Infections

10 Aug

Posted at 00:59h in Cancer Research, Dental Research, HPV

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Henry Daniell, PhD

Vice-Chair and W.D. Miller Professor

Department of Basic & Translational Sciences

School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA

[caption id="attachment_75503" align="alignleft" width="200"]henry_daniell Dr. Henry Daniell, Ph.D.[/caption]

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What bacteria or viruses are associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas?

Dr. Daniell: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), anaerobic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) correlate with worse survival of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In tumorigenic cells HPV genome integrates into the host cell genome causing genome instability and genic alteration which facilitate mutation and hyperproliferation. One third of males in the globe is HPV positive and one fifth are infected with high risk HPV16 strain. Pg is invasive and replicates within tumor cells and influences oncogenic signaling of HNSCC. Fn triggers cancer progression by upregulating several oncogenes responsible for inflammation, cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis. Therefore, it is important to control HPV, Pg, and Fn in the oral cavity to reduce initiation or advancement of oral cancer.

27 Jul

Posted at 17:55h in ENT, Infections

Chronic sinus inflammation can make basic breathing feel strained for months. Nasal blockage, facial pressure, thick drainage, reduced smell, and poor sleep often travel together. Symptoms that last past 12 weeks deserve close attention, because a simple cold no longer explains the pattern. Recognizing when symptoms have moved beyond a temporary illness is an important first step.

Lasting relief depends on identifying what keeps tissue swollen, mucus trapped, and airflow restricted. Exploring sinusitis treatments that address the underlying cause, rather than each flare alone, can lead to more durable improvement. For practical guidance on home-based first-line care including saline irrigation techniques, see this detailed overview of chronic sinusitis home care and saline irrigation options. The sections below outline how different care options work and when each may apply.

[caption id="attachment_75246" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Chronic sinusitis Photo by Ivan S[/caption]

20 Jul

Posted at 22:19h in Author Interviews, Infections

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Amesh A. Adalja, MD, FACP, FACEP, FIDSA

Spokesperson, Infectious Diseases Society of America

Senior Scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security

[caption id="attachment_75118" align="alignleft" width="200"]Amesh A. Adalja Dr. Adalja[/caption]

MedicalResearch.com: What type of organism is Cyclospora cayetanensis?

Dr. Adalja: It is a protozoan parasite.

MedicalResearch.com: Where is it found? What are the symptoms of infection?

Dr. Adalja: Cases occur worldwide, but it is endemic in the tropics and subtropics.

MedicalResearch.com: How is it spread? Why does it occur periodically? Is there more spread during warm weather?

Dr. Adalja: It is spread when a human ingests an infective oocyst of Cyclospora. Its seasonal nature varies from place to place, and in countries like the United States and Canada, the risk is primarily related to importation of contaminated food products. Certain soil conditions are more conducive to the oocysts than others.

20 Jul

Posted at 16:16h in CDC, Hospital Acquired, NEJM

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Nora Chea, M.D.

Medical Epidemiologist

Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

[caption id="attachment_75102" align="alignleft" width="200"]dr-nora-chea.jpeg Dr. Nora Chea[/caption]

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Dr. Chea: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a significant threat to the safety of patients in U.S. hospitals and cost billions of dollars annually. Preventing HAIs continues to be a top priority of CDC and other federal agencies. In 2023, CDC, in collaboration with 10 Emerging Infections Program (EIP) sites, conducted a point prevalence survey to assess changes in HAI prevalence compared with a similar survey conducted in 2015.

The 2023 survey included 13,653 patients across 218 hospitals in 10 states. Trained staff reviewed medical records using National Healthcare Safety Network definitions to identify HAIs.

11 Jul

Posted at 13:28h in COVID -19 Coronavirus, Mental Health Research

Mental Health Notice: If you are experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or low mood, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (24/7), or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. In a life-threatening situation, call 911.

The COVID-19 pandemic didn't just come and go. It disrupted our way of life, and its impact on mental health care can still be felt. The pandemic changed how people viewed stress, anxiety, and emotional support. Before 2020, you probably didn't like discussing your mental health issues for fear of being judged. Most people believed they should handle mental health issues alone.

