Contagion Editorial Team

The federal agency gave the nod to Meitheal Pharmaceuticals for its antibiotic, Contepo, an intravenous fosfomycin offering a new mechanism of action and a new option for adults with complicated urinary tract infections, including those caused by resistant Gram-negative pathogens.

The foundation has unveiled its 2025 campaign, highlighting the deadly toll and long-term consequences of these infections through nationwide events, education initiatives, and tributes throughout November.

This week review more highlights from IDWeek, and why one researcher is predicting a milder avian influenza season.

The XpertHCV test from Cepheid enables rapid, point-of-care detection of hepatitis C infection in under an hour—helping to expand access to care and reduces follow-up loss.

This week, meet SIDP's president-elect, the connection between UTIs and meat, a COVID-19 vaccine alternative, and other highlights from IDWeek.

A new genomic study reveals that up to 18% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Southern California may stem from E coli strains transmitted through contaminated poultry and meat, disproportionately affecting residents of low-income neighborhoods.

Moderna’s investigational cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine, mRNA-1647, did not meet its primary endpoint in a phase 3 trial, leading the company to discontinue its congenital CMV program while continuing studies in transplant patients.

At IDWeek, the company reported promising phase 1/2 trial results for its shingles vaccine candidate Z-1018, demonstrating strong immune responses and favorable tolerability.

A systematic review presented at IDWeek 2025 found that pneumococcal serotypes unique to Merck’s 21-valent conjugate vaccine, Capvaxive, are more prevalent among US adults and show higher rates of antibiotic resistance compared to those unique to PCV20.

Findings from the ongoing ROAR registry show that fecal microbiota, live-jslm (RBL), maintains strong efficacy and safety in preventing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) in routine US clinical practice.

Combined or individual use of maternal RSVpreF and infant nirsevimab achieved high antibody levels without safety concerns, supporting current RSV prevention strategies.

A nationwide analysis found that more than 1,500 additional HIV specialists are needed—particularly in the south—to meet national HIV care targets, underscoring major geographic and socioeconomic disparities in provider access.

New 96-week results from the study show that Dovato is as effective as Biktarvy in maintaining viral suppression in adults with HIV, while leading to less weight gain and fewer drug-related adverse events.

This week, learn about the Center for Discovery and Innovation's research around vaccines and the next generation of rifamycins, as well as results from a Cefiderocol study looking at healthcare-associated Gram-negative bloodstream infections and more.

FDA clearance paves the way for Invivyd to launch 2 phase 3 trials of VYD2311, a monoclonal antibody designed as a safe, convenient, vaccine alternative for COVID-19 prevention.

The Phase 3 PRIOH-1 trial demonstrated that pritelivir, a first-in-class helicase-primase inhibitor, achieved statistically superior lesion healing compared to standard therapies, offering a promising new oral treatment option for immunocompromised patients with refractory HSV infections.

Initial findings from the phase 1 CLARITY study offer the first direct comparison of the acceptability and tolerability of single-dose cabotegravir and lenacapavir long-acting injections in HIV-negative adults, revealing differences in patient and health care provider preferences.

This week, learn about the Center for Discovery and Innovation's research around antivirals, the hepatitis C bill in Congress, how AI is influencing antimicrobial development, and more.

The company is advancing R327G, a novel synthetic anti-infective for diabetic foot infections, through a phase 3 clinical trial in Indonesia, marking a major step toward the first new anti-infective class approval in over 40 years.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides information on the 2 companies recalls and the products.

This week, there are C diff and hepatitis roundup reports, how COVID-19 has disrupted traditional respiratory virus patterns with summer surges now preceding the typical winter influenza season, a review of a trial comparing dalbavancin with standard intravenous therapy for Staphylococcus aureus, and more.

University of Oregon researchers found that adding a common chemical, chlorate, to standard antibiotics made them up to 10,000 times more effective in lab tests against hard-to-treat bacteria, offering a potential breakthrough for chronic wound care.

Infections caused by NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales have risen more than 4-fold since 2019, raising alarms about limited treatment options, delayed detection, and heightened risks of transmission and mortality in health care settings. TAXIS Pharmaceuticals Chief Scientific Officer Ajit Parhi, PhD, offers some insights on NDM-CRE, antimicrobial resistance, and an overview of his company’s pipeline.

A June–September roundup spanning hepatitis research and surveillance data, FDA and ACIP policy moves, diet and diagnostics insights, and pipeline updates from screening innovations to HBV/HDV/HCV trials and approvals.

A June–September C diff roundup spanning diagnostics and stewardship debates, microbiome-based therapies and FMT optimization, prevention trials and funding, real-world outcomes, and persistent gaps in clinician practice and public awareness.

This week, review of ACIP’s latest decisions, analysis links food insecurity with higher long COVID risk, and advocacy for immune-informed antibiotic development with updated susceptibility testing.

Although the number of people with knowledge about the infection rose, the results demonstrate a continued need for further education and awareness among the public.

This week, OPAT for gram-negative infections expands to outpatients amid infusion complexity and stability limits, HHS and CDC add five ACIP members days before meeting, and more.

Corner Therapeutics says its "hyperactivator" adjuvant technology can offer protection against all virus strains.

Study finds 12 antibodies with potent neutralizing activity against multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains, including Delta and BA5.