Top 5 Infectious Disease News Stories Week of September 20-27

Advocating for Better Regulatory Rules and Standard of Care for C difficile

Maryann Webb’s personal battle with Clostridioides difficile and breast cancer has fueled her commitment to advocacy through the Peggy Lillis Foundation. Drawing on her harrowing experiences and professional work with federal agencies, she aims to increase accessibility to fecal microbiota transplants and to push for C diff to be classified as a notifiable infectious disease. During her most severe illness, when she felt her organs shutting down, she prepared for the worst, disposing of her possessions to ease the burden on her family. “I could feel myself dying…so I carefully, without anyone noticing, got rid of a lot of my possessions,” Webb shared, underscoring her resilience and determination to fight for improved health outcomes.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Cognitive Function

New research reveals a complex link between COVID-19 and cognitive function, indicating that even mild infections can result in subtle memory and attention deficits lasting for at least a year. While the precise causal relationship remains uncertain, studies suggest that factors such as baseline cognitive abilities, individual vulnerabilities, virus variants, vaccination status, and treatment options complicate the findings. In a study involving 18 volunteers with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, those with mild illness exhibited significantly lower global cognitive scores compared to uninfected individuals, despite none reporting persistent cognitive symptoms. This highlights the potential for long-term cognitive changes following even mild COVID-19 infections.

NFID Survey: Fewer Than 1 in 5 Americans Are Concerned About Respiratory Viruses

A recent National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) survey reveals that many Americans are not prioritizing vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumococcal disease as the seasonal respiratory virus season begins in the northern hemisphere. Despite recommendations from public health officials to get vaccinated, only 38% of U.S. adults plan to receive a flu vaccine, even though 67% recognize its effectiveness in preventing flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Additionally, only about 26% intend to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with even lower numbers for RSV (21%) and pneumococcal disease (24%).

The Country of Georgia Makes Inroads Reducing Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

In 2015, Georgia reported a chronic hepatitis C (HCV) prevalence rate of 5.4%, considerably higher than the global average of 1%. By 2021, the country achieved an impressive 67% reduction in chronic HCV infections compared to 2015 levels. This success can be largely attributed to a partnership between state authorities and the CDC, which has provided crucial support for various initiatives. These include the development of a National Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan, progress reports to monitor advancements, and efforts to identify and address challenges in the pursuit of viral hepatitis elimination. This collaborative approach represents a significant step forward in combating hepatitis C in Georgia.

Global Action Against AMR

Tina Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS, a professor of pediatrics and medical director at Northwestern University, recently highlighted the critical role of education and global collaboration in addressing the rising threat of AMR. In her remarks during the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR 2024, she emphasized the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship programs, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Tan, who also directs the International Patient and Destination Services Program and the International Adoptee Clinic, shared innovative strategies for tackling AMR. She stressed the importance of educating not only healthcare providers but also the general public, including farmers and others who use antibiotics in agriculture. Tan stated, “The unnecessary use of antibiotics is basically what fuels the growth of antimicrobial resistance,” underscoring the need for widespread awareness to combat this pressing global health issue.