Zoonotic & Vector-Borne Diseases

This week's hottest topics included the risks of proton pump inhibitors, rare tickborne disease, HIV vaccination, COVID-19 immunity from a common cold, and hydrocortisone for pneumonia.

Climate change is causing ticks and mosquitos to migrate further north and with them comes disease, previously not seen in these geographic areas. One company is using data to model predictive vector habitats to help organizations and governments identify patterns and help prevent the spread of such diseases.

The incidence rate of babesiosis in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire saw a dramatic increase over a multiyear period and saw an increase overall in other states where the disease is endemic.

New York City has ended their mpox outbreak after months of successful community outreach and vaccination campaigns.

This first-in-human, phase 1 vaccine trial produced a lasting immune response against Marburg virus.

These diseases, exacerbated by poor water quality, sanitation, and health care access, are highlighted today.

Rapidly distributing vaccines to at least 1/3 of at-risk populations, in addition to increasing tasting and contact tracing, may adequately stop the spread of mpox.

With limited health care infrastructure and large swaths of remote areas, developing countries face difficulties in medical management with these viruses and parasitic diseases.

Hong Kong confirmed a case of a man critically ill with avian influenza. On the other side of the world, Colorado is reporting its worst-ever avian flu outbreak among birds of prey.

The VIASURE PCR diagnostic is now available under Emergency Use Authorization in laboratories for persons with a suspected mpox infection.

This unusual Case Study describes a young woman who presented with an acute onset of headaches and dizziness and was found to have aseptic meningitis.

TP-05, a novel, oral therapeutic recently reported topline results from its phase 1 study.

A single-dose of acoziborole could simplify the treatment of this fatal infection.

As someone who lives with the long-term effects of chikungunya, Camillo Mora PhD, sees the expanding habitat of mosquitos and is concerned more people will be exposed to vector-borne illnesses and deal with not only the acute phases of these viruses but also the possibility of long-term health effects they can present.

The European Commission has approved their first dengue vaccine, Takeda’s TAK-003, as climate change and urbanization contribute to a worldwide rise in dengue incidence.

The investigational shot from Pfizer and Valneva demonstrated higher antibody levels in the three-dose vaccination schedule versus the two-dose vaccination schedule.

Takeda’s investigational dengue vaccine TAK-003 is currently under evaluation for preventing any dengue virus serotype in individuals 4-60 years old.

Dengue is the most prevalent and important mosquito-borne virus in the world. Atea Pharmaceuticals presented positive data for their direct-acting dengue antiviral, AT-752.

It’s not enough to have accurate infectious disease diagnostics, they must be accessible to the patients most affected.

Similar to HIV, the colonial and postcolonial history is fundamental to the biology of this monkeypox outbreak.

The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) is launching a phase 3 trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tecovirimat to treat monkeypox in vulnerable populations.

Investigators surmise a natural bat exposure within certain areas of the world may correspond with lower COVID-19 incidence rates.

2 Washington, DC monkeypox patients presented with lesions and proctitis, and were treated with oral tecovirimat.

Ongoing wastewater surveillance in San Diego seeks to track and predict monkeypox infection surges.

Next generation antimalarial monoclonal antibody is three times more potent than predecessor in preventing parasitemia, stopping parasite replicating.

Langya virus, a new type of henipavirus, was identified in at least 35 people in eastern China. The virus is suspected to have infected shrews before jumping to humans.

The agency decided to allow for intradermal injection thus increasing the number of available doses substantially.

The federal agency and international organization offer some insights on patient epidemiology, and the high-risk groups that public health officials and clinicians should consider for vaccines and education efforts.

Declaration allows mobilization of funding, resources to address the virus.