Articles tagged with Infectious Disease Transmission
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Researchers discovered three 4,000-year-old cases of Yersinia pestis in human remains from mass burials in Somerset and Cumbria. The findings indicate the plague may have been easily transmitted across Britain, contradicting previous assumptions that it was brought by fleas.
A study on Chinese schoolchildren found that younger kids had higher close contact rates than older peers, with most face-to-face interactions occurring during breaks. The authors recommend a classroom ventilation rate to mitigate airborne transmission, suggesting improved ventilation can reduce COVID-19 risk.
Scientists developed a new diagnostic test for chytridiomycosis, identifying previously undetected strains and detecting pathogens in amphibians worldwide. The test's success verified its affordability as an alternative for widespread surveillance, addressing the urgent need for rapid detection of the disease.
A study of 1,050 pregnant women found frequent detection of HPV, with infrequent perinatal transmission. The authors note challenges in distinguishing contamination from true infection, particularly in placentas.
A new study shows that masking and portable air cleaners significantly reduced the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in two Swiss schools during the Omicron wave. The researchers detected salivary and airborne virus concentrations in air samples and students, with a 70% decrease in viral transmission under mask mandates.
A thin cellulose film coating can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus within minutes and inhibit bacterial growth. The coating's porous nature accelerates evaporation of liquid droplets, introducing an imbalanced osmotic pressure that disrupts viral structure.
A new commentary from infectious disease experts emphasizes the importance of continued masking in healthcare settings due to low evidence of efficacy and high transmission risks. Despite recent conflicting views, the authors argue that mask-wearing remains a crucial strategy for infection prevention.
Researchers found that monkeypox viruses remain infectious for a long time on surfaces, with some concentrations dropping significantly after five days. Disinfectants like alcohol-based and aldehyde-based cleaners reliably reduced the risk of infection.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights the rapid spread of avian influenza viruses worldwide, affecting wild bird populations and mammals. The authors warn that human infections with A(H5N1) can be severe and increase the risk of reassortment with mammalian viruses.
A significant increase in Candida auris infections has been observed worldwide, including in the USA and Europe, with resistance development and potential for hospital outbreaks. The fungus can be efficiently transmitted from patient to patient via direct contact, making control difficult.
Researchers found that face masks significantly reduced the release of exhaled particles in children, which can help prevent the spread of respiratory infections. The study used cloth and surgical masks to test various activities, including breathing quietly, speaking, singing, coughing, and sneezing.
A cohort study of 196 people treated with tecovirimat found that HIV status did not impact treatment outcomes. Only 22% of participants experienced nonsevere adverse effects, and 4 serious adverse events occurred, with 3 being persons with HIV. The findings contradict previous uncertainty about HIV's role in mpox acquisition.
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified occludin protein as a mediator for cell-to-cell transmission of coronavirus. The study found that damaged occludin protein enables virus replication and spread to neighboring cells, worsening symptoms.
Researchers found that non-mandatory measures had a greater impact on reducing travel distances and times, while mandatory measures only slightly affected these metrics. In contrast, strict metre rules and reopening of gyms increased distance travelled.
Researchers call for national governments to establish mandatory requirements for building ventilation performance, citing a global indoor-air crisis and the need for real-time ventilation rates. The authors note that without this action, poorly ventilated buildings will remain common, posing a risk of airborne transmission.
Rheumatologists are crucial in detecting neurologic Lyme disease due to its broad spectrum of symptoms and signs. Early treatment has a favorable prognosis, but delayed diagnosis can lead to severe symptoms.
New research found that temperature and original viral concentration affect the persistence of Omicron variants on shipping materials. The study reveals that lower temperatures and higher viral concentrations increase stability, while room temperature poses a risk. Safety protocols for shipping goods can be improved with this knowledge.
Two contagious cancers, devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1) and 2 (DFT2), affecting Tasmanian devils have been tracked to understand their origins and evolution. Researchers found DFT2 is a faster-growing cancer with rapid mutations, posing a significant threat to the species.
