Top 5 Infectious Disease News Stories Week of November 23-30

GigaGen Doses First Patient in Phase 1 Trial of GIGA-2339, a Potential Functional Cure for Chronic Hepatitis B

GIGA-2339 is a recombinant polyclonal antibody developed by GigaGen Inc. for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B (HBV). It combines over 1,000 human antibodies targeting the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), a protein that impedes the immune response. The Phase 1 clinical trial will assess its safety and tolerability in patients who haven't responded to prior therapies. GIGA-2339 aims not only to suppress the virus but also to reactivate the immune system, potentially offering a functional cure by clearing the virus and reducing HBsAg levels. With its diverse range of antibodies, the drug is designed to target multiple HBV genotypes and escape mutations, marking a novel approach to HBV treatment.

Considering a Beta Lactam as Adjunctive Therapy for Staphylococcus aureus Early in Treatment

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) presents significant challenges, particularly in older patients, with mortality rates higher among seniors. Daniel B. Chastain, PharmD, reviewed the use of beta-lactams as adjunctive therapy for SAB, suggesting that early combination therapy could improve outcomes by addressing the infection more aggressively from the start. While studies show no clear mortality benefit from combination therapy, Chastain emphasizes its potential for reducing recurrence and improving blood culture sterilization times. He advocates for better patient risk stratification and careful consideration of the patient's experience with combination therapy to optimize treatment and outcomes.

Early Geriatric Assessment Improves Outcomes for Older Patients With C difficile Infection

A recent trial published in The Lancet found that incorporating early comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) into the treatment of older patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) improves clinical outcomes. The study showed that CGA significantly reduced CDI recurrence, hospital readmissions, and hospital stay duration compared to standard care. Early use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) within the CGA framework further decreased 90-day mortality and CDI-related deaths, with some patients receiving FMT at home. This approach streamlined care, reduced hospital burden, and improved patient satisfaction, suggesting CGA should be considered as a standard care model for older CDI patients.

California Issues Raw Milk Recall After Detection of H5N1 Bird Flu Virus

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a warning and recall for a batch of raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC of Fresno County after detecting the H5N1 bird flu virus in a retail sample. The affected batch, labeled with the code 20241109 and a Best By date of November 27, 2024, has not been linked to any human illnesses, but the recall is a precautionary measure. CDPH advises consumers to avoid raw milk due to the risk of harmful pathogens, including H5N1, as pasteurized milk is safe to consume. This alert follows the detection of H5N1 in dairy cows, with 29 confirmed human cases in California since October, all linked to direct contact with infected cows. The state has ramped up testing and safety measures at dairies, including increased surveillance, testing, and the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers. The CDPH continues to emphasize the risks of raw milk, highlighting its susceptibility to carrying dangerous pathogens, such as the bird flu virus, which can remain infectious on milking equipment surfaces.

Link Between Lung Dysfunction And Cognitive Decline in Long COVID Patients

New research suggests a potential link between impaired lung function and cognitive difficulties, such as brain fog, in patients with Long COVID. The study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting, found that lower pulmonary gas exchange in Long COVID patients was associated with cognitive impairments, including memory and concentration issues, as well as structural changes in the brain, such as reductions in gray and white matter volumes. Using advanced MRI techniques, including hyperpolarized xenon (129Xe) to assess both lung and brain function simultaneously, the study highlighted how decreased lung function might exacerbate cognitive symptoms. The findings suggest that improving lung function could potentially alleviate these cognitive difficulties. The study involved 12 patients with persistent fatigue and shortness of breath after recovering from COVID-19.