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Top stories in infectious disease: WHO’s new flu-fighting strategy, primer on little-discussed disease that occurs in patients with HIV
Among the top stories in infectious disease last week was WHO announcing its latest worldwide strategy to protect people from influenza, an infectious disease expert shedding light on the infrequently-discussed condition of persistent low-level viremia among patients with HIV, and a report describing a wash cloth that was more effective than soap and water at removing contaminants.
Other popular stories included data indicating that 80% of new HIV infections in the U.S. in 2016 were caused by people who were undiagnosed or untreated and a report providing insight on the “relatively high prevalence” of positive perirectal cultures for toxigenic Clostridioides difficile upon admission at an Ohio acute-care hospital. – by Janel Miller
WHO launches global strategy against influenza
WHO recently announced a new global strategy for the years 2019 to 2030 that is aimed at protecting people in all countries from influenza. Read more.
Q&A: Understanding persistent low-level viremia in people with HIV
Persistent low-level viremia among people living with HIV who are adhering to treatment is a challenging issue for clinicians, and there is not much guidance available. Read more.
‘SuperTowel’: Treated fabric could decontaminate hands in emergency
Prototypes of a wash cloth made from antimicrobial microfiber were more effective than soap and water at removing nonpathogenic Escherichia coli bacteria from hands, according to research published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Read more.
80% of new HIV cases transmitted by undiagnosed or untreated people
In 2016, more than 80% of new HIV infections in the United States were transmitted by individuals who either did not know they were infected with HIV or had been diagnosed but were not receiving care, according to data released on the first day of the National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta. Read more.
14% of patients at Ohio hospital positive for toxigenic C. difficile at admission
Researchers found that 14% of patients at one acute-care hospital in Ohio had positive perirectal cultures for toxigenic Clostridioides difficile on admission — a “relatively high prevalence” they attributed to a sensitive culture method and a patient population with a high frequency of prior antibiotic use. Read more.