Viral Infections
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U.S. Chlamydia Rates Continue to Climb
The chlamydia infection rate has been rising unabated. While rates of some STIs have fluctuated over the past 40 to 80 years, chlamydia rates have increased progressively since the first reporting data became available in 1984.Herpes Vaccine Could Be Available by 2030
Early efforts to produce a protein-based vaccine for herpes failed. But a new mRNA approach has outperformed the efficacy of the past vaccines in preclinical trials and is expected to be introduced in clinical trials in the second half of 2022, investigators say. This new approach for a prophylactic genital herpes vaccine showed great promise in early studies.
STI Rates Increasing, but Efficient Testing Can Help
Incidence rates of many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is evidence that STIs have continued to rise during the pandemic, according to the results of a new study.FDA Modifies Authorizations for COVID-19 Therapeutics
In the face of the omicron onslaught, certain once-reliable monoclonal antibodies are not as effective.
Sotrovimab Injection
In vitro neutralization data, artificial intelligence modeling, and anecdotal reports suggest sotrovimab is effective against the omicron variant while the efficacy of other monoclonal antibodies appears to wane.
SARS-CoV-2 as a North American Zoonosis
COVID-19 has become a North American zoonosis endemic in the Northeastern white-tailed deer population. Whether it causes symptomatic infection is unclear, but most infections likely are subclinical, with viral shedding in nasal secretions and feces. Now that infection has become established in this animal group, it likely will spread easily.
In Addition to Vaccination, Can More Be Done to Prevent Severe COVID-19?
Using data for more than 1.2 million Americans who completed primary vaccination against COVID-19, severe disease outcomes were rare; however, vaccinated persons aged ≥ 65 years with immunosuppression or other underlying conditions were found to be at higher risk.
Using Breathing Techniques for Exertion and Anxiety During COVID Lockdowns
In a small prospective study comparing four breathing techniques, the maximum statistically significant effect on reduced perceived exertion during breath-holding is associated with a yoga breathing method called anulom vilom pranayama (alternate nostril breathing).
Sick Healthcare Workers Worsen Shortage, May Spike Healthcare-Associated Infections
The COVID-19 omicron variant, known to cause breakthrough infections in those fully vaccinated and boosted, is infecting and furloughing healthcare workers even as hospitals face a towering wave of incoming patients.
Infections Before Age 20 Years Increase the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis
Researchers found patients diagnosed with infection in adolescence were at higher risk for multiple sclerosis, even after exclusion of infectious mononucleosis, pneumonia, and central nervous system infection.