Articles tagged with Acute Infections
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that COVID-19 public health measures, such as social distancing and travel restrictions, were associated with a decrease in pink eye emergency department visits. The findings suggest these measures may have helped reduce the spread of infectious conjunctivitis.
Researchers have identified specific bacterial interactions in disease-resistant children that protect against chronic middle ear infections. This discovery could lead to new treatments and preventative measures for Indigenous communities, which are disproportionately affected by the condition.
A new review suggests zinc can reduce the duration of acute viral respiratory tract infections like the common cold and flu. Zinc use has also been linked to reducing symptom severity, particularly during peak illness days.
A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced influenza reporting, but vaccination and strengthened surveillance are critical for a possible resurgence. Research highlights the importance of flu vaccination and early testing for non-influenza respiratory viruses.
The research team aims to understand the mechanisms that contribute to long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection, particularly in women who may be disproportionally affected by chronic symptoms. They plan to leverage a biorepository and longitudinal study to assess the impact of acute and chronic inflammation on brain injury and neu...
New research from an international team of scientists found that poor timing of influenza vaccination campaigns in Brazil led to increased premature births, lower birth-weight babies, and the need for more cesarean sections. The study suggests that earlier flu vaccination campaigns could better protect pregnant women and their babies.
Chronic P. vivax infections cause significant damage to kidneys, brain, and circulatory system, affecting impoverished communities. The parasite can hide at low levels, making diagnosis difficult and treatment efforts challenging.
A new OSU study on African buffalo offers insights into the persistence of highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease pathogens. Researchers found that carrier transmission among certain strains can allow them to persist in populations, highlighting the need for public health interventions to limit transmission and endemicity.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel antibacterial material called NANO-LPPO that can prevent infection and facilitate treatment of skin wounds. The material combines lipophosphonoxins with a nonwoven nanotextile, which releases active substances in response to bacterial presence.
A large trial found that antibiotic amoxicillin has little effect on relieving symptoms in children with uncomplicated chest infections. The study also highlights the need for 'safety-netting' advice to parents, explaining illness course and when re-attendance may be necessary.
A Canadian study found that children and youth are at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during the first half of the pandemic. The study analyzed hospitalizations of 264 children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that only half had severe disease, with underlying health conditions being a significant factor.
A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.
Research reveals a significant decline in kidney function among COVID-19 long-haulers and even those with mild infections. The study highlights the critical need for paying attention to kidney function and disease in caring for patients who have had COVID-19, as kidney problems can be silent and untreated until it's too late.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Helsinki found that low-density granulocytes (LDG) play a significant role in weakening the immune response in covid-19 patients. The study revealed that LDGs inhibit T lymphocyte division, leading to suppressed adaptive immunity against the virus.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that infection triggers the expression of a protein called IL-33, leading to overgrowth of air spaces and increased mucus production. The researchers suggest that blocking this process could prevent chronic lung damage caused by viral infections.
A study published in The Lancet found that at least 11.1% of COVID-19 patients in 314 UK hospitals were infected after admission, with rates rising to 16-20% in mid-May 2020. Researchers attributed the high transmission rates to limited facilities for case isolation, diagnostic testing challenges, and airborne transmission.
The new guideline recommends invasive diagnostic tests but acknowledges their potential infeasibility, instead focusing on clinical improvement to transition to oral therapy. It provides thoughtfully reasoned recommendations based on current evidence to help clinicians identify and manage bone infections.
A study analyzing over 1,200 VA outpatient clinics found a 3.9% annual decline in total antibiotic prescriptions between 2011 and 2018. The largest decrease was seen for ciprofloxacin, while outpatient use of doxycycline, azithromycin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate remained high.
A small case series found that vaccination was not linked to worsening symptoms or reduced quality of life in patients with persistent COVID-19 symptoms. The study included 163 patients who received one dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
A US study published in The BMJ found that 14% of adults with COVID-19 developed new conditions requiring medical care during the post-acute phase. Risk was higher in younger adults and those with pre-existing conditions, but persisted even among those who recovered at home.
