Articles tagged with Fever
A Rift Valley fever outbreak has been reported in Niger, with 64 human cases and 23 deaths confirmed. Umeå University's Osama Ahmed Hassan joined a UN expert mission to develop action plans to curb the spread of the disease. The mission aimed to implement short-, mid- and long-term strategies to prevent further outbreaks.
A Washington State University study found that vaccinating cattle for East Coast fever increases household wealth and income, leading to more food and education. Fewer cattle deaths also enable families to send their daughters to secondary school.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine introduce a checklist-style protocol to minimize unnecessary blood culture draws in hospitalized children with fevers. The guideline resulted in an almost 50% decrease in unnecessary blood draws without compromising sepsis diagnosis.
Researchers at VIB and Ghent University have developed a diagnostic tool for Familial Mediterranean Fever, which can accurately diagnose the disease and prevent kidney failure. The tool detects changes in the body's immune reaction to pyrin, a protein mutated in FMF, and has been validated in 13 patients.
A team of Japanese researchers revealed the mechanism for fever and bone pain caused by G-CSF, which is essential for treating hematological malignancies. The study found that PGE2 produced by neutrophils governed by sympathetic nervous system is behind the unpleasant symptoms caused by G-CSF.
The highly competitive residency matching process has become increasingly frenzied, driving up costs for students and disrupting the fourth year of medical school. Students are applying to an average of 30-45 programs, with some specialties requiring over 70 applications, leading to excessive travel and financial burdens.
A study of 130 pregnant Sudanese women found a significant link between Rift Valley fever virus infection and miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage was seven times greater for infected women compared to those without the infection.
Research reveals that early exposure to antibiotics is associated with a higher risk of developing eczema and hay fever. The study found that the use of antibiotics in early childhood can lead to a stronger immune response, disrupting the balance of gut microbiome.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to predict zoonotic disease outbreaks like Ebola and Lassa fever. The model incorporates spillover and stuttering transmission, enabling more accurate predictions and informing targeted public health strategies.
A North Carolina State University study links several pesticides used by farmers with both allergic and non-allergic wheeze, a sensitive marker for early airway problems. The research, using data from the Agricultural Health Study, found 29 pesticides associated with at least one type of wheeze.
Valley fever, caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, affects over 150,000 people annually. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent unnecessary tests and treatment, reducing the impact of complications. Pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with diabetes are at high risk for severe outcomes.
Researchers in Iquitos, Peru, found that fever reduces human mobility by 30% and increases time spent closer to home. Asymptomatic individuals play a significant role in disease transmission, highlighting the need for revised surveillance and control strategies.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have discovered that the Rift Valley fever virus uses the Wnt signaling pathway to hijack host machinery and cause infection. This mechanism offers a promising new target for developing therapeutics against this deadly virus, which can cause fatal hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever.
A UCL-led team of researchers has developed a model that predicts outbreaks of zoonotic diseases like Ebola and Zika based on environmental changes. The model forecasts the number of people affected by Lassa fever to double from 195,125 to 406,725 by 2070 due to climate change and population growth.
A global study by TGen found six new species of Histoplasma fungus, linked to bat evolution, which causes histoplasmosis and poses a deadly risk to HIV and other immunocompromised patients. The disease is known for its high mortality rate in Latin America and is becoming more frequent globally.
Scientists at TGen tracked the likely origins and dispersal of Valley Fever using genomic analysis technologies, revealing a history spanning 2 million years. The study identifies two distinct species of the fungus Coccidioides and estimates their divergence dates, providing insights into future outbreak tracking.
A team of researchers has solved a rare, debilitating disease by identifying a genetic mutation as its cause. The disease, Pyrin Associated Autoinflammation with Neutrphilic Dermatosis (PAAND), affects half of the children of patients who have the condition.
Researchers have identified the genetic mutation causing PAAND, a rare inflammatory disease, and found that repurposed anti-arthritis drug anakinra can effectively treat the condition. The treatment was tested on a volunteer from an English family with striking results.
A team of UCI scientists led by Philip Felgner has received $8 million to develop a new vaccine for Q fever, a highly infectious agent considered a potential bioterrorism weapon. The vaccine aims to mitigate severe side effects of the current vaccine and is expected to be safer and more effective.
