Top 5 Infectious Disease News Stories Week of September 20-27
September 28th 2024This week, a push for better care standards for C difficile, a survey shows low vaccination rates for respiratory viruses among Americans, Georgia achieves a reduction in chronic hepatitis C infections through collaborative efforts, and more.
Investigational C Diff Therapy Shows Favorable Microbiome Characteristics, Phase 3 Trial Planned
Published: September 27th 2024 | Updated: September 27th 2024The latest data highlight ibezapolstat’s effects on gut microbiome health and systemic exposure, crucial for CDI treatment, while also indicating its potential against Bacillus anthracis, prompting plans for a bioterrorism development initiative.
NFID Survey: Fewer Than 1 in 5 Americans Are Concerned About Respiratory Viruses
September 26th 2024The findings are from a National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) survey showing many Americans are not thinking about flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumococcal disease, and many respondents do not plan to get vaccinated this fall.
Advocating for Better Regulatory Rules and Standard of Care for C difficile
September 25th 2024Maryann Webb’s harrowing, personal experience with C diff, along with her professional work with federal agencies has prepared her for a life in advocacy with the Peggy Lillis Foundation. She wants to see the fecal microbiota transplant become more accessible and is working with Congress to make the infection a notifiable infectious disease.
The Country of Georgia Makes Inroads Reducing Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Published: September 24th 2024 | Updated: September 24th 2024In 2015 the country's high prevalence of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) was 5.4%, higher than the global average of 1%. In addition, Georgia saw a 67% reduction in chronic infection.
Understanding the Symbiotic Relationship of Biofilms and Vancomycin
September 23rd 2024A new study looked at Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and C difficile infection (CDI) and their formation of symbiotic biofilms in the antibiotic's environment, and underscore the complexity of CDI prevention and the importance of considering gut microbiomes in treatment strategies.
Infectious Disease Professionals: Mosquito-Borne Pathogens are Priority Concerns for Outbreaks
September 22nd 2024A new survey reveals that infectious disease virologists, epidemiologists and clinicians see the need to address gaps in surveillance programs to identify emerging pathogens, public health funding and testing infrastructure capabilities.
Top 5 Infectious Disease News Stories Week of September 13-September 20
September 21st 2024Adults with type 2 diabetes taking metformin have a 13% to 21% lower risk of developing Long COVID or dying from COVID-19, recent analyses question the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir against new variants, and more this week from Contagion.
Long-Acting Lipoglycopeptides for the Treatment of Severe Infections
September 19th 2024Long-acting lipoglycopeptides (LGPs) like dalbavancin, oritavancin, and telavancin were developed with extended half-lives, initially targeting acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs). However, recent studies have explored their potential in treating other infections, including infective endocarditis (IE), bone and joint infections (BJIs), and bloodstream infections (BSIs), offering an alternative to standard care and outpatient antimicrobial therapy.