A study of 2119 adults with confirmed viral acute respiratory infections found that noninfluenza viruses (NIRV) caused illness rates and death similar to influenza. Patients with NIRV infections were generally younger but had underlying conditions, such as compromised immune systems.
Researchers highlight the importance of chest CT imaging in diagnosing COVID-19, with specific attention to pulmonary CT findings across various disease stages. The study provides a valuable reference for clinicians and radiologists seeking to accurately diagnose COVID-19 using CT scans.
A Harvard Medical School study found that clinicians who prescribe unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections increase the likelihood of patients seeking care for similar infections in the future. This leads to a significant increase in antibiotic prescriptions, exacerbating the problem of antibiotic resistance and unnecessary spending.
A team of researchers from the University of Münster has created a groundbreaking viral expression model that can simulate and analyze various viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. The model uses stem cells to mimic the mechanisms of action of viruses, allowing for precise investigation of disease progression and potential treatments.
A retrospective cohort study in Sweden found ongoing transmission of hepatitis C before anti-HCV screening was implemented in 1992. The study identified undiagnosed hepatitis C patients living in Sweden who received transfusions pre-1992, emphasizing the need for testing and treatment.
A new study reveals that value-based incentive programs aimed at reducing health care-associated infections did not improve infection rates in either safety-net or non-safety-net hospitals. Safety-net hospitals continued to experience higher rates of health care-associated infections, highlighting persistent disparities in the healthca...
A new modeling study suggests that the number of infection-initiating viral variants is primarily determined by how long the source partner has been infected. The risk for multiple-founder variant transfer during sexual HIV exposure is nearly doubled during the first three months of the source partner's infection.
A large Swedish study found stress-related disorders associated with a higher risk of life-threatening infections like meningitis and sepsis. Younger age at diagnosis and co-occurring psychiatric conditions further increased the risk, while SSRI antidepressant use appeared protective.
A new study suggests that chronic ear infections caused by a flat Eustachian tube angle may have led to the demise of the Neanderthals. This condition would have been a lifelong threat to their health and survival, making it difficult for them to compete with Homo sapiens for resources.
Research reveals high levels of antibiotic resistance among E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae species in Ghana, posing a significant threat to the healthcare system. The spread of these resistant bacteria through contact with contaminated surfaces and person-to-person contact is a major public health concern.
Since 2008, chronic hepatitis B infections have increased steadily in Europe, with 58% of newly reported cases classified as chronic in 2017. Successful national vaccination programmes have contributed to a decline in acute cases, but incomplete data and varying surveillance systems hinder detailed epidemiological analysis.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered two distinct neutrophil states in blood, which vary depending on patient health and infection status. These findings may lead to new models for disease detection and monitoring, such as tracking primed neutrophils to predict inflammatory diseases.
A new study sheds light on the metabolic shifts that occur during chronic asymptomatic malaria infection, which can help develop more effective detection and treatment methods.
Healthcare-associated infections are common in European hospitals and long-term care facilities, affecting millions of patients each year. Low microbiological testing rates vary widely between countries, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.
The article discusses the rising trend of heroin abuse in the US, which has led to an increase in surgical complications such as skin and soft tissue infections, septic thrombophlebitis, and mycotic pseudoaneurysms. Rapid recognition and management of these complications are crucial to prevent life-threatening outcomes.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment courses for common infections in English primary care often deviate from guidelines, with the majority of excess days attributed to respiratory conditions. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic overuse through better adherence to recommended treatment durations may have significant scope.
Researchers are studying norovirus and Clostridium difficile to determine effective disinfection strategies for cleaning up vomit on soft surfaces. The goal is to control the spread of diseases in long-term care facilities, where outbreaks account for 60% of cases.
A flare-up of an Ebola infection in a woman who had survived the disease a year earlier has highlighted the need for continued surveillance and strengthened health systems. The virus was detected in her family members, including her husband and sons, through genetic analysis.
Researchers found a significant decrease in C. difficile infections across Canada, with the most common virulent strain, NAP1, associated with severe illness and deaths. Improved infection control practices, such as frequent handwashing and better cleaning, may have contributed to this decline.
