Top 5 Infectious Disease News Stories Week of August 16-August 23

Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Influenza Combination Vaccine Demonstrates Mixed Phase 3 Results

Pfizer announced results from its Phase 3 clinical trial of an investigational COVID-19 and influenza combination vaccine, developed in partnership with BioNTech, along with results from a separate Phase 2 trial of its influenza vaccine. The Phase 3 study focused on two primary immunogenicity objectives: responses to SARS-CoV-2 and to influenza A and B. The combination vaccine met one of these objectives. Notably, the Pfizer tIRV formulation demonstrated strong responses to influenza A, showing consistently higher responses compared to a licensed influenza vaccine. Although, it exhibited lower geometric mean titers and seroconversion rates for the influenza B strain.

The Significance of WHO Declaring Mpox a Global Emergency

Last week, the Africa CDC declared the ongoing mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security, while the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global health emergency. This announcement marks a significant development in international public health. Mitch Wolfe, MD, vice president of Global Engagement and Governance at Ginkgo Bioworks and former Chief Medical Officer at the CDC, welcomed the WHO's declaration. He emphasized that it helps unify officials, clinicians, and stakeholders in combating mpox. Wolfe noted, “WHO's declaration obligates member states to certain actions during outbreaks. It enhances awareness, improves coordination, allocates resources, and prompts countries to consider their response strategies. I'm pleased to see WHO make this declaration early in the outbreak.”

Assessing MRSA Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Skin and soft tissue infections continue to be a persistent issue in communities and healthcare settings. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), once considered a novel threat in the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) battle, has become so prevalent that isolation precautions are often not implemented. Accurately measuring the burden of MRSA is challenging; estimates suggest a 14.69% prevalence in elderly care facilities, while approximately 30% of healthy individuals are colonized with Staphylococcus aureus. Global AMR reports increasingly recognize MRSA not as an emerging threat but as a widespread and endemic infection.

Direct-Acting Antivirals Enhance Outcomes for Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

The impact of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been a subject of considerable discussion. A recent study conducted by Korea University provides compelling evidence that DAAs significantly enhance clinical outcomes for patients with chronic HCV infection. According to the research, DAAs not only improve liver health but also reduce liver fibrosis, thereby lessening the overall disease burden and extending life expectancy. Published in eClinicalMedicine, this study aimed to evaluate how DAA treatment influences disease burden in HCV-infected patients. By analyzing data from individual participants, researchers found that DAA treatment led to substantial improvements in liver health and a decrease in liver fibrosis-related complications.

FDA Grants EUA for Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Targeting Omicron Variant KP2

The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for the 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, featuring a component targeting the Omicron KP2 strain. The vaccines aim to enhance protection against current variants and reduce severe outcomes. Eligibility varies: unvaccinated children aged 6 months to 4 years can receive three doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine or two doses of the Moderna vaccine; previously vaccinated children in this age group are eligible for one or two doses. Children aged 5 to 11 are recommended to get a single dose, while individuals aged 12 and older should receive one dose of the updated vaccines. The FDA will continue to review and adjust guidance based on new data.