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Could hidden infections be fueling long COVID?

Research suggests that co-infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and tuberculosis may contribute to long COVID symptoms. These infections could leave the immune system compromised, triggering persistent symptoms. The study's findings offer new lines of investigation into effective treatments for long COVID.

SourceRutgers University·JournaleLife·DateDec 10, 2025

Fighting two infections at once

A study found that hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improves immune function in individuals co-infected with HIV and HCV, even in those with advanced liver disease. The treatment resulted in significant declines in inflammation and liver damage markers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 26, 2025

Tackling neglected tropical diseases among migrant populations

A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combining country-level information with individual-level variables can improve the identification of soil-transmitted helminth infections among migrant populations. Researchers found that country-level indicators are stronger predictors than individual-level variable...

SourceLancaster University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2025

New study sheds light on the causes of fevers of unknown origin in sub-Saharan Africa

A new retrospective study found that nearly half of patients with fever of unknown origin in sub-Saharan Africa had a detectable pathogen, including bacterial strains and hemorrhagic fever viruses. The study highlights the need for strengthened laboratory capacity to improve diagnosis and treatment.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2025

Test detects co-infection by novel species of parasite in severe cases of visceral leishmaniasis

Researchers developed a PCR test that accurately identifies the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected disease affecting Brazil and Latin America. The test can detect co-infection by both Leishmania infantum and Crithidia, with infection by Crithidia more frequent than previously thought.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalTropical Medicine and Infectious Disease·DateNov 1, 2023

Co-infection by novel species of parasite is confirmed in visceral leishmaniasis patient

A child patient was co-infected with Leishmania infantum and an unnamed Crithidia parasite species, revealing a rare case of non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis. Genome sequencing confirmed the presence of both parasites, sparking new research questions on disease transmission and host susceptibility.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 8, 2023

A promising investigational therapeutic monoclonal antibody to treat chronic hepatitis B and D infections

A preclinical study demonstrates the effectiveness of VIR-3434 in preventing viral dissemination and reducing viral particles in a mouse model for HBV/HDV coinfection. The monoclonal antibody neutralises all known genotypes of HBV and HDV, providing a potential new option for treating chronic hepatitis B and D.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Real-world studies confirm effectiveness of bulevirtide to treat chronic hepatitis D

Three real-world studies published in the Journal of Hepatology and JHEP Reports demonstrate that bulevirtide is well-tolerated and safe for treating chronic hepatitis delta. Long-term suppressive therapy with BLV monotherapy has the potential to reduce viral replication and improve liver function in difficult-to-treat patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

COVID-19: Bacterial co-infection is a major risk factor for death, ICU admission and mechanical ventilation

A recent study found that bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 patients significantly increased the risk of death, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation. The study reviewed 13,781 COVID-19 inpatient encounters and identified laboratory trends associated with COVID-19 bacterial co-infection.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCritical Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal study explores the association of influenza vaccination with COVID-19 infection and associated outcomes

A systematic review of 36 studies found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 20% and poor outcomes like ICU admission and death by 17-31%. The findings suggest that routine influenza vaccination could offer non-specific immunity against COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 22, 2022

Gut parasites may increase onward transmission of respiratory bugs

Co-infection with gut parasites increases shedding of respiratory bugs like Bordetella bacterium, leading to higher probability of onward transmission. This study in rabbits has broad implications for human populations and suggests targeting treatment of helminths could be an effective way to reduce disease outbreaks.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 8, 2022

Starting antiretroviral therapy early essential to battling not one, but two killers

Researchers found that starting combined antiretroviral therapy against simian immunodeficiency virus two weeks after infection significantly reduced chronic immune activation, SIV replication, and latent TB reactivation. This study contributes to the growing evidence on the complex interaction between HIV and tuberculosis.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2022

Plant-derived antiviral drug is effective in blocking highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, say scientists

Scientists at the University of Nottingham found a plant-based antiviral treatment to be effective in blocking the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. The novel natural antiviral drug, thapsigargin, was shown to trigger a broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against all variants of the virus.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalVirulence·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Differing perspectives on antiviral treatment efficacy in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV

Studies presented at The International Liver Congress 2016 show differing perspectives on direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment efficacy in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV. While one study found lower SVR12 rates in co-infected patients, another study showed no statistically significant impact of HIV co-infection on DAAs.

HIV sufferers need hepatitis safeguards

A new study by Michigan State University found that about four percent of HIV-positive individuals also have hepatitis, highlighting the need for stronger protections against co-infection. The study reveals that behaviors putting people at risk of HIV also increase their risk of getting hepatitis B or C.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateMar 27, 2013

Novel technique demonstrates interactions between malaria parasite and HIV

A new video article in JoVE presents a novel technique to study interactions between HIV-1 and Plasmodium falciparum in cultured human cells. This method allows scientists to explore different parameters of co-infection, enabling better understanding of the cellular level interactions between these two deadly diseases.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateAug 15, 2012

Global flu watch: Report of rare flu coinfection in Southeast Asia hot spot

Researchers have confirmed a rare incidence of individuals becoming infected with both seasonal and pandemic strains of the flu at the same time. Experts say this highlights the ongoing risk of distinct flu viruses combining in human hosts, particularly in Southeast Asia where avian influenza and pandemic H1N1 are prevalent.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateNov 2, 2011