Top stories in infectious disease: CDC releases first flu estimates of season, FDA OKs IV phage therapy trial

Among the top stories in infectious disease this past week was the CDC reporting that an estimated 6 million to 7 million Americans have become ill from influenza thus far this season and the FDA approving the first U.S. trial for an IV-administered bacteriophage-based therapy to kill drug-resistant bacteria.

Other popular stories included research findings that delivery of cefepime through rapid IV push and courses longer than 2 weeks may increase the risk for neutropenia, a report on the link between extensively drug-resistant typhoid infections in five U.S. children, and risk factors for community-acquired extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae UTIs. – by Janel Miller

CDC estimates 6-7 million people have gotten flu this season

An estimated 6 million to 7 million Americans have been sickened with influenza during the current flu season, and more than 83,000 may have been hospitalized, the CDC recently reported. Read more.

UCSD researchers get OK from FDA for first trial of IV phage therapy

The FDA has given clearance for the first clinical trial in the United States to test an IV-administered bacteriophage-based therapy to kill drug-resistant bacteria. Read more.

Prolonged course of IV cefepime increases risk for neutropenia

Study findings showed that cefepime administered via rapid IV push and prolonged courses of 2 weeks or longer are associated with a higher risk for cefepime-induced neutropenia, suggesting it is “a potential novel and modifiable risk factor” for the condition, according to researchers. Read more.

Extensively drug-resistant typhoid infections in 5 US children linked to Pakistan outbreak

Since 2016, five children in the United States have been diagnosed with extensively drug-resistant typhoid fever after traveling to or from Pakistan, where a large ongoing typhoid outbreak has sickened more than 5,300 people, according to a report recently published in MMWR. Read more.

Three risk factors associated with community-acquired extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–producing UTIs

Patients with indwelling urinary catheters, a history of recurrent urinary tract infections or recent antimicrobial use are at a higher risk for community-acquired extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae UTIs, according to researchers. Read more.