A research team created the first human respiratory organoid culture system, enabling scientists to study COVID-19 and its variants. The study found that the BA.5 Omicron variant exhibits dramatically increased infectivity and replicative capacity in human nasal and airway organoids.
Researchers found that maternal overweight compromises the placenta's antiviral response, weakening its ability to protect the fetus. The study suggests that adequate antenatal care is crucial in preventing complications from Zika infection.
A large study of over 600,000 individuals found a strong association between COVID-19 infection and the development of incident diabetes. The researchers estimate that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to a 3% to 5% excess burden of diabetes at a population level.
A new study reveals that young children diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis are at an increased risk of subsequent wheezing, poor lung function, and reduced height and weight. The study found that children who developed PTB before six months old had more than double the risk of wheezing after 6 months.
A London hospital recently took swift action to contain a potential measles outbreak, highlighting the importance of vaccination and prompt contact tracing. The hospital identified nine patients at high risk, including pregnant women and those with severe immunosuppression, and administered post-exposure prophylaxis to those not immune.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
Researchers found that identifying and targeting 'supercontactors', including nurses and patients with neurological disorders, can significantly reduce the incidence of MRSA colonization. Simulation studies showed that reinforced contact precautions and vaccination targeting these individuals can be more effective than random selection.
The highest incidence of invasive Group A Streptococcus (GAS) disease has shifted from the most deprived groups to the second most affluent group in the UK, according to new research. The emm1 strain, which causes severe disease, was more common in 2022 than previous years.
A study of over 5 million hospitalizations found COVID-19 patients were more susceptible to HAIs, requiring additional prevention measures. Despite increased infection control pressures, HAI rates among inpatients without COVID-19 remained similar to those in 2019.
A British woman was infected with dengue while visiting family in the south of France in September 2022. The case report presents an outbreak of over 30 locally transmitted cases in France, highlighting the rapidly changing epidemiology of dengue.
The primary COVID-19 vaccines provided adequate protection against transmission, hospitalization, and death, but their effectiveness waned in the face of the Omicron variant. The study found that vaccines developed prior to Omicron's emergence were 83% effective against infection at baseline, but this decreased to 47% by 40 weeks.
Researchers uncover how HIV enters human bodies via dendritic cells using Siglec-1 membrane protein; formation of nanoclusters enhances capture, leading to virus compartment formation. Understanding this process can aid in developing effective treatments for HIV/AIDS.
A study suggests that artificial light at night disrupts the winter dormancy period of mosquitoes, causing them to bite humans and animals longer into the fall. This delay in diapause may increase the risk of West Nile virus transmission.
A national-level analysis found substantial adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection during the early pandemic period. The study highlights increased odds of severe respiratory complications among these patients at delivery.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that doxycycline can reduce the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia by two-thirds when taken within 72 hours after condomless sex. The research also highlighted a slight increase in antibacterial resistance, emphasizing the need for further exploration.
A new study found that SARS-CoV-2 presence on people's hands and frequently touched household surfaces significantly contributes to the spread of COVID-19. The research suggests that frequent handwashing, regular surface disinfection, and physical distancing can curb the virus's transmission.
Researchers found that infected mosquito saliva contains molecules called sfRNAs that can blunt the body's immune response. These molecules are injected during the mosquito bite, making it more likely for people to become infected with dengue virus.
A study published in eLife characterizes seasonal effects on human social behavior and indoor mixing patterns for respiratory disease transmission risk. The analysis reveals that the proportion of indoor to outdoor activity is seasonal, with stronger seasonality at northern regions and an additional summer peak in southern regions.
New research reveals SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mutations made the virus more rigid and improved its ability to transmit through nasal droplets and infect host cells. This could mean newer vaccines are effective for longer against emerging variants.
Research found that STI and HIV testing rates dropped significantly in March 2020, while positive test rates rose. The decline was likely driven by public health recommendations limiting in-person visits during the pandemic.
Researchers developed a model to track COVID-19 data, predicting transmission and informing health surveillance systems. The model successfully predicted the spread of COVID-19 in Cali, Colombia, highlighting the importance of high-resolution data in understanding virus dynamics.