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute scientists discovered that the insertion of just two DNA bases into a gene helps the parasite overcome antimonial drug treatment. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that the genetic landscape of L. donovani offers new insights into its evolutionary history and ability to develop drug resistance.
Scientists have successfully altered the genetic code of pigs to make them more resilient to African Swine Fever. By modifying a specific gene, researchers believe they may be able to reduce the disease's devastating effects on infected animals.
Researchers from KU Leuven identified histamine as a cause of abdominal pain in IBS patients, discovering that it makes the pain receptor TRPV1 hypersensitive. A pilot clinical study found that ebastine, an existing hay fever medicine, significantly reduced abdominal pain in IBS patients.
A 17-year-old woman contracted rat-bite fever from her pet rodents, a rare condition that can be treated. The case highlights the risk of infection from pet animals and the importance of proper hygiene.
Children with common allergies like asthma and hay fever have a higher rate of hypertension and high cholesterol, setting them up for heart disease early on. Inflammation from these conditions may contribute to cardiovascular risks.
Scientists have identified broadly neutralizing antibodies that protect against infection by multiple alphaviruses, including Chikungunya virus. These antibodies block key steps in the viral life cycle and can provide protection against multiple related viruses.
A recent study by University of Queensland researchers has tracked the re-emergence of scarlet fever-causing bacteria, resulting in a significant increase in cases worldwide. The rise in scarlet fever could pre-empt a future rise in rheumatic heart disease, highlighting the need for swift identification and treatment.
A new study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that the expanding range of the Lone star tick is causing reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever infections to rise, but fatalities have not. The mild disease spread by the aggressive tick is being mistaken for the more serious disease due to similarities in bloo...
A study found that patients with persistent Coxiella burnetii infections, which cause Q fever, are at a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The researchers discovered that these patients often have overproduction of interleukin-10, allowing the cancer cells to evade immune detection.
A study finds that infections are a common cause of falls among older adults, with urinary tract, bloodstream, and respiratory infections being the most prevalent. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should consider infection as a potential cause of falls in patients, particularly in those with dementia.
Adult rashes accompanied by a fever of 100.5 or higher warrant immediate medical attention due to potential life-threatening conditions. Quick, aggressive treatment can significantly improve survival rates for patients with underlying conditions such as toxic shock syndrome and staph scalded skin syndrome.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) as a key culprit responsible for fluid loss and resulting shock in severe dengue virus infections. Blocking this protein in mice protected them from lethal effects, suggesting it could be a prime target for drugs and vaccines.
A KIT study with over 450 test persons found that social competition and time pressure drive up prices in online auctions. Physiological measurements show human contenders influence behavior on electronic markets.
The discovery sheds light on how the virus evolved and spread across West Africa, revealing that most cases are caused by spillover infections from wild rodents to humans.
A new genomic catalog of nearly 200 viral genomes provides insight into the origins and transmission of Lassa virus. The data set confirms rodent-to-human transmission as the primary mode of infection.
Researchers found that auctions with intense time pressure and social competition lead to higher bids due to emotional arousal. Ascending auctions were more rewarding for participants than descending ones.
A new NIH-funded study at Indiana University will investigate the potential connection between fever and relief of some autism symptoms in children. The researchers aim to understand how physiological deficits in regulating body temperature affect social behaviors associated with autism.
A consortium led by Massachusetts General Hospital has launched a $5.2 million project to develop an RNA-based vaccine against Q fever, a disease affecting US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VaxCelerate process aims to rapidly develop vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.
Scientists at the University of Montreal discover that a protein in the Rift Valley fever virus mimics human DNA repair factors, making it vulnerable to drug therapy. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deadly tropical infections such as Ebola.
The chikungunya virus is predicted to soon spread to the US, causing a painful and potentially debilitating disease. Researchers are working on understanding how the virus enters the human body and developing vaccines, but progress is hindered by challenges in clinical trials.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that co-infection with two parasite species can reduce the severity of a more lethal disease, East Coast fever. The researchers propose using a mild parasitic infection as a vaccine alternative, which could be safer and less costly.
African cattle infected with the deadly East Coast fever parasite are less likely to die when co-infected with its milder cousin. The findings suggest a protective process that could also be at work in human malaria, where infections with milder parasites may protect against severe disease.
