that full vaccination significantly reduced the risk of severe cardiovascular outcomes linked to COVID-19, such as heart attack and stroke. However, temporary increases in cardiovascular risk were observed after individual doses, particularly among elderly and males.
A new study found that nursing shortages result in longer hospital stays and worse patient outcomes, including higher mortality rates. Understaffing by registered nurses and nurse assistants is associated with increased risks of adverse events, such as readmissions, deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers.
Researchers discovered faulty immune processes responsible for lingering lung issues after COVID-19, which can be disrupted by existing drugs. The study also identified molecules responsible for the issue and potential therapeutic options for patients with ongoing lung damage.
Researchers developed an algorithm to analyze peptides in infected wounds, revealing unique biomarkers that enable earlier and more accurate diagnoses. This breakthrough method uses mass spectrometry and machine learning to diagnose infections in just a few minutes.
Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that nearly a quarter of children with recurrent wheezing have undetected lung infections that do not respond to commonly prescribed steroids. The study suggests that antiviral medications such as azithromycin may be a more effective treatment for these cases.
A new study led by UCLA found a 3% to 4% prevalence of ME/CFS-like illness among participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, similar to those who tested negative. The research suggests COVID-19 may not be the primary cause of ME/CFS.
Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect more types of lung cells than previously thought, including those without known viral receptors. The study also found that the lung can independently muster an inflammatory antiviral response without immune system help when exposed to the virus.
A team of Texas A&M researchers will conduct a five-year study on brucellosis in Armenia to improve detection capabilities and provide education. The project aims to better understand the disease's presence and prevalence, allowing the Armenian government to develop a control plan to stop its spread.
A recent study published in Allergy found that COVID-19 leads to long-term changes in the immune system, even in mild cases. The research team identified significant reductions in immune cells and alterations in cytokine levels, suggesting an impaired immune response to new challenges.
Co-circulation of Mayaro and chikungunya viruses has been observed in Roraima, Brazil's northernmost state, according to a recent study. The finding highlights the need for more effective epidemiological surveillance in the region. Deforestation and human activities may facilitate transmission in urban areas.
Patients with mantle cell lymphoma are more vulnerable to other diseases and infections due to intensive chemotherapy and a weakened immune system. A large-scale national study found that MCL patients had twice as many infections as reference subjects, with common causes including influenza and urinary tract infections.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a virus associated with severe respiratory and neurological diseases. The trial will assess the antibody's potency, duration of action, and optimal dose in healthy volunteers.
A study of over 10,000 people found that those with fewer butyrate-producing bacteria in their gut were more likely to develop serious infections. The research suggests a strong link between the microbiome and the immune system, opening up new possibilities for preventing serious infections.
Researchers used single-cell sequencing technology to study immune responses in healthy adult volunteers exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They discovered unique immune responses associated with resisting sustained viral infection and disease, including activation of specialized mucosal immune cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells.
Researchers have identified the spleen as a critical organ in cryptic malaria infections, where over 95% of Plasmodium vivax biomass is stored. Extracellular vesicles facilitate the parasite's adherence to spleen cells, enabling its survival and evasion of immune responses.
A study in São Paulo state found that chikungunya virus circulated silently for years before causing major epidemics. The researchers monitored residents for four years and discovered a significant rise in seroprevalence from 0.35% to 2.3%. This finding underscores the need for strengthened disease surveillance.
A 15-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir did not demonstrate a significant improvement in select postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms in vaccinated adults with prolonged symptom duration. Further studies are needed to determine the role of antivirals in PASC treatment.
A new approach to fighting Epstein-Barr virus-related diseases has been discovered by University of Basel researchers. By inhibiting a specific metabolic pathway in infected cells, the risk of downstream disease can be diminished.
A new Cochrane review suggests that taking zinc may reduce the duration of common cold symptoms by around two days, but the evidence is not conclusive. Common side-effects include bowel problems, nausea, and unpleasant taste.
Researchers found that acute inflammation from bacterial endotoxin administration led to a significant reduction in empathy for psychological pain in healthy women. The study highlights the impact of inflammation on both physical and interpersonal relationships.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interrupts p53-MDM2 interaction but does not bind with p53 protein in cancer cells. The study also shows that SARS-CoV-2 spike suppresses p53-dependent gene activation, leading to increased cell viability after chemotherapy exposure.
Researchers found that metformin decreases the amount of COVID-19 virus in the body and lowers the chances of viral rebound. The study showed a significant reduction in long COVID cases and hospitalizations among adults treated with metformin.
Researchers compared HIV reservoirs between patients with early and late treatment initiation. Early treatment was associated with faster decay of virus reservoirs, indicating a more effective immune clearance mechanism. This study supports the potential for early interventions to combat HIV by enabling an eventual cure.
