Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
The ACT-CHIK project will conduct a Phase Ib/III clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a measles-virus-based chikungunya vaccine in four African countries. The project also aims to strengthen Africa's vaccine ecosystem by transferring the vaccine manufacturing process to an African manufacturer.
Researchers have developed an alternative infection model using wax moth larvae to study bacterial pathogens, enabling efficient and ethically acceptable high-throughput testing. The model allows for broad screening of bacterial variants or potential new active compounds in a living organism.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advances in understanding cancer biology, developing AI-powered atlas of tertiary lymphoid structures as prognostic biomarkers, and uncovering drivers of resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Additionally, they have discovered a molecular pathway that drives stressed cells to b...
A recent study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that antibiotics for uncomplicated acute sore throats have minimal preventive effect against serious streptococcal infections. Early recognition of warning signs is crucial, and a vaccine is being awaited as a long-term solution.
Dr. Renee Fleeman's research found a bioengineered peptide weakens the defenses of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria and destroys it, potentially treating patients with severe infections. The findings show the peptide can kill biofilm-embedded bacteria in animal models.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that 'cross-reactive' T cells can recognize multiple species of paramyxovirus, including measles and Nipah viruses. This broad protection is essential in combating emerging diseases with unknown viral strains.
A study by Finnish researchers found that MMR vaccines provide sustained protection against measles transmission in Finland, maintaining herd immunity despite high vaccination coverage. The study identified a 'firewall population' of individuals with sufficient immunity to prevent infection and limit viral spread.
A new leishmaniasis vaccine, developed using CRISPR gene-editing technology, is set to begin testing in healthy people for its safety and immune response. The vaccine has shown strong results in mice and has cleared a key FDA hurdle, paving the way for Phase 2 trials aiming to understand its effectiveness.
Researchers have developed an approach to prevent transmission of E. coli K1 bacteria to newborns, reducing the risk of meningitis by up to 80%. The treatment involves an oral vaccination that weakens the bacteria, followed by a harmless probiotic bacterium that competes with the weakened pathogen for food.
Chlamydia notifications decreased in seven European countries, with significant declines among young people. The decline was mainly seen in Sweden, Denmark, England, Finland, Ireland, Norway and the Netherlands, with case numbers dropping by up to 32% in some countries.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that approximately 16% of patients with COVID-19 developed long COVID, translating to over 18 million Americans. The study used a novel AI algorithm to identify cases undetected by existing diagnostic systems.
A study reveals that TREM2+ macrophages directly recognize candidalysin, a toxin secreted by Candida albicans, to initiate an immune response. This recognition leads to the activation of key immune cells and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ultimately protecting against fungal infection.
Europe's bacterial STI cases reached record highs in 2024, driven by gonorrhoea and syphilis, with men who have sex with men disproportionately affected. The near doubling of congenital syphilis cases highlights the need for improved antenatal screening protocols to prevent transmission to newborns.
Researchers found that treating woodland trails with woodchips and insecticide significantly reduced the density of blacklegged ticks, a primary vector of Lyme disease. The study demonstrated that both deltamethrin-treated and untreated woodchip interventions can effectively reduce tick populations in recreational contexts.
Researchers used wastewater surveillance to detect drug-resistant Candida auris strains up to five months before patients showed symptoms, opening a new frontier for hospitals. The study found higher detection rates and concentrations of the pathogen in hospital wastewater compared to community-scale treatment plants.
A major new study has found that severe asthma patients are often battling other health conditions, with nearly all suffering from at least one major issue. The study identified three distinct profiles linked to how well asthma is controlled and the treatments needed, offering potential breakthroughs for improving care.
A systematic review by 16 leading researchers at Rutgers University and other institutions highlights recurring problems in studies of infection-associated chronic illnesses, including the failure to prove participants have the relevant pathogen. The authors propose a framework for rigorous study design to confirm diagnoses, choose com...
A study found that adolescents aware of their state's minor consent laws were more likely to seek and receive HIV and other sexually transmitted infections testing. Teens who accurately knew their legal capacity to consent to healthcare services had higher testing rates.
Climate change is reshaping the infectious disease landscape, leading to new diseases emerging and old ones reappearing. The report identifies priority research areas to strengthen infectious disease attribution science and build resilient public health response systems.
A new preclinical study reveals that an overactive viral sensor in the immune system can cause severe complications during flu infection in pregnancy. By blocking this sensor, researchers hope to prevent harmful inflammation and protect developing babies.
