Most people think of “strep throat” as a relatively benign infection; cured by a round of antibiotics and a few days of rest. But the bacterium that causes strep throat — Group A Streptococcus; is also responsible for a number of much more dangerous disorders; including rheumatic heart disease and toxic shock syndrome. With the…
A new class of biomaterial developed by Cornell researchers for an infectious disease nanovaccine effectively boosted immunity in mice with metabolic disorders linked to gut bacteria – a population that shows resistance to traditional flu and polio vaccines. So, the study is the first to explore the interrelationship among nanomaterials, immune responses and the microbiome,…
At Rockland county in New York City’s northern regions, a ban was called into action. Children who are not vaccinated against measles are now banned to attend any public place. This comes as a result of the recent measles outbreaks which has caused more than 150 cases since last fall. Measles is a vaccine preventable…
In healthy adults, RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus; feels like the common cold with a runny nose; chest congestion and cough. However, it is the second leading cause of death in infants. In fact, nearly 40 percent of infants who contract this widespread virus develop severe bronchiolitis or pneumonia; with 1 to 3 percent hospitalized.…
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) plans to advise families to vaccinate children against influenza with either the flu shot or nasal spray vaccine during the 2019 to 2020 flu season, in contrast to the academy’s preference for the injected vaccine over the nasal spray during the previous two flu seasons, the AAP announced. During…
We are repeatedly exposed to the influenza virus via infections, vaccinations and our communal environments. The annual flu shot is believed to be the best line of defense, and doctors recommend vaccinations every year because the flu virus is in a constant state of adaptation and mutation, rendering older vaccines obsolete. The conventional wisdom guiding…
There are currently more than three million people in the United States with hepatitis C, a condition that can lead to serious and even deadly liver complications. In the U.S. prison system, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is currently 10 times higher than the national average. And while new HCV treatment drugs…
Influenza virus infections are a common cause of illness, and they can lead to the development of deadly secondary bacterial infections. The historical record of these bacterial superinfections (BSIs) dates back to the 1700s with significant impacts noted during influenza epidemics and pandemics. However, laboratory studies into mechanisms of BSI severity have been largely conducted…
Vaccines are big news in the United States these days. Measles outbreaks in unvaccinated clusters around the country have highlighted the importance of immunization, reviving debate over whether vaccines should be required for all children. Meanwhile, the flu continues to plague all parts of the United States so the flu shot is still worth getting, according to…
As far as research is concerned, hepatitis E (HEV) had long led a shadowy existence – even though it is the main cause for acute viral inflammation of the liver. It causes an estimated 70,000 deaths annually. Professor Eike Steinmann and Dr. Daniel Todt use big data in order to gain a better understanding of…
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck. Most cases of meningitis in the United States are caused by a viral infection, but bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections are other causes. Some cases of…
Introducing hepatitis B vaccine in preadolescents meant a decline in the disease incidence rate by 52 percent, according to a study in which the University of Barcelona (UB) took part. The study analysed the efficiency and impact of the vaccination program in Catalonia (Spain) 21 years ago. The results show that after introducing the program,…