Over five RSV seasons, researchers found that nearly one-quarter of hospitalized adults aged 50+ experienced an acute cardiac event, mostly heart failure. The risk of severe outcomes was nearly twice as high in patients with cardiac events compared to those without.
Researchers analyzed blood stem cells in mice with prior sepsis and found they were fully recovered but failed to respond to a second inflammatory stimulus, leading to inefficient immune cell production.
A new oral vaccine for recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has been shown to prevent infections in over half of participants for up to nine years. The MV140 vaccine was found to be safe and effective, with no notable side effects reported.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with a reduced risk of infective endocarditis in high-risk individuals following invasive dental procedures. However, its effectiveness in moderate-risk individuals is unclear.
Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential explanation for long COVID symptoms by identifying 'abzymes' that act like enzymes regulating important bodily functions. This discovery could lead to new treatments targeting these rogue antibodies to alleviate acute effects of COVID-19 and its complications.
A recent NIH-supported study found that SARS-CoV-2 can damage the heart by triggering inflammation in cardiac macrophages. The research suggests that suppressing this inflammatory response may help minimize cardiovascular complications.
Scientists identified key factors in developing long-lasting immunity against dengue virus through analyzing immune responses to natural infection and vaccines. The study revealed molecular markers that could be used in novel vaccine development.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC found that primary care telemedicine visits are associated with lower antibiotic prescription rates for children compared to virtual-only direct-to-consumer providers. The study highlights the importance of integrated telemedicine within primary care settings.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and the University of Toulouse discovered a link between ionophores, cellular ion balance, and inflammation. The study found that cells trigger an immune response when potassium ions fall below a certain level, releasing pro-inflammatory molecules.
A new study found that common respiratory viruses such as colds and RSV play a larger role in triggering intussusception than previously thought. Hospital admissions for the condition decreased significantly during COVID-19 lockdowns, with a notable drop in cases among children under two.
The chikungunya virus infects CD14+ CD16+ monocytes and affects proteins holding epithelial cells of the blood-brain barrier together. The study found severe alterations in coagulation cascade, hemodynamic damage in organs, and high levels of inflammatory cytokines.
A study published in PNAS reveals that increased concentration of lysolipid can cause severe impacts on lung inflation, leading to respiratory distress. The research identifies frequency dependence and proposes a way to tailor treatment processes for each patient.
Research from UCSF found COVID antigens lingering in blood up to 14 months and tissue samples for over two years after infection. The persistence of these fragments may drive long COVID symptoms and associated risks.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that COVID-19 infections cause significant physiological differences between males and females. Males experience larger increases in skin temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate during infections, while also maintaining higher levels during recovery.
A new cellphone app developed by physician-scientists uses artificial intelligence to accurately diagnose ear infections in young children, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. The AI tool is more accurate than trained clinicians and offers a simple solution for healthcare providers.
Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics that can overcome drug-resistant bacteria by targeting the physical and functional integrity of the bacterial cell wall. This could be a game-changer in treating infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains.
A new analysis method for detecting bacteria in blood has been confirmed to provide accurate and fast results at smaller hospitals, enabling quicker antibiotic treatment. The test revealed a significant reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use and an improved patient outcome in one out of four cases.
Researchers document various reasons for long-term clinical symptoms in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Key findings include immune system alterations, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and mitochondrial issues contributing to post-COVID syndrome.
A comprehensive report on pediatric long COVID symptoms has been published, revealing clues to risk factors and common symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain. The study found that older age, more severe initial infection, and underlying medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of long COVID.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and Thayer School of Engineering have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how antibodies combat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. The study reveals that antibody effector functions play a critical role in protecting against HSV, which may lead to new treatments for n...
A new type of cell therapy has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing pneumonia among critically ill ARDS patients recovering from severe Covid-19. The invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy, known as agenT-797, triggered an anti-inflammatory response and activated anti-viral immunity.
A new study by McMaster researchers found that immune system's response, specifically T cells, are responsible for neurological damage caused by viral infections. The research suggests a unique population of T cells called NKG2D+CD8+ T cells is responsible for the damage.
A large multicenter clinical trial found that an antiseptic containing iodine resulted in about one-quarter fewer post-surgical infections in patients with limb fractures compared to another frequently used skin antiseptic. The study included nearly 8,500 patients across the US and Canada.
Researchers at Georgia State University found that segmented filamentous bacteria in the gut protect mice from severe respiratory viral infections. The study showed that this bacterial species alters immune cells in the lungs to resist infection, with potential implications for human diseases like COVID-19.
A recent study published in Lancet Microbe suggests that immunocompromised patients are at higher risk for COVID infections, but prolonged infections lasting weeks to months are uncommon. The study found that specific conditions, such as B-cell cancers and autoimmune diseases, increase the risk of prolonged infections.