A meta-analysis of commercially available STI tests found vaginal swabs to be more sensitive than urine specimens in detecting chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. The study supports the CDC's recommendation for vaginal swab testing as the optimal sample type for women.
A recent study of 29,000 patients found no association between recent COVID-19 infection and increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. The study suggests that the timing of COVID-19 infection within 60 days of surgery has no significant impact on surgical outcomes.
A new finger-prick test for Trichomonas vaginalis has been developed by Washington State University researcher John Alderete. The test detects an antibody specific to the organism and provides rapid, affordable results, making it a potential game-changer in the fight against this prevalent but neglected STI.
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced opportunities for sex, with fewer reported unplanned pregnancies and abortions, but higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction and distress. The National Survey found that people were more likely to have multiple partners, but less likely to use condoms with new partners.
A UK study found that virtual wards can safely manage most individuals with mpox, saving an estimated 2,100 hospital bed days. The virtual ward model was widely adopted in the UK to respond to the 2022 global outbreak of mpox.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a nasal spray that is effective in preventing coronavirus infection, including the latest variants. The molecule, TriSb92, identifies a region in the spike protein common to all current variants and inhibits its functioning.
The European Union and European Economic Area will likely fall short of the Sustainable Development Goals target for eliminating tuberculosis by 2030. To meet the goal, an annual decline of 11.7% is needed in TB incidence, whereas the current decline rate of 6.8% is insufficient.
A new study found that frequent COVID surveillance testing protected nursing home residents by detecting infected staff earlier, disrupting transmission chains. The research showed that high testing frequency facilities had clinically meaningful reductions in resident cases and deaths, particularly before vaccine availability.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that asymptomatic individuals account for a significant proportion (74%) of dengue infections in an Amazonian city. The 'super spreader' spaces, where infected people frequent, are crucial in predicting and controlling outbreaks.
Researchers analysed wastewater from 10 cities to detect chemical and biological markers of health, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and disease-causing viruses. The study found that analysing wastewater on a large scale could spot new outbreaks of diseases in communities early on.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine discovered that bacteria causing vaginal infections can also be present in men and transmitted through heterosexual sex. The study found that only men who reported having vaginal sex carried the bacteria, with detectable presence for at least two months after intercourse.
A recent study found that malaria control programs in Amazonian Peru reduced the disease by 78% but saw a rebound when funding was cut, driven by climate change. Climate change has exacerbated malaria transmission, with rising temperatures and intense rainfalls contributing to the resurgence of the mosquito-borne disease.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a way to deactivate mosquito sperm, preventing them from swimming to or fertilizing eggs. This breakthrough could help control populations of Culex mosquitoes that transmit infectious diseases like encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
A study analyzed news reports on Brazilian deer species between 2011 and 2021, finding that news coverage gave different weights to threats compared to the IUCN Red List. News items properly identified main threats like poaching and habitat loss but underestimated livestock diseases and overestimated road kill.
A new study from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University found that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was associated with the deaths of over 330 New England harbor and gray seals. The virus was detected in birds and seals on the same beach, highlighting a potential route of transmission.
A new study from Osaka University found that COVID-19 TV coverage significantly increased hand hygiene compliance from 5% to over 70% in a matter of months. The researchers tracked the correlation between TV coverage and hand hygiene, finding a strong statistical connection between added airtime and increased compliance.
A study found that malaria parasites invest more in sexual reproduction and less in asexual replication during low-transmission environments. Low LPC levels in human blood plasma are associated with increased gametocyte production and transmission.
A new study found that New York City rats are susceptible to Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also demonstrated a possible link between the virus and rat populations in the city's sewer systems.
A global study aims to better understand the burden of Human papillomavirus (HPV) among girls and women in low- and lower middle-income countries. The study will inform effective strategies to prevent infection and introduce HPV vaccine into national programs, protecting the health of girls and women and reducing rates of cervical cancer.
A new study analyzing household transmission data found that the top 20% of infected individuals cause three times more infections than the average person, highlighting individual differences in infectiousness.