Lockdowns, uncertainty, grief, and isolation made those struggles harder to ignore. As millions faced similar challenges, mental health became a public conversation rather than a private concern. In this article, we'll explain how the pandemic made mental health care more acceptable and why demand has remained strong.

[caption id="attachment_74956" align="aligncenter" width="500"]covid mental health care Photo by Alex Green on Pexels[/caption]

26 Jun

Posted at 11:01h in Infections, Sexual Health, STD
Editor's note:  This post is for background information only and does not constitute medical advice. See your health care provider regarding your specific medical needs and questions. Bacterial vaginosis is often treated as an individual diagnosis, yet partner biology can shape whether symptoms return. Men do not develop it clinically because the condition depends on changes inside the vaginal microbiome. Still, penile skin and the urethra can harbor bacteria linked with recurrence. That distinction helps partners approach care with less blame, better testing, and more practical prevention.

The Short Answer

People often ask can men get BV, which is the right question. Clinically, the answer is no: bacterial vaginosis occurs in a vagina, after Lactobacillus levels fall and anaerobic microbes increase. Bacterial vaginosis is often treated as an individual diagnosis, yet partner biology can shape whether symptoms return. A male partner can still carry related organisms on penile skin or inside the urethra, then reintroduce them during sex. [caption id="attachment_74550" align="aligncenter" width="500"]bacterial-vaginosis-men-pexels Photo by Vitaly Gariev:[/caption]

19 May

Posted at 14:28h in Infections
[caption id="attachment_73827" align="aligncenter" width="500"]home-sample-collection-pexels.png Pixabay[/caption] Testing used to involve making an appointment, waiting around, and hoping no-one you know sees you... Not anymore. Reverse Logistics, or at-home specimen collection, is turning diagnosis of infection upside down. Patients have the ability to diagnose themselves for any type of infection without setting foot in a medical facility. Results?? Just as accurate as the lab. Here's the thing: This is not a minor trend. This is a revolution in how everyday consumers approach their wellness journey, own their bodies and detect issues early. Let's dive into... everything. What's going on, why it matters, and what you should know before you buy your first kit. What you'll discover: What at-home sample collection actually is Why private health screening is booming right now How the whole process works from start to finish The biggest benefits for everyday people Common infections you can test for at home

12 May

Posted at 14:56h in Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Daniel Pastula MD, MHS Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology University of Colorado School of Medicine & Colorado School of Public Health Daniel Pastula MD, MHS Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology University of Colorado School of Medicine & Colorado School of Public Health Hantavirus infections have drawn renewed attention following recent outbreak reports.  Dr. Pastula explains that hantavirus is not a single disease but a family of viruses with distinct characteristics depending on geographic region and rodent host — and that mortality rates can approach 40% in the most severe form found in the Americas.

28 Apr

Posted at 14:27h in COVID -19 Coronavirus, Hematology, Infections
apheresis-center.png Most people with COVID-19 got sick, recovered, and moved on. A subset did not. Months in — sometimes over a year — they are still exhausted after climbing a flight of stairs, still losing words mid-sentence, still waking up as tired as when they went to bed. This is Long COVID, and by some estimates it now affects somewhere between 10 and 30% of those who contracted the virus. The numbers are staggering. The biology behind it is stranger than most people expect. Here is what makes Long COVID different from typical post-viral fatigue: the immune response does not resolve. It just keeps going.

24 Apr

Posted at 19:42h in Health Care Systems, Infections
Infection prevention is often discussed in terms of cleaning protocols, hand hygiene, and clinical procedures, but the built environment also plays a direct role in how healthcare spaces function. Air conditions, moisture levels, pressure relationships, and mechanical system performance all affect the quality and consistency of the indoor environment. When those elements remain stable, facilities are better equipped to support patient care, protect sensitive spaces, and reduce conditions that allow contaminants to linger or spread. Environmental control matters because healthcare buildings operate under demands that go far beyond ordinary comfort. Patient rooms, treatment areas, support spaces, and specialized environments all rely on HVAC performance to maintain conditions appropriate for their use. Small shifts in humidity or airflow can create larger operational issues over time, especially in buildings with aging equipment or systems that are difficult to monitor closely. In many cases, problems begin quietly. A system may still be running, but coils may be losing efficiency, sensors may be providing poor readings, or controls may be drifting away from intended settings. Those changes can affect moisture removal, airflow consistency, and the ability of the space to perform as designed.

