Infectious Disease

Phage therapy, which uses lytic bacteriophages to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria, has resurfaced as a promising treatment for multidrug-resistant infections, but faces challenges in regulation, production, and clinical implementation despite its growing evidence of efficacy.

Clesrovimab would be the first and only single dose immunization indicated for infants regardless of weight, aimed to protect against their first RSV season.

A collaborative health care approach enhances patient outcomes and supports informed decision-making in antibiotic management.

Results suggest that patients commonly receive more than 5 days of treatment, which could be an opportunity for an antimicrobial stewardship initiative.

Jerome Adams, former US surgeon general, discusses the importance of receiving recommended vaccines against influenza and COVID-19 for health care personnel.

The decline was attributed to continued adherence to infection prevention and control measures.

Investigators say basic immunodeficiency screening should be completed in full for this patient population.

Pneumococcal disease incidence decreased in adults after pneumococcal vaccines began to be used in children due to indirect protection, with fewer adults found to carry the bacterium that causes disease.

Evidence suggests that precautionary measures in elementary schools were able to effectively mitigate large increases in disease transmission.

Commonly cited factors influencing uptake of pneumococcal vaccination included knowledge of pneumococcal disease and vaccine benefits, recommendations from health authorities, and perceived risk of infection.

The agency outlines key elements for building effective hospital sepsis programs.

Data from the BROADEN and PROGRESS studies were presented at the International Papillomavirus Conference 2024 in Edinburgh, UK, from November 12 to 15.

Karyne Jones highlights the importance of pneumococcal vaccination for those 50 years and older, especially in communities of color.

High COVID-19 hospital caseload strain led to increases in inpatient adverse events among patients both with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Reasons for supporting the lowering of the age-based pneumococcal vaccine recommendation included the likelihood it would increase vaccination rates in multiple age groups and demographics.

New technology and innovation may help turn the corner on antibiotic resistance.

Known to be a leading cause of mortality worldwide, cigarette smoke exposure can make the respiratory tract more susceptible to pneumococcal infection.

Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress reported that the majority of pharmacists believe that it is important to prioritize vaccine development and distribution.

Data presented at IDWeek also showed greater disease-prevention effects in the community with PCV21 compared with prior pneumococcal vaccines.

High-resolution scans can provide a picture of a patient’s brain that typical MRIs cannot, allowing for more detailed insights into the neurological effects of COVID-19.

The discovery marks the first time an antibody has been observed to both assist and block viral infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Vaccine gap closure programs in Missouri and California provide a blueprint for a successful campaign.

Investigators report the study met its primary end point, demonstrating that a single, oral dose reduced the transmission by those infected to others in their household.

Significant polarization surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations in late 2020 and early 2021 looked to have had an impact in increasing vaccine hesitancy.

There was a detrimental relationship between COVID-19 caseload and mortality observed across multiple types of hospitals.

Although the investigators commonly detected treatment-emergent resistant variants, they were rare and transient in nature.

Although disease screening reached high-risk patients, uptake was low, necessitating additional incentive to participate in voluntary testing.

The study findings signal the need for improved equality in PrEP prescribing across various institutions and settings.

Long-term shedding of mutated variants could pose a concern for spread among the public.

A 95% increase in private health center participation, monitoring, assessment, and vaccine coverage can be significant in improving outcomes.