From Pathogen to Infectious Disease Diagnosis: Test Determines Between Bacterial and Viral Infections in 15 Minutes
MeMed CEO Eran Eden, PhD, discusses the MeMed BV test, a rapid diagnostic tool that distinguishes between bacterial and viral infections in just 15 minutes, aiding clinical decision-making and antibiotic stewardship. The blood test, which analyzes three host-response proteins and generates a score to assess bacterial infection likelihood, has received FDA 510(k) clearance and the European CE Mark. Clinical studies showed a 63% reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use, accurate identification of previously missed bacterial infections, and better performance than traditional biomarkers like procalcitonin. Eden highlights the test’s ability to address diagnostic gaps, such as inaccessible infections, pathogen colonization, and superinfections, and reduce uncertainty that often leads to antibiotic misuse. By improving diagnostic accuracy, the MeMed BV test contributes to safer patient care and helps combat antimicrobial resistance.
CDC ACIP Meeting Examines Next Steps for Meningococcal, RSV, and Chikungunya Vaccination
At its April 16, 2025, meeting, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued updated guidance on meningococcal, RSV, and chikungunya vaccines. ACIP supported using GSK’s MenABCWY pentavalent vaccine when both MenACWY and MenB are indicated, while also reviewing safety concerns with Sanofi’s MenQuadfi in infants. For RSV, ACIP recommended vaccinating at-risk adults aged 50–59, with further guidance pending on risk criteria and potential expansion to younger adults. Regarding chikungunya, ACIP endorsed the virus-like particle vaccine for travelers aged 12+ and lab workers with exposure risk, and the live attenuated vaccine for younger travelers, while noting rare but serious adverse events under investigation.
Disrupting HBV Chromatin Structure Blocks X Gene Transcription and Infection
A recent study led by Yael David, PhD, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center uncovers how nucleosome positioning on hepatitis B virus (HBV) cccDNA directly controls transcription of the X gene, a key step in establishing infection. The research demonstrates that the chromatin-destabilizing compound CBL137 selectively disrupts HBV chromatin structure, reducing X gene transcription and blocking infection in primary human hepatocytes. These findings highlight a novel antiviral strategy that targets the epigenetic regulation of cccDNA, marking a shift from traditional replication-inhibiting therapies toward approaches that silence the viral reservoir itself, offering new potential in the pursuit of a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B.
Follow the Science: Why CD4 Testing is Critical in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
Andreas Boehmler, PhD, emphasizes that expanding access to CD4 testing is essential for meeting global HIV/AIDS targets, particularly the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goal. Despite advances in HIV care, millions remain undiagnosed or untreated, and only 51% of countries incorporate CD4 testing in screening protocols for patients reentering care. CD4 testing, which tracks immune cell levels and signals disease progression, is vital for identifying advanced HIV, detecting treatment failure, and guiding care. Technological advancements have streamlined the once-complex process, making testing faster and more accessible. However, achieving widespread implementation requires strong infrastructure, trained personnel, reliable reagent delivery, and public-private partnerships. Boehmler calls for increased investment and international cooperation to sustain testing efforts and ultimately combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Longhorn Advances a Scalable Universal Flu Vaccine
Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics has developed a novel universal influenza vaccine, LHNVD-110, designed to protect against human, avian, and swine flu strains, including pandemic variants like H5N1. Presented at ESCMID 2025, the single-composite peptide vaccine uses conserved epitopes from multiple influenza proteins and an ALFQ adjuvant to generate strong, durable immune responses in preclinical models with no observed reactogenicity. Jeff Fischer, MBA, president of Longhorn, emphasized the vaccine’s scalability, year-round manufacturing potential, and advantages over current seasonal flu vaccines. Positioned as a key tool in pandemic preparedness and aligned with a One Health approach, the vaccine and its monoclonal antibody cocktail are expected to enter IND-enabling studies in late 2025, with human trials to follow.
