First Case and Fatality of AH5N1 (Avian Influenza) in Mexico
Colorized transmission electron micrograph of avian influenza A H5N1 virus particles (yellow), grown in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells. Microscopy by CDC; repositioned and recolored by NIAID.Image credit: CDC and NIAID Earlier this month, Mexico notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of the country’s first laboratory-confirmed human infection with an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus […]
Discovery of PfAnchor Reveals New Vulnerability in Malaria Parasite’s Survival Mechanism
Sabrina Absalon, PhD Image credits: Indiana University A newly characterized protein, dubbed PfAnchor, is essential for the division and inheritance of a vital organelle in Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. The discovery, published as a preprint on bioRxiv, could open the door to novel antimalarial strategies targeting parasite-specific processes. The apicoplast, a non-photosynthetic plastid […]
For Children and Adolescents, COVID-19 Carries Higher Risk For Cardiovascular Outcomes
Children and adolescents who had COVID-19 were at a higher risk for heart-related outcomes compared with those who did not have SARS-CoV-2 infection. These elevated risks were found in patients regardless of a previous cardiovascular history or congenital heart disease. These findings were part of a large study that were published in Nature Communications. “We […]
Disrupting HBV Chromatin Structure Blocks X Gene Transcription and Infection
Yael David, PhD Image credits: LinkedIn Hepatitis B virus (HBV) relies on a unique DNA structure called cccDNA to initiate infection. This viral DNA forms a minichromosome by associating with host histone proteins, but the role of this structure in regulating viral gene expression has been unclear. In a new study, researchers used a reconstituted […]
CDC ACIP Meeting Examines Next Steps for Meningococcal, RSV, and Chikungunya Vaccination
Today, April 16, 2025, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met to review and vote on vaccine recommendations. The discussions covered meningococcal vaccines, the RSV vaccine for adults, and the chikungunya vaccine for travelers and at-risk individuals. Meningococcal Vaccine The ACIP recommends that GSK’s MenABCWY vaccine may be used when both MenACWY and MenB […]
Pennsylvania Added to the List of States With Measles Outbreaks
This week, Pennsylvania has been added to the list of states with a measles outbreak. Two more cases were diagnosed recently in Erie County, Pa which is in the western part of the state. There have been 5 confirmed cases reported in this county since late March. According to health officials, none of the cases […]
Gene Editing Therapy Receives FDA Fast Track Status in Aiming For Potential Chronic HBV Cure
The FDA granted a fast track designation to clinical stage gene editing company, Precision BioSciences, for its investigational gene therapy, PBGENE-HBV. This in vivo gene editing program was developed to cure chronic hepatitis B by eliminating cccDNA, the key source of replicating the HBV, and inactivating integrated HBV DNA in hepatocytes.1 “We are pleased to receive fast […]
Over 3 Million Children Died from AMR Linked Infections in 2022
AMR Global Image credits: Unsplash Research presented at this year’s ESCMID Global Congress 2025 highlights a steep and deadly rise in pediatric AMR cases, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa, which together accounted for more than 1.4 million of the total deaths. Most of these fatalities were linked to the use of Watch and Reserve […]
Newly FDA Approved UTI Antibiotic Shows High Efficacy for Gonorrhea Treatment
Gepotidacin, which was FDA approved last month for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, was found to be efficacious against gonorrhea even slightly exceeding the standard treatment for the sexually transmitted infection (STI). The study’s results were published in The Lancet. “Results of the primary analysis of microbiological response at test-of-cure demonstrated microbiological success rates of 92.6% […]
Why CD4 Testing is Critical in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
Andreas Boehmler, PhDImage credit: Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Despite major advances in the detection and treatment of HIV/AIDS, the disease remains a global health crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes and about 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2023. There were an estimated 39.9 million people living […]
