Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
A cohort study of adults aged 45 or older with RSV infection found a significant excess risk of cardiovascular events over 1 year, comparable in magnitude to influenza infection. This highlights the importance of RSV as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and underscores the need for vaccination to mitigate this burden.
Researchers studying long COVID are drawing parallels with historical chronic illnesses, highlighting the need for effective interventions. By analyzing past epidemics and post-acute infection syndromes, scientists hope to gain insight into the mechanisms of these conditions.
A study suggests that volcanic activity around 1345 CE led to crop failures and famine in southern Europe, prompting Italian city states to import grain shipments from the Black Sea region contaminated with Yersinia pestis. This grain trade may have exacerbated the spread of the plague across Europe.
A survey of adults in the US found that most people prefer the American Medical Association's (AMA) guidance on vaccine safety over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC), citing concerns about the CDC's recent changes to its website. According to the survey, 35% of Americans would accept the AMA's recommendation, while...
Revising newborn hepatitis B vaccination guidelines may lead to increased perinatal infections, according to infectious disease experts. The study estimates that revoking the policy could result in a significant number of new infections.
Researchers found that oral bacteria from tooth infections can worsen diabetes risk through IL-17-driven inflammation. The study revealed a mechanistic link between Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periapical disease and systemic metabolic dysfunction.
Experts emphasize powerful therapeutics and successful programs like Global Fund and PEPFAR have saved millions of lives. However, funding pauses led to thousands of deaths, and further action is needed to avoid millions more HIV infections and deaths.
A comprehensive review of 19 multi-day events found that nearly 70% of reported emergencies were infectious disease outbreaks, with influenza, measles, and meningococcal disease being the top causes. Foodborne illnesses accounted for over one in five incidents, often linked to poor food handling practices.
A new combination therapy approach enabled seven out of ten participants to keep the virus at low levels for many months after going off antiretroviral therapy. The results suggest a possible cure for HIV and offer a proof of concept that this approach could work.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in boosting infection recovery in critically ill patients with respiratory viral infections. Maintaining a rhythmic meal schedule can mitigate the effects of disrupted light cycles and improve outcomes.
Researchers found that avian influenza viruses can thrive in the lower respiratory tract and withstand high temperatures, while human flu viruses replicate at higher temperatures. Fever may not be enough to protect against avian flu viruses, which can cause severe illness.
Over half (54%) of all HIV diagnoses in Europe in 2024 were made too late for optimal treatment, according to new data from ECDC and WHO/Europe. This critical testing failure is severely jeopardizing the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
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.
A new study suggests that expanding seasonal immunization access could minimize off-season RSV epidemics, with higher rates of hospitalizations in urban areas compared to rural communities. Providing year-round access to RSV immunization would be more risk-averse and minimize risks of large seasonal outbreaks.
A new meta-analysis published in Aging-US found a significant association between hospitalization for infections and the risk of developing dementia. Adults hospitalized with infections were at an increased risk of all-cause dementia, especially after a single infection-related hospitalization, which can speed up cognitive decline.
Researchers tested a 'mental model' approach to counter unwarranted fears about mRNA technology. The study found that exposing people to visual models of how vaccines work and/or how cells protect DNA from foreign fragments undercuts the effect of exposure to misconceptions.
Two new Cochrane reviews show that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes, especially when given to young people before they are exposed to the virus. Girls vaccinated before the age of 16 were found to be 80% less likely to develop cervical cancer.
Scientists have developed a fast-acting and long-lasting vaccine against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), which is one of the world's most dangerous infectious diseases. The vaccine, made from a virus-like replicon particle, provides durable humoral immunity for up to 18 months.
Researchers at LJI have discovered a cellular driver that leads to the development of tissue-resident memory T cells, which specialize in defending specific organs. The study found that GPR25 sustains TGF-\u00b2 signaling, promoting differentiation and transformation into these specialized immune cells.
The FluWarning system uses genetic code analysis to detect subtle changes in flu viruses that may indicate cross-species transmission. It has been successfully applied to H5N1 bird flu and detected clusters of viral activity in the US, issuing alerts before official reports were published.
