SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Infection Control”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

1,571 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMed2026

Brief Report: Beyond Testing: Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of HIV Self-Testing Among Ugandan Gender-Diverse Sex Workers.

BACKGROUND: The psychosocial effect of HIV self-testing (HIVST) on sex workers' self-esteem, depression, alcohol misuse, perceived sex work stigma, and empowerment remains poorly characterized. We hypothesized that HIVST would reduce sex work stigma and improve these psychosocial outcomes by enabling private, autonomous testing and reducing exposure to stigmatizing healthcare encounters. SETTING: Kampala, Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Empower study (NCT03426670), an open-label randomized trial in which 117 cisgender female, transgender female, and cisgender male sex workers were assigned 1:1 to monthly HIVST plus quarterly clinic-based testing, or to quarterly clinic-based testing alone, and followed for 12 months. Self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), depressive symptoms (PHQ-2), alcohol misuse (RAPS4), perceived sex work stigma (adapted Female Sex Worker Stigma Scale), and empowerment were assessed quarterly. Mixed-effects regression models, adjusted for baseline values, evaluated intervention effects. RESULTS: Data from 117 participants were analyzed, including 7 early disenrollments. Over 12 months, HIVST participants reported significantly lower perceived sex work stigma than standard of care participants (β = -0.38, P = 0.04; monthly reduction P = 0.003), although the rate of decline did not differ significantly between arms (interaction P = 0.08). Self-esteem and depressive symptoms improved in both arms, with no between-arm differences (interaction P = 0.41 and 0.32). Alcohol misuse and empowerment showed no significant arm differences. CONCLUSION: HIVST may reduce sex work stigma without adverse psychosocial effects, supporting its integration into combination HIV prevention for gender-diverse sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Tigecycline-resistant Staphylococcus in waiting pens of a pig slaughterhouse: genomic insights into a food safety alert.

BACKGROUND: The waiting pens of slaughterhouses represent a critical control point in the 'farm-to-fork' continuum, yet their role in the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance remains understudied. This study investigated tigecycline-resistant Staphylococcus (TRS) in these high-risk zones to assess their prevalence, resistance mechanisms, and transmission dynamics. METHODS: 400 samples were collected from the waiting pens of a pig slaughterhouse in Guangzhou, China. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and molecular cloning were employed to characterize resistance mechanisms and transmission patterns. RESULTS: 78 TRS strains were isolated and classified into three species, including S. borealis, S. ureilyticus, and S. pasteuri. These isolates exhibited multidrug-resistant phenotypes and carried new mutations in rpsJ and tet(M), which were functionally confirmed to reduce tigecycline susceptibility. Phylogenetic evidence demonstrated clonal transmission between pig farms and the slaughterhouse. The tet(M) gene was located within Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec elements mediated by IS257, while tet(L) was carried by plasmids formed through IS256/IS257-mediated recombination. CONCLUSIONS: Waiting pens serve as crucial reservoirs for the amplification and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Our findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced biosecurity measures, improved waste management, and routine molecular surveillance in these high-risk zones to mitigate the spread of resistance along the food production chain.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

A host-encoded prophage targets a Candidate Phyla Radiation bacterium and shapes episymbiotic interactions.

The Patescibacteriota, also known as the Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR), represent a large lineage of ultrasmall bacteria with highly reduced genomes and obligate dependence on bacterial hosts. Although genomic analyses have revealed CRISPR-Cas and restriction-modification systems in many CPR genomes, no cognate bacteriophages (phages) have been isolated, leaving CPR-phage interactions unexplored. Nanosynbacter lyticus TM7x, the first cultivated CPR bacterium, grows episymbiotically on its host, Schaalia odontolytica XH001, in the human oral microbiome. Here, we identify Xhp1, an inducible prophage of XH001 that is preferentially activated during episymbiosis with TM7x. Released Xhp1 particles infect prophage-free XH001 via distinct strategies determined by host growth mode, establishing lysogeny under planktonic conditions but driving lytic infection during surface-associated growth. Xhp1 also binds efficiently to TM7x and exhibits limited infection under the conditions tested, indicating direct phage-CPR interactions. Importantly, TM7x modulates Xhp1 availability in a spatially dependent manner. In planktonic culture, free-floating TM7x reduces lysogenic conversion of XH001ΔXhp1, consistent with TM7x acting as a phage sink that lowers effective phage concentration. In contrast, during surface-associated growth, TM7x increases XH001ΔXhp1 susceptibility to lytic infection, likely by locally concentrating phage particles within a constrained niche. These results demonstrate that CPR bacteria can regulate viral encounter rates through spatial organization. In spatially structured environments such as oral biofilms, such modulation may shape infection dynamics and community structure. Together, this work characterizes the first CPR-targeting phage and reveals a an important role for phages in CPR-host bacteria interactions.

