Top 5 Infectious Disease News Stories Week of February 8-15

Five All-Oral Regimens Show Efficacy in the Phase 3 endTB Trial for Rifampin-Resistant TB

A Phase 3 trial has shown that five all-oral regimens, administered over 9 months, are as effective as the standard 18-24 month treatment for fluoroquinolone-susceptible, rifampin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). The trial demonstrated that four of the regimens, including combinations of bedaquiline, clofazimine, levofloxacin, and pyrazinamide, were noninferior to the standard treatment, with similar favorable outcomes. Although the new regimens showed promising results, they still carry some risks, particularly hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy. Trust among participating communities and researchers was highlighted as essential for the success of the trial, though ongoing toxicity concerns need to be addressed for future improvements. As Carole Mitnick, ScD, a key figure in the study, emphasized, while the new regimens offer a shorter duration and better toxicity profile than the previous standard, liver toxicity and other adverse effects still pose challenges.

Fungal Biofilm-Related Diseases: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Emerging Challenges

Fungal biofilm-related diseases are increasingly common, driven by the widespread use of implanted medical devices, immunosuppressant therapies, and an aging population. These biofilms, which consist of fungi growing on surfaces like catheters, are difficult to detect and treat, presenting significant challenges for clinicians. They are resistant to most antifungal agents and pose higher risks for patients, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stays. In an interview with Professor Gordon Ramage, he discussed the complexity of diagnosing fungal biofilms, which can be indistinguishable from bacterial biofilms, and emphasized the need for improved detection methods. He also highlighted promising therapeutic options, including existing drugs like liposomal Amphotericin B and new treatments in clinical trials, such as Abrex and Fungoz. Ramage stressed the importance of developing antifungals that target biofilms, as well as better diagnostic tools for quicker and more effective treatments. As fungal infections continue to rise, particularly among immunocompromised individuals, Ramage warned of the growing challenges in combating these infections and the need for more research to address the issue effectively.

Pastry Panic: Over 2 Million Items Recalled Amid Listeria and Salmonella Outbreaks

The FDA has recalled over 2 million baked goods due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects 60 types of pastries, including donuts and apple fritters, distributed across the US and Canada. These products, with best-by dates from June 17, 2025, to November 15, 2025, pose a risk of listeriosis, especially to vulnerable groups. No fatalities have been reported, and consumers are urged to follow FDA guidance for returning or disposing of affected items. Separately, the FDA and CDC are investigating a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries. The affected pastries, distributed in Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, have caused 18 reported cases of illness, including one hospitalization. No deaths have occurred, and consumers are advised to check for the affected products with best-by dates from June 17, 2025, to November 15, 2025.

A Personnel Problem: We Need More Antimicrobial Researchers, Infectious Disease Clinicians

Amesh Adalja, MD, FIDSA, discusses the challenges in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research and the shortage of infectious disease (ID) clinicians. Over the past 20 years, the number of AMR researchers has dropped significantly, with only around 3,000 active researchers globally, compared to 46,000 in cancer research. To address this, Adalja proposes strategies like the "Netflix model," where hospitals and insurers subscribe to a portfolio of antibiotics, which could help incentivize pharmaceutical companies to invest in AMR development. In addition, while the number of ID residency positions has increased, only 50% of positions were filled in 2025, highlighting a persistent shortage. This is especially problematic in rural areas, where 80% of counties lack an ID clinician. Despite the intellectual rewards of the specialty, ID remains one of the lower-paying fields in medicine, contributing to the difficulty in attracting clinicians. Adalja stresses the need for better incentives and support to meet the growing demand for AMR research and ID specialists.

US Health Policy Changes Threaten Global Public Health Cooperation

Su H Wang, MD, FACP, MPH, warns that recent US health policy changes, such as withdrawing from the WHO, halting critical CDC communications, and freezing foreign aid, threaten global health progress. These moves risk undermining vital partnerships, especially programs like PEPFAR, which supports over 20 million people. Without US participation in the WHO, timely responses to global outbreaks could be delayed, and vital CDC resources like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) have been suspended, impacting disease tracking. Wang also highlights the negative impact on vulnerable populations, such as those needing reproductive health services and gender equity programs. Clinics serving marginalized communities may lose funding, making it harder for patients to access care. She stresses that healthcare providers need to step in and fill the gaps, ensuring that underserved groups still receive care. Wang concludes that global health security relies on international collaboration, and without it, decades of progress in disease control and health equity could be undone.

Part 2 of this interview: Science Is Science: Navigating Clinical Trust Amid Political Shifts