Top 10 Stories of 2009

At the end of each year, the Infectious Disease News Editorial Board votes on the top 10 stories of the year – the stories considered to have the most significant impact on the field of infectious disease. The votes have been tallied and listed below are the editorial board’s choices for the top stories of 2009 in order of votes garnered.

As always, we welcome any reader comments about the list or about the impact that the topics covered in these stories will have on health care.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a great 2010.

– Jay Lewis
Infectious Disease News
Managing Editor

1. Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic spreads throughout the world

In April, the CDC reported a few children in California and Texas had become infected with a type of influenza A (H1N1) made up of genetic components that had not previously been seen among swine or human influenza viruses. Soon after, it was discovered that the virus was widespread in parts of Mexico. Within a few weeks, influenza A (H1N1) had spread throughout the world and officials from WHO declared a global pandemic in June.

2. Health care reform becomes a priority for lawmakers in the United States

Encouraged by President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress, health care reform became a top priority for U.S. lawmakers this year. Amidst much debate and controversy, both the House of Representatives and the Senate introduced bills that would bring significant reform to the health care system of the United States.

3. In study conducted in Thailand, investigational HIV vaccine may have shown protective benefits

In June, researchers announced that results from the RV144 trial indicated that a combination of two experimental HIV vaccines may lower the risk of HIV infection by more than 30%. The phase-3 clinical trial, sponsored by the U.S. Army and conducted in Thailand, involved 16,000 adult volunteers. Although more information is needed and the results need to be confirmed by additional studies, this was the first potential HIV vaccine to show even modest benefits.

4. Controversy surrounds study examining efficacy of N95 masks to protect health care workers against influenza

At the ICAAC meeting in September, a team of Australian researchers presented data showing N95 masks were superior to other masks in providing protection against respiratory illness. Soon, the CDC recommended N95 masks for all health care workers treating patients with respiratory illness and influenza-like illness. But data from other studies examining this issue showed that the efficacy of N95 masks in reducing the spread of respiratory illness was equal to that of other masks and the Australian researchers’ findings were heavily criticized. Then, to the surprise of many, at the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s meeting in October, the Australian researchers retracted their original findings and said they needed to reanalyze the data.

5. Court panel rules no association between autism, vaccines

In February, a court panel of special masters ruled there was insufficient evidence to support an association between autism and certain vaccines. The ruling involved three test families who have children with autism. The families contended their children’s autism was triggered by a combination of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and the preservative thimerosal and were seeking to be compensated through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. However, in their ruling, the special masters said the “evidence advanced by the petitioners has fallen far short” of demonstrating such a link.

6. IDSA panel reviews 2006 Lyme disease guidelines

A group of 18 physicians and patient advocates convened in July to discuss possible revisions to the 2006 Lyme disease treatment guidelines issued by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Controversy had surrounded the guidelines since they were published. After legal action against the Infectious Diseases Society of America was pursued by the Attorney General of Connecticut, the IDSA agreed to reexamine the guidelines. At press time, the final report of the review panel had not yet been published.

7. IDSA updates guidelines for management of intravascular catheter-related infection

A new set of guidelines for the diagnosis and management of intravascular catheter-related infection was published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America in July. The new guidelines are longer and more detailed than the previous guidelines, which were published in 2001. Also, the new guidelines contain more specific information on antibiotic lock therapy, dialysis catheter infections and treatment of pediatric patients.

8. Global AIDS medication coverage increased 10-fold in five years

A new report published jointly by the WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS earlier this year indicated that the number of patients with HIV/AIDS who are receiving medication has increased 10-fold in the past five years. The report also showed that about 4 million people are currently receiving AIDS medications worldwide, but 5 million others remain in need.

9. U.S. lifts ban on persons with HIV entering the country

In early November, President Obama signed legislation to repeal restrictions on individuals with HIV entering the United States. The removal of the ban, which had been in place since 1987, was praised by various organizations, including Human Rights Watch, the International AIDS Society, the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, among others. Such travel restrictions have been heavily criticized by public health officials and human rights activists around the world as contributing to the fear and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. The legislation is slated to take effect in early 2010.

10. ACIP recommends bivalent HPV vaccine for women aged 10 to 25 years

In October, about one week after the FDA approved the bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine for use in girls and women aged 10 to 25 years, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the product to prevent cervical cancer in this patient population.