A new test from MIT researchers uses a simple paper strip to rapidly diagnose Ebola and other viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as yellow fever and dengue fever. The device takes about 10 minutes to produce results, allowing for quicker triage and isolation of patients.
Researchers at University of Tokyo develop wearable fever alarm armband with built-in temperature sensor and power supply circuit using organic components. The device can detect high body temperatures and provide audible alerts, enhancing healthcare monitoring in infant, elderly, and patient care settings.
Researchers found that airport screening often fails to detect half or more infected travelers, but can be improved by customizing to specific pathogens. Honest reporting by passengers is also crucial for effective detection and tracing.
Researchers found evidence of prior exposure to Ebola virus among patients with Lassa fever in Sierra Leone between 2011-2014. The discovery suggests that the deadly disease may have been circulating in the area for years before the 2014 outbreak, sparking hope for prevention and control strategies.
A new study found that around one in five Lassa fever cases could be caused by human-to-human transmission, with a disproportionate number of cases traced back to 'super-spreaders'. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding different modes of transmission and their impact on public health strategies.
A new study has identified genetic material that recognizes early stages of infection in patients with hemorrhagic fevers, such as Lassa and Marburg viruses. This discovery could lead to the development of better diagnostics and improved treatment outcomes.
The Scripps Research Institute team is investigating the deadly Lassa fever virus with a $6.6 million NIH grant. The five-year study aims to understand how the immune system fights off the virus and develops new treatments for the disease. Researchers will analyze cells, chemicals, and genetics of patients to uncover key findings.
A chemical derived from broccoli sprouts, sulforaphane, has shown improvements in social interaction and verbal communication in individuals with moderate to severe autism. The treatment demonstrated significant reductions in repetitive behaviors and increased communication skills within four weeks.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute have discovered new cellular factors essential for CCHFV infection, revealing the site where a drug therapy would need to act. The findings suggest that multivesicular bodies are critical for CCHFV replication and hold promise for broad-spectrum antiviral treatments.
A new single-dose influenza drug, peramivir, shows promise in alleviating flu symptoms, including fever and viral shedding, when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset. It effectively reduces median time to alleviation of symptoms by 22 hours and is generally safe and well-tolerated.
Fever is triggered by prostaglandin signaling substance produced in the brain's blood vessels. A new study confirms this origin, shedding light on inflammation symptoms and potential drug targets.
A recent study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection warns of the high risk of Chikungunya virus spread in the Americas and Europe due to mosquito-borne transmission. The disease can cause severe symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and muscle aches, with no available treatment.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new diagnostic tool called immunosignaturing to identify valley fever, which can be misdiagnosed due to low sensitivity of current methods. This technique uses a microarray platform to produce a detailed profile of immune activity from a small droplet of blood, allowing for accur...
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have found a major clue to the mystery of hemorrhagic fever syndromes, linking them to the body's antiviral response and identifying Interferon Type I proteins as key drivers of disease. Blocking IFN-I signaling may be a good therapeutic strategy against hemorrhagic fevers.
New research found that interactive training programmes for health workers can reduce overdiagnosis of malaria by half and prevent the wastage of valuable drugs. The study suggests that comprehensive training packages should be implemented alongside the roll-out of malaria rapid diagnostic tests in endemic countries.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that the immune system of healthy children can prevent repeated malaria fever episodes by producing anti-inflammatory molecules after a first bout of malaria. The researchers suggest that this 'premunition' response evolved as an effective immune mechanism to protect young children from life-th...
Researchers found that children living in malaria-endemic regions mount an immune response to infection with malaria parasites, enabling them to partially control parasite growth and avoid repeated fever. This exposure-dependent control of inflammation may have evolved to protect young children from life-threatening illness.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that viral infections are the primary cause of febrile illnesses in Tanzanian children. In most cases, no treatment with antimalarials or antibiotics is required. This finding has significant implications for improving the rational use of antimicrobials and reducing c...
A genome-wide association study by 23andMe has identified 11 new genetic markers associated with asthma-with-hay fever. The study, led by researchers at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, used data from 20,000 individuals and found variants in the ZBTB10 and CLEC16A regions linked to allergic disease.