Infectious Disease

COVID-19 health care costs are significantly greater than those for influenza and pneumonia. Treatment costs for severe COVID-19 exceed those for influenza and pneumonia by approximately $50,000.

Clostridioides difficile (C difficile) screening in all ICU admissions identified asymptomatic carriers and their risk for developing and/or transmitting infection.

The researchers noted that their findings suggest clinicians and policy makers should encourage hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in those with unhealthy alcohol consumption or alcohol use disorder (AUD) rather than create barriers to it.

Those with certain comorbidities, including peptic ulcer disease and renal failure, were at additional risk of developing Clostridioides difficile infection.

The researchers found that patients with cancer exposed to immune checkpoint inhibitors have a 1.3% risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation.

Michael Petrosky, MD, of the Allegheny Health Network, spoke about how parents can prevent their child from spreading respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the availability of monoclonal antibodies for all infants.

Public health professionals are the backbone of our health system, and their contributions are vital to the well-being of our communities. As a society, we must value their work, provide the support they need, and ensure that public health remains a rewarding and viable career choice.

Michael Petrosky, MD, of the Allegheny Health Network, discusses how monoclonal antibodies will help in the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants.

Study results suggest the greatest risk for Clostridioides difficile infection was observed with use of clindamycin while the lowest risk was observed with doxycycline and minocycline.

Michael Petrosky, MD, of Allegheny Health Network, spoke about the difference between vaccines and monoclonal antibodies and how they can affect treatment in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Although 3 of 7 studies analyzed demonstrated that using probiotics could help prevent the development of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in older patients, the researchers did not find a consensus among them all.

Hepatitis C virus infections during pregnancy increased 16-fold from 1998 to 2018 in the United States, with adverse maternal and infant outcomes linked to the opioid epidemic.

Researchers found that human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness was highest among liberals, who were also most likely to be aware of HPV vaccines compared with individuals who reported moderate and conservative ideologies.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Abrysvo is approved for use in pregnant individuals to prevent RSV in infants up to 6 months of age.

The study also found people with vitamin D deficiency had a lower mortality rate from Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).

The CDC made this recommendation after reviewing relevant literature and noting that complete testing jumped from about only two-thirds of patients to nearly all patients.

Researchers found that costs were highest for those with hospital-onset clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), lower for those with community onset-health care facility association CDI, and lowest for those with community-associated CDI.

The study was designed to help scientists better understand how to prevent in-hospital transmission of Clostridioides difficile.

Researchers explained that nonpediatric clinics can benefit from a reasonable reimbursement increase as it reduces financial strain and encourages them to stock and offer human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

This study explores the effectiveness of toxin testing in predicting Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) outcomes, revealing that patients with negative toxin results were less likely to experience CDI recurrence within 30 days.

Investigators say their research could open new avenues of investigation into Chagas disease, the often-neglected tropical disease.

Better diagnostic tests and wider availability of low-cost vaccines would help further decrease cases, the authors said

Study findings show that most participants were aware of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, but had limited knowledge about the infection and the need to complete the whole series of shots.

Novel tuberculosis (TB) vaccines for infants, adolescents, and adults show promise in promoting health equity.

Although human papillomavirus (HPV) was detected in 40% of pregnant women, only 7.2% of neonates tested positive for HPV.

The use of probiotics, fecal microbiota transplants, and live biotherapeutics have been effective in phase 3 studies that focus on Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).

The US government has set a goal of achieving viral clearance in 80% of patients by 2030.

Modeling done based on data from a single hospital suggests a transmission-prevention regime meaningfully reduced hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).

Investigators say their data show the importance of vaccination and antibiotic stewardship programs.

Shifts in clinical treatment patterns could prompt investigators to revisit the cost-effectiveness question.