A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 8,000 men found that asymptomatic mpox infections played a significant role in transmission, contrary to previous assumptions. The study also showed that the mpox vaccine reduced the risk of infection by 50% and severe disease by 78%.
Studies of Lyme disease and Long COVID face methodological challenges, including incorrect diagnoses and lumping patients with different diseases. Researchers advocate for rigorous study design to confirm diagnoses, choose comparison groups, and treat patient populations as distinct.
The LAMECS 2026 symposium will feature keynote lectures on astrobiology, infectious disease, public health, and science policy. Early career scientists can showcase their work, expand networks, and explore career options in microbiology.
The CCRE survey provides the most comprehensive genomic picture to date of carbapenem- and/or colistin-resistant Enterobacterales across European hospitals. The results reveal heterogeneous yet increasingly concerning epidemiological patterns, suggesting a high risk that carbapenem-resistant E. coli could become endemic in Europe.
The Health Security Operations Center will monitor infectious disease transmission and deliver timely information to health officials, health systems, and the public. Drawing on data from wastewater monitoring, hospitalizations, and real-time health reports gathered from host cities, the HSOC aims to anticipate and mitigate large-scale...
Researchers discovered that CD4+ immune cells spot and attack the virus in the liver, leading to viral clearance. This finding points to a potential cure for hepatitis B, with therapies designed to activate these immune cells.
A University of Osaka-led team developed a wastewater-based epidemiology approach to estimate influenza incidence, predicting community outbreaks about one week earlier than publicly available data. The method also enables separate estimation of influenza A and B trends, supporting more detailed monitoring of seasonal outbreaks.
Researchers found a protein called RAB5c that helps white blood cells kill Aspergillus fumigatus, a common airborne fungus. Without this protein, immune cells are disarmed despite attacking at full force. The discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with weakened immune systems.
A study found that cefiderocol and levofloxacin improved survival rates and reduced bacterial burdens in mice with severe hemorrhagic pneumonia. However, instances of hemorrhage differed between the two treatments. The results suggest that levofloxacin may be more effective against this infection.
Researchers develop hemoglobin-based nanoparticles to deliver tigecycline directly to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection sites, improving survival rates and reducing bacterial burden. The novel strategy overcomes dose-limiting toxicity and enhances pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that over one in four pediatric patients treated for malaria in the US had a delay in diagnosis, leading to more severe infection and longer hospital stays. The study emphasized the need for prompt diagnosis and prevention of imported cases to improve patient outcomes.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have characterized human antibodies capable of neutralizing measles virus. The new panel of human antibodies may form the basis for future medical therapies against measles infection, with a study showing a 500-fold lower viral load in a rodent model.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases explores a new host-response assay to detect active tuberculosis and predict future disease. The Cepheid Xpert MTB Host Response test shows good accuracy for detecting active TB, but its ability to predict future disease is moderate.
A study of over 31,000 patients found that pneumonia occurred more often after breathing tubes were removed than during ventilation, with most cases developing within a 1–2 week window after surgery. Early assessment and intervention focusing on swallowing function are crucial for prevention and improved outcomes.
A Canadian study found that seasonal COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the risk of illness in 2025/26, with vaccine protection extending beyond its target strain. The vaccine was particularly beneficial for people aged 65 or older, offering 53% effectiveness against severe COVID-19.
Researchers detected airborne virus, wastewater contamination, and asymptomatic cows on infected dairy farms, suggesting multiple modes of transmission. This finding highlights the need for mitigation strategies to reduce viral spread in herds and humans.
The UK-led OpenBind initiative has released its first publicly available dataset and predictive AI model, accelerating the discovery of new medicines using artificial intelligence. The release showcases high-quality, standardized experimental data and a trained predictive model, enabling researchers worldwide to drive the next generati...
Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that FluMist can trigger an immune response directly in nasal tissue, training immune cells to recognize and fight influenza virus infection. This response stays in the upper airways and cannot be detected via blood samples.
A new portable device can deliver accurate test results for tuberculosis (TB) in less than half an hour, matching lab accuracy. The MiniDock MTB uses similar technology to COVID-19 tests and detects DNA of mycobacterium tuberculosis, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment
A recent study found that lower vaccination coverage among infants born to unscreened mothers is associated with a substantial increase in HBV infections. The researchers used simulation modeling to examine the impact of different levels of newborn vaccination coverage and maternal screening on HBV infection rates.