03 Apr

Posted at 14:48h in COVID -19 Coronavirus
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jamie I Forrest PhD, MPH Scientific Director, Health Equity & Resilience Observatory (HERO) Faculty of Applied Science University of British Columbia MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We’ve known since early in the pandemic that many people don’t fully recover after COVID-19. Fatigue is one of the most persistent and disabling symptoms, and it significantly reduces quality of life — affecting people’s ability to work, care for their families, and participate in daily life. Until now, there have been very few treatment options backed by solid evidence. Doctors have largely focused on supportive care — helping patients manage their symptoms through rest, pacing, and multidisciplinary teams — because no medication had been shown to work in a well-designed clinical trial. Several smaller or uncontrolled studies had suggested certain drugs might help, but robust randomized controlled trial evidence was scarce. Interestingly, metformin had previously been shown to reduce the risk of developing Long COVID when taken during the acute phase of infection. Our study asked a different question: can these drugs help people who already have established Long COVID? Long COVID — also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or PASC — is a condition where people continue to feel sick for months or even years after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. The most common and debilitating complaint is fatigue: a profound, persistent exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest and can make even simple daily activities feel impossible. Despite affecting an estimated tens of millions of people worldwide, there are almost no proven treatments. We wanted to test whether two existing, widely available, and affordable medications could help. The first was fluvoxamine — an antidepressant that also has potent anti-inflammatory effects and acts on brain pathways involved in fatigue. The second was metformin — a common diabetes medication that reduces inflammation and may support cellular energy production. Both had biological reasons to think they might work against Long COVID fatigue, but neither had been rigorously tested for this purpose in a proper clinical trial.

12 Mar

Posted at 22:35h in Author Interviews, Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72776" align="alignleft" width="148"]dr_william_schaffner.jpg Dr. Schaffner[/caption] Dr. William Schaffner M.D. Professor of Medicine Preventive Medicine, Health Policy Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Interview arranged with the assistance of the Infectious Disease Society of America. MedicalResearch.com: What are the symptoms of HMPV? How is it transmitted? Are some individuals more susceptible to infection or more serious disease?  Response: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)  is a seasonal respiratory virus that has a worldwide distribution, causing late winter/early spring outbreaks in temperate zones.  It cocirculates with other seasonal respiratory viruses including influenza, COVID, and RSV.  Virtually all children have experienced infection by age 5; persons experience HMPV reinfections throughout life.  The virus is transmitted through close personal contact, most efficiently indoors.  Infection with HMPV can produce a spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from a common cold to acute respiratory distress.  Persons at increased risk of severe disease include older persons and those with chronic medical conditions.

06 Mar

Posted at 21:04h in Dermatology, Infections
[caption id="attachment_72704" align="aligncenter" width="500"]head-lice-cdc-phil.jpg CDC image[/caption] Every year, an estimated 6–12 million children in the United States between the ages of 3 and 11 contract head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). For most families, the first response is a trip to the pharmacy — and that response is increasingly likely to fail. Decades of widespread, often incorrect use of over-the-counter (OTC) pediculicides has driven a well-documented phenomenon: the emergence of "super lice," strains that carry genetic mutations conferring near-complete resistance to the insecticides most commonly found on pharmacy shelves. This article examines the clinical and biological reasons OTC treatments fail so frequently, reviews what the research literature says about resistance and re-infestation, and explains why professional nit removal services represent the most evidence-aligned path to genuine, lasting resolution.

