Infectious Diseases News and Research

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New ‘nanotech’ weapon against drug-resistant superbugs

Scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) and IBM Research – Almaden have developed the first biodegradable polymer nanoparticles to combat drug-resistant superbugs, such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These nanoparticles can selectively kill the bacteria without destroying healthy red blood cells, and being biodegradable, have great potential to treat infectious diseases in the body. This was reported today in the leading scientific journal, Nature Chemistry [(2011) DOI: 10.1038/nchem.1012].

3 Apr 2011

Discovery of 4 new genes associated with Alzheimer's

In the largest study of its kind, researchers from a consortium led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and the University of Miami identified four new genes linked to Alzheimer's disease. Each gene individually adds to the risk of having this common form of dementia later in life. These new genes offer a portal into what causes Alzheimer's disease and is a major advance in the field.

3 Apr 2011

Recent releases in Global Health

A Lancet Infectious Diseases editorial describes the growing public concerns over a global rise in antimicrobial resistance. "Bearing in mind that our objective is to contain antibiotic resistance rather than eradicate it, several policies could be adopted to help guarantee a future for antibiotics," the editorial states, adding, "We need reliable data to tackle antibiotic resistance.

2 Apr 2011

Researcher to host live experiment to show effectiveness of antimicrobial copper in preventing MRSA

Following research by Professor Bill Keevil at the University of Southampton showing that copper can significantly reduce the presence of MRSA, the University, in partnership with the Copper Development Association, is hosting a live experiment that will show the effectiveness of antimicrobial copper in preventing MRSA infections.

2 Apr 2011

New guidelines to eliminate bloodstream infections in patients with intravenous catheters

New guidelines, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee outline steps to eliminate bloodstream infections in patients with intravenous catheters, which are among the most deadly and costly healthcare-associated infections.

1 Apr 2011

Scientists develop new experimental diagnostic test to distinguish infection from disease

A potential new experimental diagnostic test able to quickly distinguish individuals with active tuberculosis from those with latent TB infection has been developed. If the preliminary results of the study will be confirmed in a larger population sample, the new diagnostic system could allow more effective strategies to control the spread of the re-emerging pathology.

1 Apr 2011

Broad opportunities for covalent drugs

Avila Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company developing novel targeted covalent drugs, today announced the publication of a scientific review article in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery titled "The Resurgence of Covalent Drugs".

1 Apr 2011

EPIDEMICS³ International Conference on Infectious Disease Dynamics to take place in Boston, in Nov 2011

Following the inaugural Epidemics¹ Conference in Asilomar, USA in 2008, and the second conference Epidemics² in Athens, Greece in 2009, both highly successful meetings with both more than 230 participants, the organizers are pleased to announce that the Third International Conference on Infectious Disease Dynamics - EPIDEMICS³ - will take place in Boston, USA, in November 2011.

1 Apr 2011

Tibotec presents TMC435 phase 2b study interim results against HCV at EASL meeting

Medivir AB, the emerging research-based specialty pharmaceutical company focused on infectious diseases, announces that their partner, Tibotec has presented the results of a planned Week 24 interim analysis of the phase 2b ASPIRE study for TMC435 in treatment experienced hepatitis C patients in a late-breaker session at the 46th Annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver, Berlin, Germany.

1 Apr 2011

Study: Electronic faucets more likely to become contaminated with bacteria

Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have determined that electronic faucets are more likely to become contaminated with unacceptably high levels of bacteria, including Legionella spp., compared with traditional manually operated faucets.

1 Apr 2011

Hands-free electronic water faucets more likely to be contaminated with hazardous bacteria

A study of newly installed, hands-free faucets at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, all equipped with the latest electronic-eye sensors to automatically detect hands and dispense preset amounts of water, shows they were more likely to be contaminated with one of the most common and hazardous bacteria in hospitals compared to old-style fixtures with separate handles for hot and cold water.

1 Apr 2011

Catheter-related bloodstream infections in children

Hospitals can reduce the risk of life-threatening bloodstream infections in children with peripherally inserted central venous catheters by assessing daily the patient’s progress and removing the device as early as possible, according to a new Johns Hopkins Children’s Center study published online March 31 in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.

31 Mar 2011

South Sudan faces serious health challenges as new nation, Lancet Newsdesk reports

In South Sudan, which is poised to become "the world's newest country" in July, "90% of the population lives on less than $1 a day," and the region is plagued by multiple systemic health issues as a result of years of war, Lancet Infectious Diseases Newsdesk reports.

31 Mar 2011

International experts meet to focus on impact of vaccines on global health at a time of public scepticism and complacency

International experts gather in Prague today for a three day meeting focused on the impact of vaccines on public health, at a time of increasing concern that public scepticism and complacency could undermine the positive impact of current and future vaccine campaigns.

31 Mar 2011

Opinions: Foreign aid budget; asking beneficiaries for feedback; least-developed countries

"As the CR [continuing resolution] talks between the House Republicans and the administration and Senate Democrats near their deadline, the House negotiators should put America's foreign aid budget on the table," Dick Morris, a former adviser to Sen. Trent Lott and President Clinton, writes in an opinion piece in The Hill.

31 Mar 2011

HHS unveils new website on vaccine and immunization for consumers

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today unveiled an innovative new website to help parents and other consumers learn about the most effective way to protect themselves and their children from infectious diseases and learn about immunization.

31 Mar 2011

Infectious Diseases News and Research

New ‘nanotech’ weapon against drug-resistant superbugs

Discovery of 4 new genes associated with Alzheimer's

Recent releases in Global Health

Researcher to host live experiment to show effectiveness of antimicrobial copper in preventing MRSA

New guidelines to eliminate bloodstream infections in patients with intravenous catheters

Scientists develop new experimental diagnostic test to distinguish infection from disease

Broad opportunities for covalent drugs

EPIDEMICS³ International Conference on Infectious Disease Dynamics to take place in Boston, in Nov 2011

Tibotec presents TMC435 phase 2b study interim results against HCV at EASL meeting

Study: Electronic faucets more likely to become contaminated with bacteria

Hands-free electronic water faucets more likely to be contaminated with hazardous bacteria

Catheter-related bloodstream infections in children

South Sudan faces serious health challenges as new nation, Lancet Newsdesk reports

International experts meet to focus on impact of vaccines on global health at a time of public scepticism and complacency

Opinions: Foreign aid budget; asking beneficiaries for feedback; least-developed countries

HHS unveils new website on vaccine and immunization for consumers

Roche launces new GS GType HLA Primer Sets for HLA genotyping

Study finds global adolescent death rates exceed rates for child, infant deaths

Mary Ann Liebert to launch new 'Shingles and PHN' open access journal

Prompt treatment with correct antibiotic may prevent longer hospital stay in children with severe pneumonia

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

From Puberty to Menopause: Clue’s CEO, Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech

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