Infections

A study has reported evidence to affirm multiple sclerosis is caused by infection from the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Tracking 10 million subjects over 20 years, the findings indicate EBV infection leads to a 32-fold increased risk of developing MS.

Two new reports out of South Africa are offering some early insights into how the Omicron variant could behave in humans. One report speculates the disease may be milder than prior variants, while another indicates Omicron may lead to more reinfections.

Researchers have developed a new type of vaccine against urinary tract infections that has shown promise in tests in mice. The treatment uses a whole dead bacterial cell, wrapped in a protective cage, to trigger an immune response.

A study comparing the effectiveness of three COVID-19 vaccines over eight months found protection from infection declined but protection from death remained strong. Tracking 800,000 US Veterans, the study found the J&J vaccine showed the greatest decline.

If a patient is infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, it's crucial that doctors are aware of the fact as soon as possible. There's where a recently-developed test is intended to come in, as it can detect such microbes in under 90 minutes.

CDC investigators have homed in on an aromatherapy room spray sold at Walmart as the source of a small outbreak of the rare tropical disease melioidosis. The spray contained traces of bacteria known to cause the disease and has now been recalled.

An international collaborative effort is investigating whether specific genetic characteristics can make someone resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The goal is to understand why some people seem naturally immune to this new virus.

Scientists have demonstrated a new way to fight antibiotic-resistant superbugs by pitting bacteria against each other. The team engineered a common bacteria to safely colonize medical implants, then produce enzymes that dissolve superbug biofilms.

Following a successful pilot study encompassing nearly one million children the World Health Organization is now recommending widespread use of the world's first malaria vaccine across all sub-Saharan Africa.

A large UK study found one in three COVID-19 patients report at least one lingering symptom six months after recovery, while another study found nearly half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients having at least one symptom a year after discharge.

According to a new model, around one in three Americans had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 by the end of 2020. Simulating viral transmission across the country, the research suggests official cases only accounted for a small volume of total infections.

As England removes all pandemic-related protections experts are warning the decision is “a dangerous and unethical experiment” that may put the health of millions of unvaccinated citizens at risk and provide fertile ground for new SARS-CoV-2 variants.