Articles tagged with Infectious Disease Transmission
A new study reveals that mobile phone data can be skewed towards more accessible populations, leading to misleading predictions and ineffective outbreak responses. Researchers urge acknowledging and measuring bias in all types of data to ensure accurate public health decisions.
A UCLA-led team is tracking mpox outbreaks across the US with a new surveillance project called CRASHED. The research aims to identify cases beyond high-risk groups and determine if mpox remains rare or resurges more broadly.
Researchers found that biting midges responsible for transmitting the virus are active on warmest days throughout the winter, contrary to previous theories. The discovery suggests that bluetongue virus transmission is likely ongoing year-round, with potential economic impacts for cattle farming.
A new species of mosquito, Culex modestus, has been discovered in Finland, adding to the country's mosquito species count. The discovery is an important addition to the understanding of mosquitoes and their potential pathogens, with no reported cases of West Nile virus transmission in humans or horses.
A new study found consistently high TB case rates among incarcerated people, but low detection rates. Nearly half of TB cases were not detected, highlighting the need for increased efforts to reduce TB spread in prisons.
A study published in Blood reveals that SARS-CoV-2 prefers to infect blood group A cells, increasing the risk of infection. The Omicron strain of the virus also shows a stronger preference for A cells.
Researchers aim to identify best practices for increasing viral suppression in low-income populations with HIV. They will examine state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs to understand disparities in care and outcomes.
Researchers have identified anti-malarial properties in cancer drugs, offering a potential solution to the growing crisis of drug-resistant malaria. The study found that certain protein kinase inhibitors exhibited strong anti-malarial effects, highlighting a new approach to accelerating drug discovery.
A new study found that wild and feral cats in high-human population density areas release more Toxoplasma gondii parasites. Temperature fluctuations also played a role in parasite shedding from domestic and wild cats. The findings suggest managing feral cat populations could reduce toxoplasmosis transmission risk.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that viruses lose their infectivity quicker in cleaner air, with opening a window reducing acid content and speeding up death. The study provides valuable insights into mitigating risk through gas composition manipulation.
Researchers have identified a gene in the placenta that produces a defense mechanism against viral infections, protecting fetuses during pregnancy. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-viral treatments.
Researchers at UNIGE have identified a new type of molecular sensor that enables the malaria parasite to infect human cells or mosquitoes at just the right moment. By understanding how this sensor works, scientists can potentially scramble its signals to disorientate the parasite and block its multiplication and transmission.
A case of echovirus 11-induced hepatitis in Italian male twins has been reported, showing a close genetic relation to strains found in France among neonates. The study highlights the importance of rapid recognition and timely treatment to ensure survival, and suggests potential host genetic predisposition in male and twin categories.
Scientists at UCSF and NIBSC have developed two new oral polio vaccines with genetically engineered weakened poliovirus to reduce reversion to dangerous forms. These vaccines aim to boost the World Health Organization's efforts to eradicate polio, which has persisted despite successful international vaccination campaigns.
New research finds masturbation serves an adaptive function in primates, increasing reproductive success and aiding pathogen avoidance. The study, based on nearly 400 sources, reveals masturbation's evolutionary history and its co-evolution with multi-male mating systems.
Defective myelin promotes disease-related changes in Alzheimer's by accelerating amyloid plaque deposition and overwhelming immune cells. Slowing down age-related myelin damage could lead to new therapies and prevent or slow down the disease.
A supervised hospital walking program has been shown to reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults by lowering the proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities from 13% to 8%. However, low participation rates and limited impact on length of stay or inpatient falls were noted.
Researchers used smart thermometers to measure within-household transmission and found a significant role for children in spreading viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that school attendance may also contribute to increased transmission rates.
A new study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and can spread the virus to other cats and their environment. The infected cats' environments were also found to be infectious, but this infectiousness decays rapidly.
Researchers found genetic similarities among strains of Mycobacterium abscessus that cannot be explained by direct person-to-person transmission. Instead, they suggest the pathogen is acquired from environmental exposures, with implications for hospital precautions and public health.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.