Low Microbiota Diversity Prior to Bone Marrow Transplant Linked to Higher Risk for Complications
A new study found that individuals who had low microbiota diversity prior to a bone marrow transplant were more likely to be at a higher risk for post-transplant complications.
Pharmacists Play a Role in Responding to Drug Shortages
As of September 2018, there were 139 new national drug shortages during this year alone, and a total of 238 overall, according to University of Utah (UA) Drug Information Service data.
New Freeze-Drying Technique Could Help Get Polio Vaccine to Remote Areas
Freeze-drying vaccines enables health officials to get vaccines to remote areas, but until now, it has not been possible for the fragile polio vaccine.
Recalls That Should Be On Your Radar— Week of November 25, 2018
We’ve rounded up a list of important US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recalls from this past week.
Test for Newborn Cytomegalovirus Infection Approved by FDA
The new test is approved to assist with detecting cytomegalovirus in newborns less than 21 days of age.
Top Infectious Disease News of the Week— November 25, 2018
Flu Vaccine Critical Habit for People with HIV
People living with HIV should get a flu shot each year, according to experts.
Asian Longhorned Tick is a New Emerging Disease Threat, Says CDC
Little is known about the ecology and biology of the dangerous tick that the CDC has labeled an emerging disease threat to both humans and animals.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: Are They Pulling ID Physicians Away from Infection Prevention Programs?
Are we investing in infection prevention programs like we should or are competing interests pulling resources?
Update on Candida auris: Statistics, Detection, and a Phase 2 Trial
As of October 31, 2018, the CDC has reported 457 clinical cases of confirmed C auris infection with a majority in New York (>50%), New Jersey, and Illinois.
Virulent Genotype of Norovirus Linked with Longer, More Severe Outbreaks in Health Care Settings
Investigators have determined that norovirus outbreaks occur most frequently in health care settings and are often caused by strains of a virulent genotype.
Assessing the Threat of Monkeypox in the Post-Smallpox World
This often-ignored zoonotic disease may be a rising problem around the world.
Second Case of Rat Hepatitis E Virus Identified in Hong Kong
Through retrospective analysis, investigators have identified a second case of rat hepatitis E virus in a human, which has close genetic relation to the first case.
Imported Tahini Recalled, Linked with Multistate Salmonella Outbreak
The FDA has announced that tahini imported from Israel is the likely source of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Concord.
US Task Force Recommends Use of PrEP in HIV Prevention: Public Health Watch
Draft guidance effectively outlines what infectious disease specialists have known for years—and leaves many unanswered questions.
Unseen Interactions Play an Important Role in Disease Transmission
A study in bat social dynamics provides a helpful reminder on infectious disease dynamics.
International Investigators Launch First Multidrug Ebola Trial
A new trial evaluating the efficacy of investigational therapeutics mAb114, remdesivir, and ZMapp has launched in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bezlotoxumab More Effective in Patients with High Risk for C Diff Recurrence
Secondary analyses indicate that bezlotoxumab is more effective in reducing C diff recurrence in patients with pre-specified risk factors.
Stethoscope Disinfecting—We're Just Not Doing It
A new study finds that despite CDC standards, stethoscopes aren't being disinfected.
Probiotic Supplements Show No Benefit for Children with Gastroenteritis
Results from 2 new studies completed in the United States and Canada indicate that probiotic supplements do not produce any benefits for children with gastroenteritis.
The Red Box—An Infection Control Strategy to Increase Communication?
A new study evaluated the use of red boxes in patient rooms to help encourage patient care while in isolation.
Two-Drug HIV Regimen Non-Inferior to Three-Drug Regimen
Why take 3 drugs when you can keep your viral load at bay with just 2? A new study confirms that the dolutegravir/lamivudine pairing is non-inferior to a 3-drug regimen and may offer fewer toxic side effects.
Rat Lungworm Now Widespread in New Orleans
The disease is now widespread among rodents in New Orleans, posing an increased public health risk of rat lungworm disease to people in the area.
Ready-To-Eat Pork Products Are Suspected Source of Listeria Monocytogenes Outbreak
Health officials are investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in 4 states with a suspected link to ready-to-eat pork products.
Recalls That Should Be On Your Radar—Week of November 18, 2018
Top Infectious Disease News of the Week—November 18, 2018
Stay up-to-date on the latest infectious disease news by checking out our top 5 articles of the week.
SVR Possible in PWID Infected With Hepatitis C Virus Despite Imperfect Adherence to Treatment
People who inject drugs who are infected with hepatitis C virus can achieve sustained viral response, despite imperfect adherence, according to the results of a new trial.
WHO Launches New Malaria Control Efforts
The new response program will focus on scaling up prevention and treatment efforts for malaria and increasing financial investments to better protect vulnerable populations.
Violence in Beni Continues to Impede Progress in Ebola Outbreak
Sixteen WHO health workers have been evacuated from the epicenter of the outbreak following an attack on their residence.
Promising New Treatment for Potentially Resistant Gonorrhea: Public Health Watch
As resistance, and incidence, are both on the rise, new options may come not a moment too soon.