Articles tagged with Diphtheria
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds a small but significant drop in the proportion of the public that would recommend getting the MMR vaccine, citing concerns over its safety and effectiveness. The survey also shows declines in perceived safety and effectiveness for other vaccines, such as seasonal flu and Covid-19.
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
A survey of over 1,600 US adults found that most know the negative impacts of smoking and drinking during pregnancy, but uncertainty exists around vaccines and weight gain recommendations. The majority are unsure about recommended vaccines for pregnant individuals, with a notable drop in knowledge since last year.
Diphtheria is still being reported in Europe, with cases higher than before 2020, affecting vulnerable populations like homeless individuals, migrants, and those who use or inject drugs. ECDC recommends tailored public health response measures to protect these groups.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) emphasizes the need for high immunization coverage to protect European populations from diseases like measles and polio. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in public health, with recent data showing a tenfold surge in reported measles cases in the EU/EEA.
Cases of whooping cough are increasing in the US, with over 28,000 cases reported this year. A nationally representative survey found that many people lack knowledge about the disease's symptoms and vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers found that vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and shingles, as well as pneumococcus, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 25-30% in adults over 65. Vaccination is hypothesized to change how the immune system responds to toxic proteins contributing to Alzheimer’s disease.
A large study of over 3 million patients receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine found extremely rare cases of retinal vascular occlusion. The researchers concluded that there is no evidence suggesting an association between the vaccine and newly diagnosed RVO, rates similar to those of other vaccinations.
A growing number of European countries have experienced diphtheria outbreaks primarily associated with recently arrived migrants. Key findings indicate that whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis reveal that the toxin-producing bacteria were acquired during migration rather than in their home country or Germany.
A study of 57,460 US cases found a sustained decrease in infant pertussis incidence following Tdap vaccine introduction. Maternal vaccination is associated with reduced disease burden among young infants.
A survey study found adolescents who received routine childhood vaccines were more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose. This may indicate that addressing hesitancy about routine vaccinations can reduce concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.
A recent study reveals that 91% of athletes display dysfunctional breathing patterns, which can lead to increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The study emphasizes the importance of screening and addressing these patterns through targeted interventions and breathing training protocols.
The WHO European Region has seen significant success in diphtheria immunization, with high coverage rates and only a few reported cases. However, suboptimal surveillance systems and inadequate laboratory capacity may contribute to the persistence of sporadic cases.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the uptake of childhood immunizations in Scotland. Researchers analyzed data from over 439,000 vaccine invitations and found higher immunization rates during lockdown periods compared to pre-pandemic years.
A growing number of diphtheria cases, coupled with evolving antimicrobial resistance, pose a significant threat to public health. The disease's toxin genes have shown increased diversity, which could impact the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that adults who completed their childhood vaccination series against tetanus and diphtheria are protected for life. The researchers compared data from millions of people across North America and Europe between 2001 and 2016, concluding that booster shots are not necessary.
Researchers develop animal-free antitoxin to block diphtheria toxin, reducing animal suffering and increasing safety. PETA-funded project uses human blood cells to create effective treatment with no risk of allergic reactions.
A recent study has identified Corynebacterium ulcerans, a close relative of the diphtheria-causing bacterium, in diseased hedgehogs. The discovery raises concerns about animal-to-human transmission and emphasizes the importance of proper hygiene measures and vaccination for protection against diphtheria.
A global shortage of diphtheria treatment drugs due to lack of market incentive poses a significant threat to Western nations. Experts warn that the medicine is only produced in limited quantities and its availability is compromised by European-wide efforts to coordinate a stockpile.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University recommend revisiting current adult vaccination schedule due to long-lasting immunity against tetanus and diphtheria. A revised 30-year schedule could reduce healthcare costs by two-thirds, saving approximately $280 million annually.
A study found that children exposed to perfluorinated compounds, commonly used in food packaging, had lower antibody responses to routine childhood immunizations. The most common PFCs, such as PFOS and PFOA, were associated with decreased antibody concentrations, indicating potential immune system deficits.
The US FDA has approved KINRIX, a combination vaccine that protects against four serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio. Clinical studies show similar protection to separately administered vaccines with a comparable safety profile.
The FDA Advisory Committee has unanimously recommended approval of Boostrix, a vaccine candidate against pertussis, for use in adolescents. The vaccine showed comparable safety and immunogenicity to a U.S.-licensed Td vaccine, with higher anti-pertussis antibody levels in adolescents than in infants.
Only 60.5% of US adults are fully protected against diphtheria and 72.3% against tetanus, with disparities among age groups and ethnicities. Reorganizing physician practices to prioritize preventive services can increase immunization rates.
Researchers at Brandeis University have pinpointed a genetic repressor that can transform diphtheria into a lethal parasite. The discovery could lead to a novel class of antibiotics that prevent bacterial virulence without inducing resistance.