De-Escalation in the Setting of Culture-Negative Pneumonia
This In the Literature piece features a case vignette on the de-escalation of antibiotics for culture-negative pneumonia.
What is on the Horizon for HIV Prevention?
A new review in The Lancet HIV discusses the next generation of HIV prevention, called PrEP 2.0.
EU Data Suggests Influenza Remains a Significant Threat: Public Health Watch
A new study from ECDC investigators highlights mortality and risk factors associated with seasonal influenza.
Patient Dies After Receiving FMT Capsules Contaminated With ESBL E Coli
After receiving FMT capsules containing drug resistant ESBL E coli, 2 patients developed severe illness with 1 patient death.
FDA Authorizes Marketing of an HIV-1 Drug Resistance Test
The FDA has authorized marketing of the Sentosa SQ HIV Genotyping Assay, which detects HIV-1 mutations in patients undergoing or about to initiate antiviral treatment.
Contagion® to Report on ANAC 2019 in Portland, Oregon
The Contagion® editorial staff will be providing exclusive written and video coverage from ANAC 2019.
Measles Infection Causes "Immune Amnesia" by Attacking Antibodies
Measles infection leaves patients vulnerable to a wide range of other pathogens by destroying antibodies for months or even years, according to a new study.
HIV Drug Rilpivirine Stops Viral Replication of Zika Virus
By repurposing the HIV treatment rilpivirine, investigators have opened up possibilities for treating Zika virus and other flavivirus infections which overlap with HIV.
Rapid Tests Aren't Always Accurate in Testing for HIV, HCV and HBV
Blood sample testing in African countries using rapid tests is a mixed message. Accuracy in HIV improved, but accuracy in hepatitis B and C testing did not.
FDA Approves Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine for Older Adults
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is given to people 65 years of age and older to help prevent influenza disease caused by influenza A and B strains contained in the vaccine.
Single Dose Oritavancin May Lower 30-Day SSTI Hospital Admission Rates
Treating patients who have skin and soft tissue infections with a single dose of oritavancin may lower hospital admission rates compared to vancomycin, at a similar cost.
The Global Health Security Index: We're Not Where We Need to Be
Assessing 195 countries’ capability to prepare, detect, and respond to outbreaks has found some major gaps.
Do We Have the Tools to End the HIV Epidemic?
A new commentary from NIAID experts suggests that we already possess many of the tools necessary to end the HIV epidemic, but that improving implementation is essential.
TB Vaccine Candidate Shows Promise in 3-Year Analysis
Study authors recommend further investigation of M72/AS01E for tuberculosis prevention and consider the trial results progress toward an efficacious vaccine.
FDA Approves RHB-105 to Treat H Pylori
RHB-105 (Talicia) is the only rifabutin-based therapy approved for the treatment of H pylori infection and is designed to address the high resistance of H pylori bacteria to current clarithromycin-based standard-of-care therapies.
The ID Pipeline: FDA Activity From the Week of October 27, 2019
Here is a look at infectious disease-related US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) news from the week of October 27, 2019.
Recalls That Should Be on Your Radar—Week of October 27, 2019
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.
CDC Announces Salmonella Outbreak Featuring "Severe" Illnesses
Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicates that ground beef is the likely source of the outbreak. The current hospitalization rate is 89%.
Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Stephen Hahn, MD, as New FDA Commissioner
Until Hahn's position is confirmed, Brett Giroir, MD, of the Department of Health and Human Services, will serve as acting FDA Commissioner.
Top Infectious Disease News of the Week—October 27, 2019
Stay up-to-date on the latest infectious disease news by checking out our top 5 articles of the week.
Is Resistance Brewing Among Streptococcus Pyogenes Isolates?
Researchers stumbled upon a resistant mutation in group A Streptococcus that confers reduced susceptibility to β-lactam antibiotics.
Resolved E coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce
While the outbreak appears to be over, health officials are alerting the public and encouraging continued improvement of industry practices.
Neuraminidase Protein Could be a Target for New Influenza Treatments and Vaccines
While most influenza vaccines target the binding protein hemagglutinin, a new study shows cross-strain results for treatment and prevention focused on the glycoprotein neuraminidase.
Antibiotic Prescriptions Spike Before Diagnosis of Health Condition
A rapid increase in antibiotic prescriptions before diagnosis with such conditions as COPD, heart failure and asthma, suggests these conditions may often be misdiagnosed as infections, according to a new study.
HIV, Pregnancy and Tuberculosis Medication: Do They Mix?
When a recent study unexpectedly found that pregnant women taking the isoniazid had a higher rate of poor pregnancy outcomes, a team from Johns Hopkins University set out to clarify the findings.
October 360: Trending Infectious Disease News of the Month
As October draws to a close, the Contagion® editorial team is recapping the trends and top infectious disease news of the month.
Clofazimine May Help Some with Rapidly Growing Mycobacterial Infections
Drug combinations including clofazimine were effective in treating 54% of patients with rapidly growing mycobacterial infections, including 71% whose infections were non-pulmonary, new research found.
Early ID Consultation Reduces Sepsis-Related Mortality
Regardless of adherence to severe sepsis and septic shock treatment bundles, seeing an ID specialist within the first 12 hours of treatment was associated with a 40% risk reduction for in-hospital mortality in a new study.
Europe's PrEP Gap: Half a Million MSM Who Need It Can't Access
Study authors examined which countries offer PrEP reimbursement, what barriers exist to implementation, and calculated the overall “PrEP gap” for the EU.
Gaps in Pediatric Vaccination Linked With Uninsured Status
An analysis of vaccination data among children born in 2015 and 2016 found high and stable coverage, but highlighted sociodemographic disparities in coverage.