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
A novel nanogel technology has been developed to kill drug-resistant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, with high selectivity and efficiency. The technology uses a heteromultivalent nanogel that binds to specific proteins on the bacterial surface, disrupting the membrane and leading to rapid bacterial death.
The 2025 European Scientific Conference on Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology (ESCAIDE) brings together over 3,000 participants to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration in infectious disease prevention and control. The conference highlights urgent priorities such as building trust in science, demonstrating science-based ...
A new analytical tool can improve a hospital's ability to limit the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections by inferring asymptomatic carriers. The method, developed by Columbia University researchers, combines multiple data sources to predict the spread of an infection in the hospital setting.
The Applied Microbiology International (AMI) society has issued a warning about the threat of antimicrobial resistance in viruses and other pathogens. AMI is urging policymakers to strengthen the revised Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, including all types of pathogenic organisms.
The partnership aims to co-develop and evaluate next-generation self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines targeting seasonal and pandemic influenza. Apriori's Octavia platform will be combined with A*STAR IDL's saRNA delivery technology to develop improved H5 influenza vaccines that anticipate infection in humans.
Researchers discovered a 'sticky' molecule, P-selectin, that can cause blood clots and organ failure during COVID-19. A new mRNA therapy that drives P-selectin expression provides broad protection against coronavirus infection.
Approximately 1 in 30 clinical trials were disrupted due to grant funding terminations, disproportionately affecting infectious disease and prevention studies. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable financial support to ensure trial operations and participant safety.
The new book provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal chemistry and target-based drug design for diseases such as leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, malaria, and others. It highlights emerging therapeutic compounds and the integration of synthetic and computational approaches to drug discovery.
Researchers are presenting groundbreaking findings at the Association for Molecular Pathology's annual meeting, including a novel technique to study ancient DNA and rapid detection of serious fungal pathogens. The Association for Molecular Pathology is providing press materials and resources for media coverage.
Researchers have developed a molecular test capable of detecting three major pathogenic fungi at once, with a much quicker turnaround than traditional methods. The test bypasses the slow culture process by detecting genetic material directly, eliminating errors and reducing laboratory risk.
A study published in Nature found that wild birds, particularly ducks, geese, and swans, are driving the current US bird flu outbreak. The viruses were introduced to North America via migratory birds and have become better adapted to infect wild birds since 2020.
Researchers have developed a new molecular test to identify Lyme disease earlier and more accurately than traditional methods. The test can detect as few as five bacterial cells and has an estimated sensitivity of 90.9%, making it a potential new avenue for testing Lyme disease.
Researchers Andrew Gewirtz and Lanying Du from the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University have been recognized as Highly Cited Researchers in 2025. They are among the top 1% of globally impactful researchers, with highly cited papers in multiple fields.
A European study found that long-acting monoclonal antibody immunisation effectively prevented hospitalisation due to RSV infection among children under two years old. The overall immunisation effectiveness was 79%, with a decline in protection over time, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.
A new study by Sightsavers and GLIDE has found that using worn socks with yeast-generated CO2 is as effective as traditional methods for catching blackflies that spread river blindness. The research could provide an alternative to 'human bait' and reduce the risk of disease transmission, offering communities long-term protection.
The Phase 3 study demonstrated the safety and non-inferiority of EuTYPH-C Inj.® Multi-dose compared to a World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified comparator TCV, Typbar TCV®. The vaccine was shown to be well-tolerated across all age groups with no serious adverse events.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a human gene, PARP14, that plays a role in regulating interferon and boosting the immune response. The protein's antiviral activity against multiple viruses suggests it could guide the development of new therapies for viral infections.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a new mechanism of resistance to common antibiotics, targeting a special repair system possessed by certain bacteria. This discovery could aid efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, one of the world's most urgent health challenges.
The University of Houston is part of a statewide effort to fight the opioid epidemic by investigating opioid use disorder among people living with HIV in Harris County. Researchers aim to integrate prevention methods, including Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), into treatment for those affected.
