In recognition of C difficile Awareness Month this November, the CDC's 2023 HAI Progress Report highlights continued progress in reducing CDIs across US healthcare settings.

Reactogenicity of mRNA COVID-19 with inactivated influenza vaccine was similar whether given at same time or separated by 1-2 weeks.

Reduction of in-hospital rate of C difficile infection from 11% to 4%, with no increased risk of infection following treatment.

Bruce Jones, PharmD, FIDSA, BCPS provided insights on challenging patients with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and higher BMI.

Paul Feuerstadt, MD, FACG, AGAF, discusses what the data says as well as offers insights about what patients can expect and medical peer-to-peer information about the procedure.

Arbutus CEO Michael McElhaugh discussed trial results showing that a combination of imdusiran, an RNAi therapeutic, and pegylated interferon alfa-2α can achieve a functional cure in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Grimmway Farms issued a voluntary recall after 26 out of 27 individuals interviewed as part of the outbreak investigation reported eating their carrots before becoming ill.

Obesity significantly impacts the pharmacokinetics (PK) of antifungal drugs like echinocandins, including volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance. However, despite these PK differences, current clinical evidence generally does not support the need for universal dose adjustments in obese patients. Clinicians should consider personalized dosing based on patient characteristics, infection severity, and specific drug properties due to echinocandins' favorable safety profiles.

Women were found more likely than men to die following Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in both a national cohort study and a meta-analysis.

This week, food recalls due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination and, a study comparing treatments for recurrent C difficile infections underscore the need for further research, policy adjustments, and more.

The monoclonal antibody’s manufacturer, Bluejay Therapeutics, also reports in its phase 2 clinical trial there was up to a78% combined virologic response and ALT normalization as monotherapy.

With up to 37.5% of children carrying this resistance mutation the findings suggest that current treatment protocols may be losing effectiveness.

The Fall 2024 Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Grades demonstrate an ongoing downward trend in recent years of these challenging inpatient management issues.

Medication errors and patient falls in COVID-19-positive and non-COVID-19 patients highlight the impact of hospital workload on patient safety.

Alveo Technologies announced it entered into an agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create a test to help in offering this capability in case there is a need for widespread diagnostics.

Participants who used fentanyl were 1.64 times more likely to experience HCV seroconversion compared to those who did not.

17 randomized controlled trials involving 4,148 patients assessed the efficacy of various treatments, finding that fecal microbiota transplantation via the lower gastrointestinal route was the most effective.

Results suggest a shorter treatment duration could reduce costs and improve access in low- and middle-income countries.

Read more about the case of a 71-year-old man who was admitted after presenting with cold-like symptoms for 3 weeks.

Affected products include Taiwan Enoki mushrooms, select soft-ripened cheeses, and Autumn Turkey Sandwiches.

Findings from the CAPELLA study reveal virologic suppression and a safety profile for multidrug-resistant HIV-1.

Investigators propose limiting initial use of antibiotics for group A streptococcal pharyngitis in children after finding placebo noninferior in reducing symptoms.

New therapeutics offer some hope in this emerging market.

From improving infection control and antibiotic stewardship, identifying RT 027 as a risk factor for vancomycin resistance in C diff, developing a universal flu vaccine, better management for drug-resistant pathogens, and more.

In a world heavily focused on therapeutic options for multidrug-resistant gram-negative organisms, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance among enterococci is often an under-recognized risk.