New Virus Discovery Highlights Zoonotic Risks in North America
A Shrew. Image credits: Unsplash A study conducted by researchers from Auburn University, University of Queensland, and University of Rochester has discovered a novel henipavirus in northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda) in Alabama, US. This discovery, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, indicates the presence of henipavirus in North America, with potential zoonotic implications.1 The research […]
Health Equity is Essential to Overcoming Antimicrobial Resistance
Jacinda C. Abdul-Mutakabbir PharmD, MPH Image credit: UCSD Globally, it is estimated that over 1 million individuals die each year from antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections.1 This number is projected to exceed 10 million deaths over the next 25 years. This alarming reality demands our immediate attention, and we must consider several important factors. First, AMR is […]
Novavax Seeks Full FDA Approval for COVID-19 Vaccine
In our recent interview with Novavax’s Chief Medical Officer, Robert Walker, MD, he discussed the company’s progress in obtaining full licensure for their COVID-19 vaccine. He said, “We’ve submitted a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA to seek full licensure for our vaccine, which is currently available under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The PDUFA […]
Early Intervention with Tenofovir Alafenamide Reduces Risk of Adverse Effects in Hepatitis B Patients
Image credit: Julien Tromeur, Unsplash Tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy) reduced the risk of serious liver-related events in adults with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and moderate or high viraemia compared to a group not taking the antiviral, according to a study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 1 “At a median follow-up of 17.7 months (IQR […]
New Meta-Analysis Highlights Most Effective Treatments for Clostridioides difficile Infection
A recent systematic review and network meta-analysis has examined the effectiveness of various treatments for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), a major cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea with significant morbidity and mortality. The study, led by researcher Dániel Steve Bednárik, consultant physcian and gastroenterologist, and his team, analyzed 73 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating 28 different CDI […]
COVID-19 Accelerates Progression of Atherosclerotic Plaque, Increases Risk for Cardiovascular Events
Junbo Ge, MDImage Credit: Radiological Society of North America Patients with COVID-19 were more likely to have plaque (lesions) growth in the arteries compared to patients who did not have SARS-CoV-2, according to a new study published in the journal Radiology.1 “Compared with lesions in patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection, lesions in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection […]
Novavax’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccine’s Continue to Enhance Immune Response
Interim results from a Phase 2/3 study of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, NVX-CoV2601, demonstrate significant improvements in immune response, suggesting its potential as an effective booster for adults in the U.S. The study, which was conducted between September 2023 and January 2024, showed that NVX-CoV2601, based on a recombinant spike protein from the Omicron XBB.1.5 […]
Harnessing the Power of AI in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance
Image credit: Tara Winstead, Pexels Much of the conversations around artificial intelligence (AI) as of late has been in the realm of what are the promise and perils it could bring. Can it increase the risk of bioterrorism or help us combat disease?1 In the midst of this, sits the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance […]
Azole Fungicides in Agriculture Linked to Rising Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Dominique L Monnet, PharmD, PhD Image credits: LinkedIn The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and several European agencies have assessed the impact of non-medical uses of azole fungicides on the emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus species. Their review highlights concerns over environmental exposure to azoles, which may contribute to resistance in Aspergillus, particularly A fumigatus.1 According […]
Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacterales Poses a Significant Threat
Yesterday, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published an assessment warning the public that the probability of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) was spreading in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries was high. The last update of ECDC’s rapid risk assessment on CRE was published in 2019. ECDC said the epidemiological situation has […]
