Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
A quality improvement project found that healthcare providers rarely perform stethoscope hygiene between patient encounters, despite guidelines recommending disinfection. The study highlights the importance of stethoscope hygiene and its potential to transmit pathogens, including MRSA.
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers found a link between diabetes and changes in the oral microbiome, which increases pathogenicity and leads to inflammation and bone loss. The study showed that transferring the oral microbiome from diabetic mice to normal mice induced rapid bone loss.
Researchers found that even with perfect compliance, an averaged risk reduction of 86% was still not enough to completely prevent MRSA transmission. The study emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach to infection control, including early detection and decolonization measures.
Researchers used mathematical modelling to understand new ways of combating maize lethal necrosis, an emerging disease affecting food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that a combination of crop rotation, clean seed, and insect control is the best way to prevent loss of maize crop.
Rats in cities face significant challenges due to lack of access to urban properties, making it difficult for scientists to study them. This limits our understanding of rat ecology and population dynamics, ultimately affecting disease surveillance and control methods.
Recent clinical trials suggest using medications that control blood glucose while reducing cardiovascular risk can improve patient outcomes. This approach may be more effective than current treatments, which prioritize blood sugar maintenance alone.
Researchers developed an adjustable optical microprobe to analyze and control deep brain regions, enabling minimally invasive devices for diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. The microprobe uses optogenetics to activate or inhibit neurons with tunable light intensity, color, and frequency.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to understand maize lethal necrosis, a devastating plant disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that rotating crops and controlling insects can provide effective disease control, but limited control is achievable by resource-poor farmers.
The VHA initiative significantly reduced MRSA infections in a Veterans community living center by implementing active surveillance and decolonization with strict environmental control. The program resulted in substantial monetary savings of $2.2 million and improved patient safety.
A new study reveals that Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have become endemic in Washington, D.C. healthcare facilities, with a prevalence rate of 5.2%. The study, which monitored 16 facilities, found that male patients and adults aged 20-39 had higher rates of CRE infection.
A pharmacokinetic study found no significant placental transfer of certolizumab pegol (CZP) from mothers to infants during pregnancy. CZP levels in infant blood samples were below the lower limit of quantification, suggesting a safe treatment option for women with rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy.
Research finds that long-term care facilities struggle with infection control, lacking resources and training for qualified personnel. Key findings include high turnover rates, underutilized staff hours, and inadequate antibiotic stewardship programs.
A study found that 37% of heater-cooler units tested positive for the bacterium Mycobacterium chimaera, which can cause fatal infections. The devices, used in over 60% of heart bypass procedures in the US, can contaminate patient blood and organs during surgery.
Research finds that soft shelled turtles in China are spreading cholera due to the presence of Vibrio cholerae pathogens. The study used bioluminescent proteins to observe the bacteria's colonization on the turtles' surfaces and intestines.
A global standard method for whole genome sequencing will facilitate real-time data sharing among public health laboratory networks, increasing efficiency in detecting and responding to foodborne illnesses. The adoption of this method is expected to save lives and reduce economic burdens.
Researchers analyzed Zika genome to understand future pandemic prevention and found that transmission began in Florida at least four times. Travel from the Caribbean Islands significantly contributed to cases of Zika reaching Miami.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center found increasing trends in US work characteristics since 2002, including low job control, job strain, and work-family conflict. These stressors are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and contribute to the slowing of declining CVD mortality rates.
Post-conflict zones face unique tobacco control challenges due to high usage rates and opportunistic industry activity, highlighting the need for strong governance and effective measures like taxation
The study found that advanced age, comorbid chronic diseases, and history of recurrent hospitalization are associated with increased risk of MDR-GNB colonization. The prevalence of MDR-GNB colonization among nursing home residents ranged from 11.2% to 59.1%
A Swedish study reveals a significant decrease in cardiovascular disease incidence among individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with reductions of up to 50% compared to the general population. The study attributes this improvement to advances in diabetes care and prevention strategies.
The study explores disease-control measures using a simplified SIR model with low computational requirements, and proposes a platform for public-health collaborators to use and provide feedback on models. The research aims to improve disease-related decision making by providing quantitative estimates of outbreak trajectories.
