Top stories in infectious disease: new rabies test to replace ‘gold standard,’ journal retracts paper questioning safety of HPV vaccine

Among the top stories in infectious disease is the development of a real-time PCR-based rabies test that the CDC says is simpler and more precise than the current gold-standard for rabies diagnosis. A controversial 2016 article from Scientific Reports that questioned the safety of HPV vaccines has been retracted. Other stories include new research speculating that hotel pools cause 32% of all swimming-related disease outbreaks in the U.S., the mortality rate of diphtheria is still startling despite immunizations, and “diseases of poverty” continue to take a toll on children in the world’s poorest countries.

CDC: New rabies test may reduce unnecessary treatment

CDC researchers have developed a real-time PCR-based rabies test that the agency said is simpler and more precise than direct fluorescent antibody, or DFA, testing, which is the current gold-standard for rabies diagnosis. Read More.

Journal retracts controversial paper questioning safety of HPV vaccine

Scientific Reports has retracted a controversial 2016 article that purported to raise questions about the safety of HPV vaccines. Read More.

Hotel pools cause many swimming-related disease outbreaks

Hotel pools are a frequent source of recreational waterborne disease, causing 32% of all swimming-related disease outbreaks in the United States, according to new research published today by the CDC. Read More.

Diphtheria: The disease that shouldn’t be

The primary immunization of three doses of the diphtheria toxoid in infancy is routine throughout the world. Although it is possible for immunized people to develop diphtheria, the disease is much less severe. In the unimmunized population, the mortality rate is 5% to 10%, and deaths occur mainly in the very young and the very old. Read More.

ID treatment in children: Slow to evolve, impossible to ignore

Despite global improvements in research and disease control, the risk, burden and mortality associated with pediatric infectious diseases remain considerable. “Diseases of poverty,” such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS, continue to take a toll on children in the world’s poorest countries. Read More.