Prophages↗

PubMed2026

"Clinical efficacy and expression of antimicrobial resistance genes after using a novel herbal mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine: A Randomised controlled trial in generalised gingivitis patients".

OBJECTIVES: Chlorhexidine, the gold-standard mouthwash, has several disadvantages, like promotion of antimicrobial resistance. Herbal mouthwashes are emerging as alternatives to chlorhexidine. However, its impact on antimicrobial resistance remains unclear. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy and the expression of antimicrobial resistance genes of chlorhexidine with a novel herbal mouthwash. DESIGN: Sixty patients with generalised gingivitis were randomly assigned to two groups using block randomisation. After professional mechanical plaque removal patients were instructed to use either chlorhexidine or a novel herbal mouthwash (patented composition) for two weeks. Tetracycline resistance (tetM) and macrolide efflux (mefI) gene expression in subgingival plaque were analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Intragroup comparisons were performed with a paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for parametric and nonparametric data. Intergroup comparisons employed unpaired t-test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: A significant reduction in bleeding, plaque, pocket depth and and patient reported outcomes were noticed in both groups. But reduction in plaque was more significant in chlorhexidine group. tetM and mefI genes significantly upregulated in the chlorhexidine group, while it was downregulated with herbal mouthwash (fold change 1.79 ± 0.74 and 0.60 ± 0.43 for tetM, and 1.83 ± 0.87 and 0.51 ± 0.44 for mefI). However, patients' perception of taste, freshness, and overall satisfaction was better in the chlorhexidine group. CONCLUSIONS: The increased expression of antimicrobial resistance genes following chlorhexidine use warrants careful consideration. Herbal mouthwash is an effective, safer alternative with comparable clinical benefits and less impact on antimicrobial resistance.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Culture of infectious human norovirus isolated from live contaminated oysters.

Human noroviruses are a major cause of foodborne outbreaks worldwide. Filter-feeding shellfish, such as oysters, can bioaccumulate these viruses in their digestive tissue when grown in sewage-impacted coastal areas and are often implicated in norovirus foodborne outbreaks. Despite the high sensitivity of current molecular assays, these methods for norovirus detection in shellfish fail to distinguish between infectious and non-infectious particles. Assessing norovirus infectivity in shellfish remains a challenge due to the lack of suitable isolation methods that maintain capsid integrity. In this study, a protocol for isolating infectious norovirus from oyster tissues, based on chloroform-butanol elution and polyethylene glycol concentration (CB-PEG), was optimized for the recovery of human norovirus GI and GII. While CB-PEG method recovered various norovirus GI and GII genotypes, it was less efficient at the genomic level than a protocol based on proteinase K elution (adapted from ISO 15216) and showed genotype-dependent viral recovery rates. By optimizing the flocculation step, we improved the method's compatibility with human intestinal enteroid (HIE) cultures. Using this approach, we successfully quantified infectious norovirus GII.3 titers recovered from artificially-contaminated live oysters. Interestingly, infectious virus was better isolated following a freezing step of the digestive tissues, with titers ranging from 13 to 40 TCID50/mL for positive samples. In conclusion, this study established an optimized methodological approach for the relative quantification of infectious norovirus GII.3 in shellfish, paving the way for future research on viral persistence and inactivation strategies in this foodstuff.

Norovirus↗

PubMed2026

Waterborne norovirus outbreaks in China, 2000-2022: a systematic review.