25 Feb

Posted at 19:14h in Author Interviews, Infections, Nature, NYU/NYMC
[caption id="attachment_72626" align="aligncenter" width="500"]C. auris- CDC image.jpg Candida auris CDC Image[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72627" align="alignleft" width="200"]Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D.Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology and of Medicine New York Medical College Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D.[/caption] Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D. Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology and of Medicine New York Medical College MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The research was prompted by the rise of Candida auris (C. auris) as a critical fungal pathogen that has caused global outbreaks in healthcare facilities with high mortality rates. C. auris is particularly difficult to control because it can survive on physical surfaces for extended periods. Current diagnostic methods (such as culture-based approaches or mass spectrometry) are often costly, slow, and require complex equipment in centralized laboratories, which delays effective clinical responses. There is an urgent need for rapid tests that can both identify the fungus and measure its level of drug resistance.

18 Feb

Posted at 18:24h in Author Interviews, Infections, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Pediatrics
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72499" align="alignleft" width="174"]Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel MDFounder and director of Gileles Lab Hadassah Medical Center Dr. Gileles-Hillel[/caption] Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel MD Founder and director of Gileles Lab Hadassah Medical Center Along with Dr. Joel Reiter MD from the Faculty of Medicine Hebrew University and Senior Pediatric Pulmonologists at the Hadassah Medical Center with Dr. David Gozal MD, MBA, PhD from Marshall University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) experience increased morbidity, including cognitive difficulties, daytime dysfunction, and poorer academic performance, as well as a higher risk of future cardiometabolic disease such as hypertension and obesity. In addition, pediatric OSA has been shown to impair immune responses and alter immunologic function, although the clinical consequences of these changes remain incompletely understood.

18 Feb

Posted at 15:32h in Infections, Pets

The financial logic of prevention versus reaction seems counterintuitive to some pet owners. Prevention costs money every single month, while reactive treatment only costs money when there's a problem. But this calculation ignores the true cost of parasitic infections....

12 Feb

Posted at 23:54h in Author Interviews, Infections, Pediatrics, Vaccine Studies
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_72376" align="alignleft" width="190"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with: William Schaffner, MD Professor of Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Policy Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37203 Dr. Schaffner discusses the recent increase in the incidence of measles infections. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The fundamental reason leading to the increase in measles cases in the US is that some parents are withholding their children from routine measles vaccination: Failure to vaccinate. As a result, there are neighborhoods, schools, and communities that now have vaccination rates substantially below the 92% to 95% needed to prevent outbreaks of infection. Measles is the most contagious virus we know, so it takes very high vaccination rates to prevent transmission and to avert outbreaks. Vaccine hesitancy has many causes: Lack of knowledge of the severity of measles, concern over vaccine side-effects, low trust in public health, a desire to do things more “naturally” and it can also have political overtones, among others. The measles vaccine is extraordinarily effective; the routine two-dose series confers 97% to 98% protection for life. The rare “breakthrough” infections that occur in vaccinated persons are generally milder, with fewer complications than in persons who are unvaccinated. The US was certified as having eliminated measles in 2000 because of high vaccination rates across the country. Sadly, the US is likely to lose that designation because of sustained measles transmission, reverting us back to the bad old days. It is particularly sad for any of our children to have to endure measles and its consequences. All these cases could have been prevented by vaccination. MedicalResearch.com: What roles do a decrease in US immunization rates and/or increased immigration from under-vaccinated area play in this increase? Response: The substantial majority of unimmunized children in the US were born and raised in this country. They usually are members of middle- or upper-income families. The most frequent importers of measles into the US are our own unimmunized children who travel abroad, encounter measles virus and bring it back to their homes where the virus then spreads among the child’s schoolmates and playmates, creating an outbreak. MedicalResearch.com: Since many, especially younger, health care providers have never seen a case of measles, are there characteristic features clinicians should be aware of? Response: Measles vaccination has been so successful that many young and middle-aged doctors have never seen a case. Beginning 7-21 days after exposure, the onset of illness is characterized by high fever and malaise. Shortly thereafter the classic “three Cs” occur: Coryza, conjunctivitis and cough. Inside both cheeks white papules (Koplik spots) appear. The characteristic rash soon follows – it is erythematous, blanching, starting on the face and moving down the body, becoming darker over time. The rash may be quite subtle in dark-skinned persons. The common complications of measles include diarrhea, otitis media as well as viral and bacterial pneumonia. More serious complications include encephalitis which occurs approximately once per thousand infections. MedicalResearch.com: Are there areas, i.e. airports, sporting venues etc. where measles transmission is more likely? Response: Measles is readily transmitted among susceptible persons indoors. As most of the cases are in children, daycare, schools, religious services, birthday parties, and such are common venues for transmission although other sites such as airports and sporting events occasionally have been implicated. MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians do if they have a suspected case of measles? Response: All cases of suspected measles should be reported immediately to the local health department. Disclosures: I have no relevant disclosures. The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Some links may be sponsored. Products, services and providers are not warranted or endorsed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website. Dr. Schaffner[/caption] William Schaffner, MD Professor of Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Policy Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37203 Dr. Schaffner discusses the recent increase in the incidence of measles infections. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  The fundamental reason leading to the increase in measles cases in the US is that some parents are withholding their children from routine measles vaccination: Failure to vaccinate.  As a result, there are neighborhoods, schools, and communities that now have vaccination rates substantially below the 92% to 95% needed to prevent outbreaks of infection.  Measles is the most contagious virus we know, so it takes very high vaccination rates to prevent transmission and to avert outbreaks.  Vaccine hesitancy has many causes:  Lack of knowledge of the severity of measles, concern over vaccine side-effects, low trust in public health, a desire to do things more “naturally” and it can also have political overtones, among others. The measles vaccine is extraordinarily effective; the routine two-dose series confers 97% to 98% protection for life.  The rare “breakthrough” infections that occur in vaccinated persons are generally milder, with fewer complications than in persons who are unvaccinated.  The US was certified as having eliminated measles in 2000 because of high vaccination rates across the country.  Sadly, the US is likely to lose that designation because of sustained measles transmission, reverting us back to the bad old days.  It is particularly sad for any of our children to have to endure measles and its consequences.  All these cases could have been prevented by vaccination. CDC Image MedicalResearch.com: What roles do a decrease in US immunization rates and/or increased immigration from under-vaccinated area play in this increase?   Response:  The substantial majority of unimmunized children in the US were born and raised in this country.  They usually are members of middle- or upper-income families.  The most frequent importers of measles into the US are our own unimmunized children who travel abroad, encounter measles virus and bring it back to their homes where the virus then spreads among the child’s schoolmates and playmates, creating an outbreak.

