News

Recent studies show oral vancomycin reduces CDI by 64% in stem cell transplant patients, Biktarvy is effective for HIV/HBV co-infection, climate change drives rising dengue cases, and a 7-day antibiotic regimen is as effective as 14 days for bloodstream infections.

Kenneth Lawrence, PharmD, discusses the global problem and the need for a layered, multifaceted approach to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and some of the ongoing inroads and progress being made to address the medical issue.

Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, medical director, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and ACIP liaison, offers guidance and insights on a variety of respiratory vaccines.

Wolverine Packing Co is recalling ground beef due to potential contamination with E coli O157:H7

Along with the CDC, we highlight the One Health approach and advocate for effective infection control measures, such as vaccination and innovative technologies, to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens and combat AMR.

The country’s program yielded screening and treatment in almost two thirds of the identified at-risk population.

Nicole M Iovine discusses the risks associated with this particular E coli strain, challenges posed by organic farming, and offers practical food safety tips to protect vulnerable populations.

Here is a recap of the latest happenings during C diff awareness month.

The BALANCE trial suggests that shorter treatment durations may reduce healthcare costs, antibiotic exposure, and antimicrobial resistance risk, providing an alternative for critically ill patients.

A new study confirms the growing belief and evidence this vector-borne diseases will increase and see a greater burden globally.

California reports a suspected case of a child; Oregon's first human case linked to a poultry outbreak; and Canada's first locally acquired case in a critically ill teen.

The ALLIANCE Phase III study demonstrated that Biktarvy, a TAF-based regimen, achieved sustained virologic suppression in adults with HIV/HBV co-infection.

Atea Pharmaceuticals has been reporting data on its combination of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir as a potential treatment for the virus.

In recognition of C difficile Awareness Month this November, the CDC's 2023 HAI Progress Report highlights continued progress in reducing CDIs across US healthcare settings.

Reactogenicity of mRNA COVID-19 with inactivated influenza vaccine was similar whether given at same time or separated by 1-2 weeks.

Reduction of in-hospital rate of C difficile infection from 11% to 4%, with no increased risk of infection following treatment.

Bruce Jones, PharmD, FIDSA, BCPS provided insights on challenging patients with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and higher BMI.

Paul Feuerstadt, MD, FACG, AGAF, discusses what the data says as well as offers insights about what patients can expect and medical peer-to-peer information about the procedure.

Arbutus CEO Michael McElhaugh discussed trial results showing that a combination of imdusiran, an RNAi therapeutic, and pegylated interferon alfa-2α can achieve a functional cure in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Grimmway Farms issued a voluntary recall after 26 out of 27 individuals interviewed as part of the outbreak investigation reported eating their carrots before becoming ill.

Obesity significantly impacts the pharmacokinetics (PK) of antifungal drugs like echinocandins, including volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance. However, despite these PK differences, current clinical evidence generally does not support the need for universal dose adjustments in obese patients. Clinicians should consider personalized dosing based on patient characteristics, infection severity, and specific drug properties due to echinocandins' favorable safety profiles.

Women were found more likely than men to die following Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in both a national cohort study and a meta-analysis.

This week, food recalls due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination and, a study comparing treatments for recurrent C difficile infections underscore the need for further research, policy adjustments, and more.

The monoclonal antibody’s manufacturer, Bluejay Therapeutics, also reports in its phase 2 clinical trial there was up to a78% combined virologic response and ALT normalization as monotherapy.

With up to 37.5% of children carrying this resistance mutation the findings suggest that current treatment protocols may be losing effectiveness.

The Fall 2024 Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Grades demonstrate an ongoing downward trend in recent years of these challenging inpatient management issues.

Medication errors and patient falls in COVID-19-positive and non-COVID-19 patients highlight the impact of hospital workload on patient safety.

Alveo Technologies announced it entered into an agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create a test to help in offering this capability in case there is a need for widespread diagnostics.