Top stories in infectious disease: FDA approves drug for measles exposure, flu shot may be more effective in females

Among the top stories in infectious disease are the FDA approval of a drug that can be used for both measles and hepatitis A exposure, the finding that the influenza vaccine may be more effective in females than males, and a report on the passengers and crew of a New York City-bound flight testing positive for viruses including influenza.

Other top stories include an assessment of how HIV/AIDS research has impacted clinical investigations in other medical fields and a report on the partnership between CDC and HP to fight antimicrobial resistance. – by Janel Miller

Passengers, crew of quarantined plane test positive for flu, other viruses

Some passengers and crew members aboard an Emirates airline flight from Dubai that was quarantined at a New York City airport this past Wednesday tested positive for influenza and other respiratory viruses, health officials said. Read more.

HP partners with CDC to ‘print’ antibiotics for susceptibility testing

The CDC and HP, Inc. have partnered for a novel public health pilot program to fight antimicrobial resistance. Read more.

Study finds influenza vaccine may be more effective in females than males

Data from seven recent influenza seasons in Canada showed the influenza vaccine may be more effective in females than males, according to study findings published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases. Read more.

FDA approves GamaSTAN for HAV, measles exposure

The FDA has approved a new formulation of Grifols’ GamaSTAN immune globulin for hepatitis A virus and measles post-exposure prophylaxis, the company announced. Read more.

Q&A: Assessing ‘spin-off’ impact of HIV/AIDS research

Michael S. Saag, MD, director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Center for AIDS Research, discussed the exhaustive research that has gone into HIV/AIDS, the impact nearly 40 years of such work have had on other medical fields and where future study may lead. Read more.