In China, waterborne transmission is a relatively rare route for norovirus outbreaks; however, once it occurs, the outbreaks tend to be large in scale, prolonged in duration, and difficult to control. This systematic review characterizes the epidemiological features of such outbreaks in China. We searched the WANFANG, CNKI, PubMed, and Web of Science databases for literature on waterborne norovirus outbreaks published up to November 2023. From 2000 to 2022, a total of 112 outbreaks were reported in China among the 97 articles included. These outbreaks involved approximately 19,796 cases and 565,485 exposures, median of 98 cases per outbreak, with a median attack rate of 6.09 %. Most outbreaks occurred in southern regions, particularly in coastal provinces, with schools (59, 52.68 %) and towns or villages (25, 22.52 %) being the most common settings. The highest number of outbreaks was reported in February and the lowest in July, with an average of 8.25 outbreaks per month. Higher attack rates were associated with outbreaks occurring in winter, in primary schools, and in southern regions of the Qinling-Huaihe line. Contamination of barreled water and self-provided wells was the primary risk factor for waterborne norovirus outbreaks. Although waterborne transmission is a relatively rare route for norovirus outbreaks in China, it can cause large-scale outbreaks in a short period. Consequently, it is still necessary to enhance protection of water sources, rigorous water quality monitoring, and public health education on water sanitation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

HPV Testing Versus Cytology for Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women 50 Years and Older: Evidence From the HPV FOCAL Randomized Controlled Trial.

Evidence on the comparative effectiveness of HPV testing versus cytology specifically in women aged ≥ 50 years who are approaching screening cessation remains limited. This analysis included 6471 women aged ≥ 50 at baseline screening in the HPV FOCAL randomized clinical trial. Women were randomly allocated to receive cytology (Control Group, n = 3248, 50.19%) or HPV testing (Intervention Group, n = 3223, 49.81%) at baseline, with co-testing at 48-month exit. We calculated incidence rates and risk ratios for CIN2+ detection over follow-up and compared missed lesions at exit by screening method. At the 48-month exit, CIN2+ detection was lower among HPV baseline-negative women than among those in the cytology group (1.61/1000 [95% CI, 0.52-3.76] vs. 3.15/1000 [95% CI, 1.51-5.78]; risk ratio, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.11-0.91]), reflecting higher baseline detection with HPV testing and fewer prevalent lesions at exit. Even with cytology re-screening at 2 years, 50% of CIN2+ cases were missed compared to 30% with HPV testing. After adjusting for age, education, smoking status, and lifetime sexual partners, the hazard ratio for CIN2+ comparing HPV to cytology was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.22-0.88). Among women aged ≥ 50 years, HPV primary screening was more effective than cytology at detecting CIN2+ lesions and was associated with a continued lower subsequent risk following a negative HPV test, supporting its use in cervical cancer screening programs in this age cohort.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Safety and Tolerability of Oral Islatravir Once Monthly as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in Cisgender Men and Transgender Women Who Have an Elevated Likelihood of HIV-1 Exposure: Results From the IMPOWER-24 Randomized Phase 3 Study.

