Trending News: Strong Associations between MS Disease Progression and Cigarette Smoking

The CDC, state public health officials, and the FDA are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections that have led to 4 hospitalizations and 1 death, according to Contagion Live. The CDC believes the 7 reported cases of infection as of December 18 are linked to bulk, fresh hard-boiled eggs produced by Almark Food of Gainesville, Georgia. The products that are believed to be the source infections have not been recalled.

A team at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine examined the relationship between household pet exposure during the first 12 years of life and having a subsequent diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, according to MD Magazine. The analysis indicated that exposure to a pet dog during the first 12 years of life was associated with an approximately 25% decreased hazard of having a subsequent schizophrenia diagnosis. However, the study authors noted that there are several other factors associated with psychological disorder risk, including age at evaluation, gender, race, place of birth, and level of parental education.

Findings of a review analyzing the association between cigarette smoking and multiple sclerosis (MS) highlight numerous detrimental effects the habit has on those with the disease, according to The American Journal of Managed Care. In an analysis of studies published between 1965 and 2018, researchers found that patients with MS who smoke have high rates of disease activity, faster rates of brain atrophy, and greater disability burden. Additionally, patients who smoke can see their MS progress more quickly.