Despite gaps in scientific understanding, Lyme disease researchers have identified key areas of agreement and promising strategies for controlling the disease. These include reducing deer populations to impact tick abundance and using acaricides to target host animals.
A new study found that increased biodiversity is not associated with reduced levels of infectious disease, and in some cases, disease burdens actually increased as areas became more forested. However, increasing urbanization was shown to reduce disease due to improved access to medical care and vaccinations.
A new behavioral intervention program called HOLA en Grupos has been shown to increase condom use and HIV testing among Latino MSM, reducing the risk of infection. The program achieved a 100% retention rate and significant increases in knowledge and skills, providing a promising solution for addressing this growing public health concern.
The journal's 10th Anniversary Collection highlights the progress made in controlling or eliminating NTDs, with a focus on disease elimination. Despite mixed success stories, researchers remain optimistic about achieving breakthroughs for at least five NTDs within a few years.
A study led by Georgia State University found that cytokine IL-36γ promotes the development of pro-inflammatory T helper cells and inhibits regulatory T cells in humans. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis.
A new study tracks infectious disease trends in China over ten years, finding that while overall incidence has declined, some diseases like hydatid disease and hepatitis C are on the rise. The study highlights the need for improved prevention and control measures, particularly in remote border regions.
A study of 500,000 Chinese adults found that higher fresh fruit consumption was associated with a lower incidence of diabetes and reduced occurrence of complications in people with diabetes. Fresh fruit consumption was linked to an estimated 0.2% reduction in the absolute risk of diabetes over 5 years.
The prevalence of daily smoking declined globally between 1990 and 2015, but the number of daily smokers continues to rise year-over-year. Robust tobacco control programs have led to progress in reducing smoking rates, but more efforts are needed to prevent new smokers and encourage quitters.
A new study reports that one human monoclonal antibody therapy, MR191-N, protected nonhuman primates from the lethal effects of both Marburg and Ravn viruses. The treatment showed success in clearing the viruses and preventing death in infected animals.
New estimates show a decline in smoking prevalence, but deaths attributable to smoking have increased by 4.7% globally, with over one in 10 deaths caused by smoking. Tobacco control programs are effective, but population growth has led to an increase in smokers worldwide.
Ecologists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have led a study that informs optimal strategies for controlling devastating midge-borne diseases like bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus. The model predicts that timing insecticide treatments over the Autumn midge peak has the greatest effect on population suppression.
The global rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant threat to progress made in controlling the disease. The emergence of extensively drug-resistant TB is associated with high mortality and is a serious public health problem.
Researchers found that most dengue virus infections occur within neighborhoods and are transmitted by the same family of mosquitoes. The study suggests that large urban centers can spread dengue diversity, which can be dispersed to other areas.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients with age-related macular degeneration who received seven or more eye injections of bevacizumab annually had a higher risk of developing moderate to advanced glaucoma. This increased risk was associated with the potential for elevated intraocular pressure, highlighting the need...
A new study reveals that host-targeted bait boxes employing a sneaky trick can significantly reduce the prevalence of ticks on residential properties. The boxes use a cloth wick soaked in tick-killing insecticide to lure mice and chipmunks, which subsequently die after attachment.
Researchers found that monkeys suppressed HIV-like virus SHIV after receiving dual-antibody treatment, which enabled their immune systems to control the virus long after the antibodies were gone. The study suggests a potential approach to treating HIV and other infections.
Researchers found that early intervention with two anti-HIV antibodies can induce potent immunity to HIV, allowing the immune system to effectively control the virus. In a study using macaque monkeys, treatment suppressed the virus levels for up to six months and enabled some animals to spontaneously regain control of the virus.
Researchers have discovered that the protein Myb plays a vital role in regulating the immune response, preventing overreaction and development of inflammatory diseases. The study found that Myb gives regulatory T cells the authority to control their function depending on the level of threat.
A large yellow fever outbreak in rural Brazil is causing concern among world health authorities, who are warning of the risk of spreading the disease to non-endemic regions. The outbreak, which has already claimed several lives, highlights the importance of rapid public health response and vaccination efforts.