BACKGROUND: Islatravir once monthly (qm), a nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor with a long half-life, was evaluated for safety and tolerability in cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men and are at increased likelihood of HIV-1 (HIV) exposure. METHODS: IMPOWER-24 (NCT04652700) was a double-blind, Phase 3 study. Participants were randomized 2:1 to islatravir 60 mg oral qm or emtricitabine (FTC; 200 mg) coformulated with either tenofovir disoproxil (245 mg) or tenofovir alafenamide (TAF; 25 mg) once daily (qd). After ∼9 months, blinded islatravir was discontinued due to lymphocyte reductions; participants were offered open-label comparator for 20 months. RESULTS: In total, 494 participants were enrolled (328 islatravir; 166 comparator): 91.5% were cisgender men, 41.7% were White, and median age was 27 years. Mean blinded dosing duration was 4.7 months (islatravir) versus 4.3 months (comparator). Overall, 211 participants (64.3%) in the islatravir group and 128 (77.1%) in the comparator group had ≥1 adverse event (AE). Most AEs were mild or moderate, with 1 AE leading to product discontinuation (islatravir; gastroesophageal reflux). Serious AEs occurred in <2%; none were related to study product. Change in total lymphocytes in the islatravir group at Month 3 was -7.4%; a trend toward recovery was observed after islatravir was stopped. Mean total lymphocytes remained within normal range. No HIV infections occurred in either group during the double-blind phase. CONCLUSIONS: Islatravir qm was generally well tolerated; decreases in total lymphocytes were observed with islatravir. Original primary efficacy objectives were not assessed due to early study stoppage.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Impact of Contact Lens Use on Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Fungal Keratitis: An 8-Year Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical characteristics, microbiological profiles, treatment strategies, and outcomes between contact lens-associated (CL) and noncontact lens-associated (non-CL) fungal keratitis. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative clinical cohort study. METHODS: A review of culture-proven fungal keratitis treated at a tertiary referral center between 2018 and 2025 was conducted. Cases were categorized as CL or non-CL-associated. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, treatment, and outcome data were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS: Thirty-seven eyes were included, comprising 16 CL and 21 non-CL cases. CL users presented earlier than non-CL patients (median 7 vs 14 days, P = .007) and had fewer associated ocular risk factors (31% vs 81%, P = .001). Baseline visual acuity and infiltrate size did not differ significantly between groups. Candida species were isolated in 21% cases, Fusarium in 16% and Aspergillus in 8%. Fusarium (19% vs 13%) and Candida (24% vs 19%) infections were slightly more frequent in non-CL cases. Overall, filamentous fungi were the predominant organism group. Topical voriconazole was the most frequently used antifungal agent (78%). All CL-associated cases resolved with medical therapy alone, with a median time to resolution of 38 days (IQR 22-58). In contrast, 76% of non-CL cases resolved medically (median 42 days, IQR 32-76), while 23% required therapeutic keratoplasty (P = .04). Final visual acuity was comparable between groups (logMAR 0.2 vs 0.5, P = .56). CONCLUSION: Contact lens-associated fungal keratitis is characterized by earlier presentation and fewer underlying ocular comorbidities, with favorable outcomes achieved through medical therapy alone. Despite similar microbiological profiles and treatment approaches, noncontact lens-associated fungal keratitis more frequently follows a complicated course requiring surgical intervention.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

An Overview of Red Breast Syndrome: A Qualitative Systematic Review of the Literature and a Single-Center Case Series.

Red breast syndrome (RBS) is an uncommon inflammatory complication that may occur following implant-based breast reconstruction and can clinically mimic surgical-site infection. This qualitative systematic review, based on comprehensive PubMed and Scopus searches, summarizes the existing literature on RBS, focusing on its etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic characteristics, and therapeutic approaches following breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrices (ADMs). A management protocol is proposed based on available data, and a single-center case series is presented from our Hospital, including patients who developed RBS after direct-to-implant reconstruction with ADM between January 2022 and December 2024. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising case reports, case series, and retrospective or prospective cohort studies. The reported incidence of RBS ranged from 0% to 29.6%. Proposed etiologies include endotoxin contamination, residual cellular debris, delayed hypersensitivity reactions, and lymphatic or vascular impairment of mastectomy flaps. Most reports described localized erythema confined to the area of the ADM, with normal inflammatory markers and negative imaging findings, whereas antibiotic therapy frequently failed to achieve improvement. Corticosteroids represented the most consistently effective treatment, although some cases required ADM removal or replacement. In our institutional case series (n = 8), symptom onset occurred between 4 weeks and 7 months postsurgery. Inflammatory markers remained within normal limits, imaging rarely demonstrated fluid collections, and symptoms resolved within days to weeks with corticosteroid therapy or conservative management. This review consolidates current evidence, proposes a diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm and highlights the need for prospective investigations and manufacturer-level endotoxin testing to elucidate pathogenesis and optimize clinical management. Level of Evidence: 2 (Risk) For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The Long Road to Long-Acting: What Oral PrEP and CAB-LA Teach Us About Scaling Lenacapavir.