09 Feb

Posted at 21:27h in Author Interviews, Global Health, Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72322" align="alignleft" width="180"]David O. Freedman, M.D.Professor Emeritus of Infectious Diseases Editor of the Textbook of Travel Medicine World Health Organization—Member,  Emergency Committee on Zika Virus                 University of Alabama, Birmingham USA Dr. Freedman M.D.[/caption] David O. Freedman, M.D. Professor Emeritus of Infectious Diseases Editor of the Textbook of Travel Medicine World Health Organization—Member,  Emergency Committee on Zika Virus University of Alabama, Birmingham USA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this outbreak? Response: India has reported 2 confirmed (PCR and ELISA) Nipah virus (NiV) cases in West Bengal State where the Kolkata megalopolis is located; the state borders Bangladesh. Symptom onset in both cases was late December 2025 in 2 health care workers. One patient has improved while the other remains in the ICU. All samples from 200 contact persons tested negative for NiV.  No further confirmed cases have been detected in West Bengal Bangladesh has reported 1 confirmed NiV case in Rajshahi Division which neighbors India. Symptom onset was January 21, 2026, and the patient expired on January 28. The patient reported no travel history but reported repeated consumption of raw date palm sap between 5 and 20 January.  All 35 contact-persons are being monitored and have tested negative for NiV and no further cases have been detected to date.

22 Jan

Posted at 13:25h in Author Interviews, Infections
[caption id="attachment_72087" align="aligncenter" width="500"]hand-hygiene-after-discharge.jpg Photo by Burst[/caption] Leaving the hospital is often a relief, but for many patients, it also marks the start of a critical recovery phase. Once home, the responsibility for infection prevention shifts largely from clinical staff to patients and caregivers. This transition can be challenging, especially for individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic illness, or living with weakened immune systems. Reducing infection risk at home is not about recreating a hospital environment. It’s about understanding where risks exist, how infections spread, and what practical steps make the biggest difference during recovery.