A new theoretical framework shows that when interactions shift away from familiar contacts, activity can spread more widely. The study suggests that whether something spreads or stalls may hinge on a simple choice: revisit the same connections or explore new ones.
A research team at the University of Basel has uncovered how a key protein switches on the machinery that enables Leptospira pathogens to survive and cause disease. By understanding this process, scientists may design drugs that keep the pathogen from becoming virulent, preventing severe cases and reducing mortality.
The Targeting Phage Therapy 2026 Congress will bring together experts to address clinical, regulatory, industrial, and hospital infrastructure requirements for phage therapy. The congress aims to move phage therapy from promising science to accessible, validated, and deployable medicine.
A new study found that influenza D viruses can vigorously replicate in human cells and lung tissue samples, suggesting a strong potential to spill over to humans. Researchers also detected antibodies against Influenza D in people who work with cattle, but no active human infection has been discovered to date.
The study reveals that hair follicles contain specialized sentinel cells that monitor environmental exposure and microbial presence, potentially linking immune detection to sensory signaling. The discovery may have implications for understanding skin infections, immune disorders, and topical therapeutics.
Researchers found that antibiotics disrupt gut microbiota, suppressing protective immune system pathways and increasing severity of A. baumannii pneumonia. The study highlights the gut-lung connection as a potential therapeutic target for hospital-acquired lung infections.
A new study from the University of Lausanne identifies a specific subset of fibroblasts that produce Ccl19, an 'attractant signal' for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, bringing them into contact with type 1 dendritic cells. This mechanism is essential for proper immune cell organization and function.
A new study found that Washington's hepatitis C elimination initiative increased testing and treatment access, leading to reduced total care costs. Per-patient costs declined by over 45% as more people received treatment, suggesting a cost-effective approach to screening and treatment of healthy individuals.
A study found that HAART led to a resurgence of syphilis in the US, with increases concentrated among men. The availability of HIV treatments improved survival but also changed sexual behavior and public health effects.
A new analysis found that prescriptions for curable hepatitis C drugs have declined sharply in recent years, leaving millions without treatment. The researchers urge swift actions to deliver the drugs to those who need them, including increased screening and system-level changes.
Researchers have developed a new tool called Microbial Interaction and Niche Determination (MIND) that accurately predicts how microbes compete within complex communities. By analyzing nutrient preferences and energy allocation, MIND helps beneficial organisms outcompete dangerous pathogens. This approach has the potential to accelerat...
A major multi-country study found that WHO-recommended first-line antibiotics for neonatal sepsis are effective in only one quarter of infections in low- and middle-income countries. High levels of antimicrobial resistance were observed, making it challenging to identify consistently effective empirical antibiotic regimens.
Primary care-based discussions on reproductive goals, immunizations, and risk-reducing interventions optimize pregnancy outcomes. Prepregnancy counseling reduces maternal morbidity and mortality, while also promoting healthy fetal development.
A landmark trial presented at ESCMID Global 2026 finds that improving oral hygiene for hospital patients reduces the risk of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) by 60%. The study, involving over 8,000 patients, shows a substantial improvement in oral care practices among hospital patients.
A newly-developed AI-powered tool, CAMPER, helps identify peptides that target antibiotic-resistant bacteria by breaking down their outer defenses. The study found that CAMPER is effective in developing treatments against MRSA and other difficult-to-treat pathogens.
A new ultrasensitive test reveals evidence of previously undetected tuberculosis in Boston Hospital patients, with a striking link to life-threatening sickle cell disease complications. The study found that most TB DNA-positive patients were age 50 or older and tested negative on standard TB infection tests.
Dr. James Earnest's research focuses on how the immune system responds to mosquito-borne viruses, aiming to create better preventative measures for dengue and Zika infections. He is collaborating with institutions in Mexico and Uganda to study immune responses over time, shedding light on effective memory B cells and antibodies.
The Lancet Countdown Europe report presents a total of 43 indicators on the connections between health and climate change in Europe. The report warns that fossil-fuel driven climate change constitutes a growing threat to the health of people in Europe.
A new study found that influenza was detected in 11% of winter deaths, but only 17% had a confirmed diagnosis before death. The study highlights the gap between detection and official mortality records, suggesting influenza may play a larger role in winter mortality than routine surveillance captures.