Undetermined Illness Causes 53 Deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting that there has been 419 reported cases and 53 deaths stemming from a unknown disease or virus in 2 villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). WHO officials report the outbreak began in the village of Boloko after 3 children ate a bat and died within 48 […]
Study Insights on Aztreonam and Avibactam for Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections
Todd Riccobene, PhD Image credit: Abbvie Earlier this month, the FDA approved aztreonam and avibactam (Emblaveo) as the first and only fixed-dose, intravenous, monobactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination antibiotic. Abbvie and Pfizer developed the antibiotic together, and it was approved in combination with metronidazole, for patients 18 years and older who have limited or no alternative options […]
A Closer Look at Its Impact on Sepsis Mortality
James Ford, MD, MAS Image credits: LinkedIn A recent systematic review found no strong evidence that compliance with or implementation of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Management Bundle (SEP-1) improves sepsis mortality. This raises concerns about the inclusion of SEP-1 in the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program. […]
IDSA Makes Statement on HHS Changes to Vaccine Policy, Postponement of Vaccine Meeting
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And since Robert Kennedy Jr has taken over as HHS Secretary, he has instructed the CDC to no longer publish a public awareness campaign about influenza vaccines,1 and also postponed the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) […]
2024 S aureus and MRSA Trials: Key Takeaways
Clinical science in infectious diseases saw significant progress in 2024, with multiple clinical trials of new antibiotics and infection prevention strategies. The year also brought public health challenges, including outbreaks and AMR, underscoring the continued need for research and clinical interventions.1 At IDWeek 2024, experts gathered to review these developments and ongoing challenges. The What’s […]
Polio Vaccine Campaign Continues in Gaza Strip, Update on New Cases
Last week, the WHO announced it was continuing its polio vaccine campaign in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The mass vaccination campaign is ongoing right now through Wednesday. The novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) will be administered to over 591,000 children under 10 years of age to protect them from the disease. This campaign […]
A Tool for STI Prevention and Its Implementation
Jaime Garcia-Iglesias, PhD Image credits: LinkedIn Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) has emerged as a promising intervention to combat the rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As its use gains traction, experts are stressing the need for equitable implementation strategies that prioritize community involvement and address disparities in access. With individuals already adopting DoxyPEP independently, […]
FDA Declines Invivyd’s EUA Expansion for Pemivibart
The FDA has decided to not expand the existing EUA for Invivyd’s investigational monoclonal antibody (mAb), pemivibart (Pemgarda), to include treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 for immunocompromised persons. The company had been seeking expansion for adults and adolescents who have moderate-to-severe immune compromise due to certain medical conditions such as cancer and organ transplant, and for […]
Antibiotic Resistance in the Context of UTI Treatment Developments
Clinical science in infectious diseases (ID) saw significant progress in 2024, with multiple clinical trials of new antibiotics and infection prevention strategies. The year also brought public health challenges, including outbreaks of antimicrobial resistance, and more, highlighting the continued need for research and clinical interventions.1 At IDWeek 2024, experts gathered to review these developments and […]
Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Era of Multidrug-Resistant Infections
Infectious disease clinicians face an escalating challenge: multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections that render traditional antimicrobial treatments ineffective. The emergence of MDR pathogens such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is outpacing the development of new antibiotics.1 Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is no longer just an initiative—it’s a necessity. AMS programs aim to optimize antimicrobial […]
