Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines

Take-Back Programs and In-House Filtration Systems Reduce Pharmaceutical Pollutants and Improve Municipal Drinking Water Quality

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:29:04 EST

Take-back programs, where pharmacies accept unused pharmaceuticals, and a pilot program involving the use of in-home water filtration systems, have been successful at improving drinking water quality.

Helicobacter Pylori Promotes Hepatic Fibrosis in the Animal Model

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

H. pylori infection is common in patients with chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis. What is its effect on the progression of hepatic fibrosis?

Genetic Diversity of the Pneumococcal Capsule: Implications for Molecular-Based Serotyping

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Could a comprehensive immunology-based assay be promising for assessing Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Serum HCV RNA Levels and HCV Genotype Do Not Affect Insulin Resistance in Nondiabetic Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C: A Multicentre Study

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

This study investigated the viral, metabolic, and histologic predictors of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with chronic HCV.

Current Monitoring Practices Do Not Capture Enterococci Levels During Peak Swim Time at Public Beaches

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:46:32 EST

Fecal coliform levels at certain beaches have been found to correlate with recreational swimming; levels reflect unhealthy levels of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and human virulent microsporidia species.

Bacteria Key to Healthy Skin

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:19:04 EST

A study shows bacteria on the skin help prevent inflammation.

HPV-Based Testing a Cost-Effective Screen for Cervical Cancer

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:59:02 EST

A policy of screening every 3 years, starting at age 25, with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing followed by Pap triage appears to be better at preventing cervical cancer and less costly than the screening strategy currently used in Canada, research suggests.

Norway Finds H1N1 Mutation in Flu Fatalities

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:05:38 EST

Norwegian health authorities said on Friday they have discovered a potentially significant mutation in the H1N1 influenza strain that could be responsible for causing the severest symptoms among those infected.

Did US Make Mistake in Leaving Adjuvants out of H1N1 Vaccines?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:05:38 EST

As US health officials struggle to vaccinate tens of millions of Americans against the pandemic of swine flu, some are looking regretfully at one easy way to instantly double or triple the number of doses available: using an adjuvant.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine May Cut Swine Flu Risk

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:06:49 EST

Researchers say seasonal flu provides some cross-immunity against H1N1 swine flu.

Norovirus Outbreaks on Three College Campuses -- California, Michigan, and Wisconsin, 2008

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Norovirus outbreaks on colleges in California, Michigan, and Wisconsin in 2008 highlight the potential for widespread infection and rapid transmission in this setting.

FDA Expert Panel Declines to Endorse New Influenza Vaccine

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:46:09 EST

An advisory committee said more efficacy and safety data are needed before it can back FluBlock, which is made using a new technology.

H1N1 Flu Wave Peaking in US?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:54 EST

New cases of the H1N1 flu have declined, but deaths and hospitalizations are still rising.

ACOG Issues Revised Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:08:08 EST

Revised American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines now recommend first cervical cancer screening at age 21 years and less frequent rescreening.

Sen Grassley Questions Top Medical Schools About Ghostwriting

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:39 EST

As part of his mission to see more financial transparency in medicine, Sen Grassley has asked eight top US medical schools about their policies on ghostwriting.

Pneumococcal Vaccine Responses Do Not Depend on Age

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:35:50 EST

In older adults, antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccines do not differ with age, say researchers from the UK in the November 1st Clinical Infectious Diseases. The results also indicate that second doses of the vaccine do not improve the response.

House Passes Medicare SGR Fix

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:11:22 EST

The House passed a bill that would rewrite the controversial sustainable growth rate formula and eliminate a 21.2% Medicare pay cut for physicians scheduled for 2010.

No Adverse Events Reported So Far With H1N1 Influenza Vaccine

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:58:39 EST

US officials are keeping a close watch for adverse events from H1N1 influenza vaccinations; nothing has been reported yet, but it's early, and the data are insufficient to assess the safety just yet.

H1N1 Vaccine as Safe as Seasonal Vaccine, WHO Says

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:52:39 EST

The WHO emphasizes that the pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine appears to be as safe as the seasonal influenza vaccine, with few reports of adverse events.

Antimicrobial-Resistant Infections Exact Staggering Costs

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:57:26 EST

In one year at one urban teaching hospital, antibiotic-resistant infections in just 188 patients cost the hospital and society somewhere between In one year at one urban teaching hospital, antibiotic-resistant infections in just 188 patients cost the hospital and society somewhere between $13 and $18 million, researchers say.3 and In one year at one urban teaching hospital, antibiotic-resistan...