Why the Post-Discharge Period Is High Risk

Hospital discharge does not mean infection risk disappears. In fact, the days and weeks following discharge are when many infections emerge. Surgical wounds are still healing, medical devices may still be in use, and the immune system may be compromised by illness or treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection on any given day, and a significant number of infections are identified after patients return home. Understanding this risk helps patients and families take prevention seriously without becoming overly anxious.

21 Oct

Posted at 18:43h in Author Interviews, Herpes Viruses, Inflammation, Vaccine Studies
[caption id="attachment_71064" align="alignleft" width="200"]Ali Dehghani, DODepartment of Medicine University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University Presenting Author, IDWeek 2025 Dr. Dehghani[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ali Dehghani, DO Department of Medicine University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University Presenting Author, IDWeek 2025 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which can inflame blood vessels and the nervous system. Evidence over the past decade has linked shingles to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, and dementia—but it was unclear whether the shingles vaccine might lessen those long-term effects.   [caption id="attachment_71061" align="aligncenter" width="500"]herpes-zoster-cdc-image CDC PHIL Image[/caption] MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Response:  Using data from over 100 U.S. health systems, we followed adults age 50 and older for up to five years. We found that people who developed shingles had a 20–30% higher risk of cardiovascular events, vascular dementia, and death compared with similar adults without shingles. Those who had received the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) before their infection had substantially lower long-term risks—about 25% fewer major cardiac events, 40% lower early mortality, and nearly 50% less vascular dementia over time.

10 Sep

Posted at 16:44h in Author Interviews, CDC, Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: CDCKristina Betz MD, PhD Measure Development and Validation Unit Lead, NHSN Surveillance Branch Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MedicalResearch.com: Would you briefly explain what is meant by sepsis? i.e., how common is it, how serious, what are the major causes? Response: Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the body’s response to an infection causes vital organs to stop working properly. Sepsis is often caused by bacteria, but it can also happen because of other infections, like viruses such as COVID-19. Sepsis is one of the main reasons people go to the hospital and can be very dangerous. In the United States, about 1.7 million adults go to the hospital each year because of sepsis. Sadly, about 350,000 of these people die in the hospital or are sent to hospice care. Even if people survive sepsis, it can cause long-lasting problems. They might have new health issues, not be able to go back to work, need to go back to the hospital, or even die later on. Source: Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements | Sepsis | CDC, What Is Sepsis | Sepsis Alliance

09 Sep

Posted at 12:39h in Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Pediatrics, Weight Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70576" align="alignleft" width="200"]Thao-Ly Phan, MD, MPH Medical Director, Nemours Children's Health Professor of Pediatrics Thomas Jefferson University Dr. Thao Ly Phan[/caption] Thao-Ly Phan, MD, MPH Medical Director, Nemours Children's Health Professor of Pediatrics Thomas Jefferson University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been extensively studied in adults, but there has been limited exploration of its effects on children and adolescents. While several studies have described weight gain trends in children during the pandemic, less is known about how having a diagnosis of COVID-19 contributed to these trends. Our study drew on the NIH’s National Clinical Cohort Collaborative database, a real-world database of electronic health data from over 90 institutions across the country.  We used this dataset’s unique features to compare a diverse group of more than 11,000 children diagnosed with COVID-19 to a matched cohort of children without a diagnosis of COVID-19.

26 Aug

Posted at 13:24h in Environmental Risks, Infections
In clinical settings and community health discussions alike, food security and nutrition are common priorities. But one important factor is often overlooked: packaging’s role in reducing spoilage, preserving nutrient integrity, and protecting patients from foodborne illness. From hospitals and long-term care facilities to home health environments, minimizing food waste isn’t just about economics or sustainability. It’s a public health issue—one that starts with how food is packaged, stored, and protected from contamination. The High Stakes of Spoiled Food in Healthcare In the U.S., nearly 40% of all food goes to waste—often due to spoilage that starts with inadequate storage. But in healthcare environments, the stakes are even higher. Spoiled food can pose a serious risk to vulnerable populations, including:
  • Immunocompromised patients
  • Older adults in assisted living
  • Children in pediatric or school-based settings
  • Individuals with chronic illnesses or food sensitivities
Even minor lapses in storage or temperature control can lead to foodborne illnesses with severe consequences, especially for these groups.