Despite significant biomedical advances, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a persistent global health crisis, with over 40 million people affected as of 2023, two-thirds of whom live in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. However, from an HIV prevention perspective, the more urgent concern is the continued occurrence of approximately 1.3 million new infections annually, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and in settings where incidence is stable or increasing. This commentary explores the evolving landscape of HIV prevention, focusing on the trajectory of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA), and the newly emerging lenacapavir. While oral PrEP opened new possibilities, adherence challenges have limited its impact. CAB-LA demonstrated superior efficacy but encountered access, cost, and delivery barriers that restricted uptake. Lenacapavir, offering 6-monthly subcutaneous dosing with ≥ 99.9% efficacy in trials, holds the potential to overcome these hurdles. As of May 2026, lenacapavir had received regulatory approval in 17 countries, including several African nations, while regulatory reviews remained ongoing in multiple additional countries, reflecting the rapid global expansion of access to this long-acting HIV prevention option. However, its success depends on clinical promise, timely licensing, affordability, and integration into health systems. Drawing from real-world lessons of oral PrEP and CAB-LA, this paper argues that a proactive, coordinated rollout of lenacapavir could dramatically expand prevention reach. With global stakeholders aiming for 3 million users by 2028 and strategic licensing in 120 countries, the groundwork is in place. The recent release of WHO guidance recommending lenacapavir as an additional PrEP option further strengthens this momentum. Yet, equitable delivery, user-centred models, and strong policy backing will be critical. Ultimately, long-acting PrEP is not just a clinical breakthrough; it is a test of health systems' ability to deliver innovation at scale.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Maternal vaccination with RSVpreF and risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein-based vaccine (RSVpreF) was approved in the United States in August 2023 for use during pregnancy to prevent infant RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease. The pivotal phase 3 trial identified a numerical imbalance in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) that did not reach statistical significance; postmarketing observational studies have since reported inconsistent findings. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess this association. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP from inception to Jan 26, 2026, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing HDP outcomes in RSVpreF-vaccinated versus unvaccinated or placebo-receiving pregnant individuals. Unadjusted risk ratios (RRs) were pooled using a random-effects model; adjusted estimates from observational studies were pooled separately by inverse variance methods. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251026835). RESULTS: Nine studies were included (3 RCTs, 6 retrospective cohort studies; n = 148,267). RSVpreF vaccination was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in overall HDP risk (RR 1·08, 95% CI 1·02-1·13; p = 0·004; I2 = 44%), driven by the observational studies group (1·08, 1·02-1·14; I2 = 61%); RCTs showed a directionally consistent but non-significant RR (1·12, 0·87-1·43; I2 = 0%). The association was attributable to gestational hypertension, with no significant association for preeclampsia/eclampsia. CONCLUSION: Maternal RSVpreF vaccination was associated with a small increase in HDP attributable to gestational hypertension and driven primarily by observational studies, in which residual confounding remains possible. The benefits of infant RSV prevention remain substantial, and these findings support continued postmarketing surveillance and informed shared decision-making.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Single-Dose Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Inhibitor, Budigalimab, in People With HIV-1 With Antiretroviral Therapy-Suppressed Viral Load.

BACKGROUND: Blockade of inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on target immune cells is associated with improved HIV-specific immune function and activation of latent HIV. This randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 1b study assessed low doses of investigational anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, budigalimab, for safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in people with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: Participants received single doses of budigalimab 10 mg subcutaneous (SC), 20 mg SC, 10 mg intravenous (IV), or placebo (n = 8 per arm) and were followed for 24 weeks. RESULTS: Of 32 randomized participants, 22 reported adverse event(s) (AE); most (n = 19) were grade ≤2 and no grade ≥4 AE or treatment-related serious AE. Two participants reported a non-treatment-related grade 3 AE (placebo, n = 1 pneumonia; 10 mg IV, n = 1 elevated aspartate aminotransferase). One reversible immune-related AE (grade 2 lichenoid keratosis) was reported (20 mg SC). Geometric mean maximum serum concentrations were 0.37, 1.57, and 3.2 µg/mL with 10 mg SC, 20 mg SC, and 10 mg IV, respectively. Drug exposure with 20 versus 10 mg SC dosing was more than dose proportional and less variable. Subcutaneous bioavailability was approximately 53%-62%. The PD-1 receptor saturation was ≥95% in most participants (median duration: 20 mg SC, 42 days; 10 mg SC, 14 days; 10 mg IV, 35 days). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest an acceptable safety profile for single-dose budigalimab in PWH, with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile for 20 mg SC and 10 mg IV. Further evaluation as a potential component of an HIV treatment is underway.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Emergence of a Novel, Phenotypically Difficult-to-Detect Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Clone (ST117/CT7799).

