
Findings from recent studies published in BMC Gastroenterology highlight practical diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic strategies to improve management of chronic hepatitis B.
Abene is currently a freelance writer and editor who contributes to Contagion. She is the former Assistant Editor for Contagion. She can be emailed at: sophiaabene@gmail.com.

Findings from recent studies published in BMC Gastroenterology highlight practical diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic strategies to improve management of chronic hepatitis B.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report underscores need for improved surveillance, donor screening, and public awareness as rare WNV strain emerges and Powassan virus cases hit new high.

Several companies nationwide, with FDA oversight, recalled food products due to potential bacterial contamination, issuing consumer warnings to prevent foodborne illness.

This week, the ACIP recommends clesrovimab for RSV protection in infants under 8 months without maternal immunity, ASM Microbe talk urges for creative funding solutions amid federal freezes to sustain research and careers, and more.

6–3 ruling preserves no-cost insurance coverage for preventive services such as HIV PrEP, contraceptives, and screenings.

Ep 1, Part 4 of 4, Robert C Bransfield, MD, continues to share how vector-borne infections may trigger psychiatric symptoms not through direct brain infection, but by disrupting immune signaling and gene expression.

A retrospective study finds no significant difference in treatment failure between patients with obesity and those without.

John Rex, MD, FACP, discusses the promise, precision, and challenges of this first-in-class antifungal following phase 2b trial results.

Dual ACIP votes endorse RSV antibody protection for infants and expand no-cost access through the Vaccines for Children program.

New epidemiologic data, vaccine effectiveness, and safety assessments guide a move from universal to targeted vaccination recommendations for the 2025–26 season.

More than 80% of patients had drug-related problems, highlighting the need for inpatient antiretroviral stewardship.

New longitudinal study findings suggest booster vaccination may not be necessary despite declining antibody levels.

Application of GBD methods reveals substantial RSV-attributable hospitalizations and informs vaccine and surveillance strategies.

Single-dose, nonvaccine antiviral shows significant seasonal prophylactic efficacy and favorable safety profile in over 5000 healthy adults.

At ASM Microbe 2025, a Puerto Rico study linked increased fungal spore concentrations to rises in viral respiratory infections, suggesting potential early warning utility.

FDA and CDC warn consumers as recalled heat-and-eat meals sold at Kroger and Walmart are tied to multiple hospitalizations, one pregnancy loss, and ongoing risks.

At ASM Microbe 2025, a cross-sectional study highlighted Burkholderia cepacia dominance, widespread antibiotic resistance, and key risk factors, including invasive device use and patient demographics.

At ASM Microbe 2025, researchers underscored the role of NAAT in outpatient CDI diagnosis and raised concerns over PPI-related risk in older, health care–associated cases.

A study presented at ASM Microbe 2025 questions the clinical value of adding enzyme immunoassays to PCR-based CDI diagnostics amid sensitivity concerns.

Presented at ASM Microbe 2025, a bioinformatics study highlights 9 human miRNAs capable of binding and potentially inhibiting both hepatitis C and bovine viral diarrhea viruses.

Gilead’s Yeztugo, a long-acting HIV capsid inhibitor, shows 96 to 100% efficacy in phase 3 trials and aims to expand access worldwide through regulatory filings and support programs.

A ValuePenguin poll of more than 2000 adults highlights partisan divides, persistent myths, and concerns over vaccine access, with 41% fearing skepticism could hinder immunization efforts.

Ep 1, Part 3 of 4 with Robert Bransfield, MD, explores treatment-resistant mental health issues linked to infection history and diverse progression patterns.

Data from the 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance report highlight key differences in death rates across states and populations, informing targeted public health efforts.

After initially closing its viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted disease laboratories, the CDC rescinds staff terminations, preserving vital disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities.

Evaluating safety and efficacy against symptomatic, virologically confirmed dengue in children and adolescents.

This week, the FDA expanded Moderna’s RSV vaccine to younger at-risk adults, Merck’s Enflonsia received approval to protect infants from RSV, HHS Secretary RFK Jr replaced the CDC’s ACIP, and more.

Innoviva and GARDP's breakthrough treatment could become the first new gonorrhea antibiotic in decades amid rising antimicrobial resistance.

Phase 3 results show immune response and tolerability in adults 65 and older, following phase 2 findings.

The replacement of all 17 ACIP members sparks concern among medical experts and prompts calls for Senate investigation.