A study in Arequipa, Peru found that efforts to track dog-related rabies in poorer areas were lacking, despite higher disease prevalence. An active surveillance system improved data collection and analysis, revealing striking differences between risk and surveillance.
A new study introduces a high-resolution melting PCR-based technique to track leishmaniasis, identifying sand fly species and detecting Leishmania parasites from a single sample. The approach reveals complex transmission patterns and ecological zones, enabling earlier intervention and targeted control strategies.
Researchers have identified three distinct immunotypes in EPTB patients, revealing new insights into disease mechanisms. Additionally, gene expression-based biomarkers have been developed to reliably diagnose both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Researchers have developed particles that can deliver an effective immune response at a much lower dose than traditional mRNA vaccines. The new particles, called AMG1541, use cyclic structures and ester groups to enhance mRNA delivery and improve biodegradability. This could potentially reduce vaccine costs and side effects.
Researchers found that early clindamycin administration significantly improved recovery rates in patients with invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. The study also showed that M1uk strain does not worsen prognosis in critically ill adults, but prompt treatment remains crucial.
Researchers found RSV to be of comparable severity to influenza and COVID-19, with higher death rates and intensive care admissions. Long-term cardiovascular and neurological complications were also observed up to 300 days post-hospitalisation.
A new study identifies specific bat species carrying viruses with high epidemic potential. The research highlights that not all bats carry the same level of viral risk, and conservation efforts can help mitigate this risk by protecting habitats. Understanding which bat groups harbor deadly viruses can aid in developing therapeutics.
Researchers have developed a novel vaccine strategy using biomaterial scaffold vaccines to protect against Staphylococcus aureus infections in orthopedic device implants. The vaccines, made with immune cell-attaching molecules and S. aureus-specific antigens, create a beneficial immune response that significantly lowers bacterial burden.
The editorial highlights how biological sex and gender inequities contribute to suboptimal sepsis treatment, potentially compromising outcomes for women. Hormonal fluctuations, body composition, and renal clearance all influence drug processing, yet these variables are rarely considered in dosing algorithms.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered central routes that deadly viruses take to invade human cells, designing decoy molecules to block infections. The studies set the stage for developing new strategies for yellow fever and tick-borne encephalitis viruses.
Pennington Biomedical researchers will participate in numerous panels and presentations during the conference, sharing their latest findings on obesity treatment and prevention. The institution is well-represented at the event, with faculty members among the experts leading courses, presentations, and speaker panels.
Researchers from the University of South Florida have used artificial intelligence and citizen science to identify what may be the first specimen of Anopheles stephensi — an invasive and deadly malaria-carrying mosquito — ever detected in Madagascar. The study demonstrates how AI-powered image recognition and public participation can t...
Scientists from Institut Pasteur identified Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis in remains of 13 soldiers who retreated from Russia in 1812. The study suggests these two pathogens may have contributed to the high number of deaths in Napoleon's army.
A new approach, epimodulation, has been developed to improve epidemiological forecasting models by incorporating critical pieces of understanding into the models. This approach increased model accuracy by up to 55% during epidemic peaks for hospital admission forecasts without reducing accuracy at non-peak times.
A recurring seasonal outbreak pattern of Salmonella Strathcona cases has been identified in Europe since 2011, with small tomatoes from Sicily being the likely source. The investigation found that almost all cases were genetically related, suggesting a common source and food vehicle.
A*STAR researchers discovered that mosquito saliva not only transmits the virus but also influences how the body's immune system responds to chikungunya infection. Sialokinin, a bioactive peptide in Aedes mosquito saliva, binds to neurokinin receptors on immune cells and suppresses monocyte activation.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
A new human lung alveolus chip model enables investigation of viral replication, inflammatory responses, and genetic off-target effects of a novel pan-influenza CRISPR therapy. The study achieved significant reductions in virus load and host inflammatory response after a single administration.
Full-term children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids are at higher risk of infections until age 21, a new study finds. Preterm children, however, show no association between ACS and infections.