Contagion’s 2024 Top Stories: Gastrointestinal Infections
In 2024, gastrointestinal infections remained a public health issue, with a focus on foodborne, waterborne, and viral pathogens. Outbreaks of infections such as E coli, Salmonella, and Norovirus highlighted the risks associated with contaminated food, water, and surfaces. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, faced an increased risk […]
Top 5 Infectious Disease News Stories Week of December 21-28
Ceftolozane Tazobactam Linked to Increased Clinical Success in Pneumonia In part two of our interview with Jason M Pogue, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, discussed the results of the CACTUS study, which compared the effectiveness of ceftolozane-tazobactam (CT) and ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) in treating pneumonia, especially in reducing recurrent infections. The study found that CT was associated with […]
Genetic Mutations of Avian Influenza Emerge in First Severe US Case
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that the patient identified with the first severe case of the avian influenza A(H5N1) in the US has differing mutations from previous cases in the country and strongly suggests that the changes emerged during infection as virus replicated in the patient.1 Although the CDC writes […]
Contagion’s 2024 Top Stories: C difficile
In 2024, C difficile saw a lot of important developments, ranging from updates in vaccinations to studies looking at severity, prevention and recurrence. Contagion covered stories on these developments and interviewed experts from major institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy groups who are working together to help these patients. Here is a list of stories that […]
Eye Drops Recalled Due to Concerns Over Fungal Contamination
The product being recalled.Image credit: Alcon Laboratories On December 21, Alcon Laboratories issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its product, Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, due to a consumer complaint of foreign material observed inside a sealed single use vial and determined the material to be fungal in nature. The affected Systane Lubricant Eye […]
Contagion’s 2024 Top Stories: Antimicrobial Stewardship
Stewardship continues to be an important strategy in trying to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Contagion team continued to cover the topic throughout 2024, and spent our time speaking with experts from major institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and the federal agencies who are working together to push medical science forward. We spoke to a number of key stakeholders […]
Contagion’s 2024 Top Stories: Respiratory Infections
In 2024, there were many news updates in the world of respiratory infections, ranging from updates in vaccinations to new data on the long-term effects of some of these illnesses on patients. The Contagion team followed it all, and spent our time speaking with experts from major institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and the federal agencies who […]
Could the Flight or Fight Response Trigger Severe C difficile?
New research suggests the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) or flight or fight response can shape the severity of C difficile infection. In an animal study, a group of investigators found if they disrupted specific receptor activity in the sympathetic nervous system, a significant reduction in both intestinal inflammation and mortality was seen.1 The affected portion […]
Injection Drug Use and Immunodeficiency Linked to Failed Hepatitis C Treatment in People with HIV
Brendan Harney, PhD, MPH Image credit: Burnet Institute New research is shining light on the efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), highlighting a 95% treatment success rate in this patient population and providing additional insight into factors negatively affecting treatment response.1 […]
Pfizer Launched Phase 3 Trial for Ibuzatrelvir, New Oral Antiviral for COVID-19 Treatment
Charlotte Allerton, Head, Discovery & Early Development at Pfizer. Image credits: Pfizer Pfizer has initiated a Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ibuzatrelvir, a new oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. This study aims to determine whether ibuzatrelvir can effectively treat high-risk patients who are not hospitalized but at risk of […]