Researchers created high-resolution risk maps for clonorchiasis in China, highlighting provinces with the highest risk of infection and important predictors. The study found that elevation, distance to freshwater bodies, and land cover type were associated with infection risk, informing targeted control activities.
A recent study by University of Kansas researchers found that people's political leanings and their own weight shape their opinions on obesity-related public policies. Republicans tend to believe eating habits cause obesity, while Democrats who identify as overweight are more likely to attribute the issue to genetics.
Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a genetic link between Ifitm3 and the immune system's inflammatory response. The study found that individuals with a specific gene variant may experience an overactive immune response to viral infections, making anti-inflammatory drugs a potential treatment option.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that hospital floors can be contaminated with harmful pathogens such as MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile. The researchers cultured floor sites from 159 patient rooms and discovered that 41% had high-touch objects in contact with the floor, highlighting the need for ...
Researchers at Yale University and Vanderbilt University have discovered a common bacterium that can be used to sterilize male insects, potentially controlling disease-bearing mosquitoes and agricultural pests. The discovery of two genes encoded by Wolbachia bacteria can completely sterilize male fruit flies.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have identified specific genes that make Wolbachia, a parasitic bacterium, effective in controlling mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika. The 'super-Wolbachia' gene can be used to genetically engineer insects to spread the bacteria more rapidly.
A UK-based Centre for Ecology & Hydrology study has devised a scientific model to help predict the spread of Xylella fastidiosa, a deadly pathogen threatening Europe's olive trees. The model suggests that wider buffer zones can reduce infection risk but may not stop the spread completely due to disease-spreading insects.
Researchers identified T-bet as the key control point regulating genetic risk in specific diseases like IBD and Celiac disease. This discovery provides a specific target for treatment development, potentially leading to more effective therapies for life-changing auto-immune conditions.
The AAAS Leshner Leadership Institute has selected 15 infectious disease researchers to engage on science and society issues. These fellows will receive public engagement training, networking opportunities, and resources to develop their institutions' capacity for public engagement.
A Michigan State University study found that smokers who viewed a nostalgic public service announcement showed greater emotional engagement and stronger negative attitudes towards smoking. The researchers argue that nostalgia-themed messages could be an effective way to promote healthy behaviors.
Researchers from the University of Warwick have discovered that establishing a daily vaccination capacity can effectively control and eradicate foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. By tailoring controls to this number, the UK could save up to £50 million and spare around 200,000 animals from culling.
A new study found that Ebola superspreaders were responsible for infecting 61% of all cases in the 2014-15 outbreak. These superspreaders often fit into certain age groups and continue to spread disease after being placed in care facilities.
A 24-patient outbreak was halted after identifying docusate as the underlying source of the bacteria, leading to a national recall. The investigation improved infection prevention practices for patients.
A study by German researchers suggests that activating the PERK protein may alleviate symptoms of progressive supranuclear palsy. The protein helps eliminate abnormal tau molecules, which are also found in other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A study found that current reprocessing techniques for flexible endoscopes are not consistently effective, with organic residues often remaining. Visual inspections and cleaning verification tests are necessary to ensure all endoscopes are free of damage and debris before reuse.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a mechanism by which the chikungunya virus controls infection severity. The study found that all alphaviruses and coronaviruses may work in the same way, and that breaking a specific protein bond can prevent viral replication.
Mass drug administration programmes have significantly increased treatment for bilharzia, killing an estimated 280,000 people annually. Praziquantel MDA programmes are effective but long-term effects and resistance to the drug are largely unknown.
Climate change impacts mosquito life cycle and malaria parasite development, increasing transmission risk in sub-Saharan Africa. A new model predicts disease spread using periodic vector-bias effects, improving accuracy over previous models.
Researchers genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to resist dengue fever virus by altering the JAK/STAT pathway, resulting in a 78-83% reduction in viral copies. The modified mosquitos had normal lifespans but produced fewer eggs.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that one session of moderate exercise can stimulate the immune system, producing an anti-inflammatory cellular response. This benefits individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and obesity.