A study of almost 15,000 outpatients with acute respiratory infections during flu seasons found that 41% were prescribed antibiotics despite not being indicated for their conditions. Antibiotic overuse remains a widespread issue in the treatment of outpatient acute respiratory infections.
A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that 63% of Hepatitis C infections resulting from medical treatment were discovered after patients became acutely ill. Researchers highlight the importance of proactive reporting and proper infection control practices to prevent such incidents.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified volatile biomarkers that can detect malaria in people with no external symptoms. The study found that changes in human odours are characteristic of both acute and asymptomatic malaria infections, allowing for nearly 100% detection rate even at low pathogen quantities.
A new study found that brief exposure to fine particulate matter PM2.5 is associated with the development of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in young children, leading to increased doctor visits and hospitalizations. The research suggests that air pollution may impair the body's ability to fight off infections or cause damage ...
Research found that acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is associated with elevated levels of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in young children, even those as young as two months old. The study, involving over 100,000 patients, suggests that air pollution may impair the immune response and increase susceptibility to infections.
Most antibiotic courses for acute sinus infection in adults exceed five days, despite guidelines recommending a maximum of seven days. The study analyzed over 3.7 million visits by private practice physicians and found that nearly 70% of prescribed treatments lasted longer than 10 days.
Researchers analyzed immune cells of children with flu symptoms and found that previous exposures to viruses influence the immune response. The study identified changes in key immune pathways that may lead to better therapies for young patients with acute respiratory tract infections.
A new study published in JAMA found that oral steroids do not reduce the duration or severity of symptoms in non-asthmatic adults with acute chest infections. Researchers compared 398 participants who received prednisolone for five days to those receiving a placebo, and found no significant difference in symptom improvement.
A study published in JAMA found that oral steroid prednisolone did not reduce symptom duration or severity in nonasthmatic adults with acute lower respiratory tract infections. The study randomly assigned 401 adults to receive either prednisolone or a placebo for five days, but no significant treatment effects were observed.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that alpha-Synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson's disease, is released when an infection occurs in the upper GI tract, inducing an immune response. Chronic infections may overwhelm the body's capacity to clear alpha-Synuclein, leading to disease.
A new study found that nearly half of seniors in Ontario who visited a family doctor for a non-bacterial infection received an unnecessary antibiotic prescription. The majority of prescriptions were for broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes and antibiotic resistance.
A RAND Corporation study found that direct-to-consumer telehealth services prompt new use of medical services, leading to increased spending. Despite the convenience and lower costs associated with telehealth visits, only 12% of telemedicine visits replaced traditional office visits, while 88% represented new use of medical services.
A global study confirms that vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of acute respiratory infections by cutting it in half for individuals with severe vitamin D deficiency. Regular supplementation also offers benefits, whereas occasional high doses show no significant impact.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that vitamin D supplementation results in a 12% reduction in the proportion of participants experiencing at least one acute respiratory tract infection. Daily or weekly doses show greater benefit, particularly in those with severe vitamin D deficiency.
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.
A recent study has provided the first details of how enteroviruses, which cause millions of infections worldwide annually, may enter the body through the intestine. The researchers used a mini-gut model to demonstrate that echovirus 11 induced significant damage to intestinal cells, facilitating passage into the bloodstream.
The study establishes the prevalence of bloodstream infections as the most common type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in children, with a high mortality rate associated with these infections. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to prevent and reduce HAIs in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units.
A study found that high monthly doses of vitamin D reduced acute respiratory infections in older long-term care residents by 40%. However, it also increased the number of falls experienced by these individuals. The study suggests daily dosing with high levels of vitamin D may be needed to minimize risk.
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that calcium induces the transition from acute to chronic infections in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a life-threatening pathogen. This shift enables the bacteria to adapt and survive in the lungs, making treatment more challenging for patients with cystic fibrosis.
A new study estimates the combined burden of six healthcare-associated infections to be higher than that of diseases like influenza, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis together. The estimated annual burden is approximately 2.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the EU/EEA.