24 Aug

Posted at 19:27h in Author Interviews, Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70374" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Neta Shlezinger Ph.D.Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Hebrew University Dr. Neta Shlezinger | Credit: Zuckerman Faculty Scholar Zuckerman Institute[/caption] Dr. Neta Shlezinger Ph.D. Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Hebrew University with  Dr. Marina Campos Rocha Ph.D., Dr. Vanda Lerer, PhD., and student John Adeoye MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings? Response:  Fungal pathogens pose a growing threat to global health, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. Today, we appreciate that fungi kill more people each year than malaria and tuberculosis combined. Aspergillus fumigatus stands out as a leading cause of invasive fungal infections, responsible for approximately 65% of all invasive mold infections in humans. These infections carry mortality rates that can exceed 50%, even with standard care. Treatment options remain limited: only a handful of antifungal drug classes are clinically available, and resistance is increasingly reported to all of them. As a result, the search for novel therapeutic strategies is now focused on fungal-specific virulence factors — targets that are essential for fungal survival and pathogenicity in the host but are absent in humans. Meanwhile, research in recent years has revealed that many fungi harbor viruses. These mycoviruses are surprisingly prevalent, but their impact on fungal physiology and, crucially, on fungal pathogenicity in humans has remained largely unexplored. Our study set out to fill this gap by examining a double-stranded RNA virus, Aspergillus fumigatus polymycovirus 1 (AfuPmV-1M), that naturally infects A. fumigatus. We found that this virus isn’t just a silent passenger — it’s wired into key fungal stress response pathways, helping the fungus survive heat stress, evade oxidative damage, and persist in the lung environment. In other words, it acts like a backseat driver — quietly steering the fungus toward enhanced survival and virulence. When we “cured” the fungus of its virus, it produced fewer spores, made less melanin, became more vulnerable to stress, and caused milder infections in mice. Seeing this, we explored a therapeutic twist: fight the virus to clear the fungus. We treated infected mice with antiviral compounds during fungal infection and observed reduced mycovirus levels and improved survival. Together, these results suggest that mycoviruses can be overlooked drivers of fungal disease — and targeting them may represent a novel, host-sparing therapeutic strategy.

14 Aug

Posted at 19:44h in Author Interviews, General Medicine, Infections
Maintaining high hygiene standards is essential to healthcare safety, yet those efforts can be undermined by shortcomings in cleaning and laundry routines. While surfaces may look clean, unseen risks from poorly executed protocols can endanger both patients and staff. The Overlooked Role of Laundry in Preventing Contamination Linens, scrubs, and other textiles in healthcare settings are constantly exposed to contaminants like bodily fluids and harmful pathogens. Without precise cleaning and handling, these items can transfer infections between individuals. Simple mistakes—such as washing at the wrong temperature or storing items improperly—can turn everyday laundry into a contamination source. Commercial laundry services are built to meet strict healthcare hygiene requirements. They use high-grade detergents, specialized washing methods, and secure handling practices to ensure textiles are thoroughly sanitized. Any deviation from these standards, whether through cost-cutting or human error, can compromise safety.

14 Aug

Posted at 19:37h in Author Interviews, General Medicine, Infections
In healthcare environments, patient rooms, exam tables, and surgical tools receive rigorous attention and rightly so. But there are equally important areas that often escape scrutiny: the non-clinical zones. Hallways, break rooms, reception desks, and admin offices may not appear critical to infection control, but they are frequently trafficked, highly interactive areas that can compromise the integrity of a facility’s overall hygiene strategy. These shared spaces are more than just pass-throughs or places to grab a coffee; they’re the connective tissue of a healthcare facility. Staff travel through them constantly, often in and out of clinical settings, without always thinking about the residue they may leave behind or pick up. In fact, the transient nature of these spaces makes them potential conduits for cross-contamination, impacting both staff well-being and patient safety. Healthcare is about more than treating illness; it’s about creating a safe, welcoming environment for healing. That includes every square foot of the building, not just the areas marked “sterile.”