A significant increase of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) infections was observed in South-Eastern Austria since 2024. The prolonged outbreak is caused by a novel vanB-VREfm clone (ST117/CT7799, "VREfmstyr"). This study characterizes the atypical difficult-to-detect resistance phenotype and assesses the genomic relatedness of the isolates. Patient and outbreak characteristics were investigated including whole genome sequencing of the isolates. Sensitivity of broth microdilution (BMD), gradient tests (GT), disk diffusion (DD), and automated susceptibility testing (VITEK2) was compared. The performance of commercial screening media was evaluated. From sporadic detections in early 2024 case numbers began to rise during the year. In 30/31 (97%) of all cases, intra-hospital transmission was considered likely and an association with invasive procedures was identified in most cases. Core genome multilocus sequence typing revealed only six allelic differences between VREfmstyr isolates collected in a 12-month period, all belonging to the E. faecium ST117/CT7799 lineage. BMD detected vancomycin resistance (MIC > 4 mg/L) in no more than 16/31 (52%) of isolates after 24 h incubation, while GT and DD misclassified all isolates. Only prolonged incubation improved the performance of these assays. VITEK2 analysis, however, correctly classified all 31 isolates. Of four commercially available VRE-screening agars, only one was capable of detecting VREfmstyr after 24 h incubation. The emergence and clonal dissemination of VREfm ST117/CT7799 reveals a serious diagnostic gap as commonly used diagnostic algorithms fail to reliably detect this resistance phenotype. Our findings should help to further evaluate the true geographical distribution and clinical significance of this novel VREfm clone.

Enterococcus faecium↗

PubMed2026

Pre-transport dietary chitosan improves the physiological robustness of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) by modulating antioxidant and inflammatory responses.

The acute stress caused by long-distance transport can lead to oxidative damage, immune dysfunction, and health deterioration in fish. This study evaluated dietary chitosan as a pre-transport nutritional strategy for juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Five experimental diets contained chitosan at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 g/kg, designated as p0, p25, p50, p75, and p100, respectively, for 56 d. The effects of dietary chitosan were evaluated using growth performance, feed utilization, digestive function, antioxidant capacity, nonspecific immunity, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Then, fish from the p0 and p50 groups underwent a 12-h transport stress test, with samples collected before, during, and 7 d after transport. Dietary chitosan improved most of these parameters. Among the treatment groups, p50 and p75 showed the best overall performance. The dose-response analysis further indicated that the appropriate dietary inclusion range was 5.0-7.5 g/kg. Under transport stress, fish in the p50 group exhibited more stable antioxidant enzyme responses and lower lipid peroxidation, as indicated by reduced MDA levels. Consistent with these enzyme responses, antioxidant-related genes remained relatively stable. At the same time, expression patterns related to the Nrf2-Keap1 and NF-κB signaling pathways suggested that 5.0 g/kg chitosan alleviated transport-induced oxidative damage and inflammation. Dietary chitosan also attenuated pro-inflammatory gene induction and altered the temporal expression patterns of anti-inflammatory genes. Overall, 5.0-7.5 g/kg dietary chitosan is suitable for juvenile largemouth bass, and 5.0 g/kg may serve as an effective pre-transport dietary inclusion level.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Comparing Clinical and Cytokine Profiling of Genital Inflammation as Predictors of HIV Acquisition in Women.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation in the female genital tract is a key risk factor for HIV acquisition, but it remains unclear whether clinical or immunological measures best predict risk. We aimed to compare HIV acquisition among women with clinically and/or immunologically defined inflammation. SETTING: HIV-uninfected women enrolled in the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel randomized controlled trial in South Africa were followed for up to 34 months. METHODS: We analyzed data from 889 women, with cytokine measurements available for 774 participants. Clinical genital abnormalities were assessed at scheduled visits, and 9 cytokines were measured in cervicovaginal lavage samples. HIV incidence was compared across categories of clinical and immunological inflammation using time varying Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for relevant covariates. RESULTS: Immunological inflammation, defined as ≥9 elevated cytokines, was present in 18% (140/774) of women. Among specific clinical signs, abnormal genital discharge (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14 to 6.23, P = 0.024) and cervicitis (adjusted hazard ratio: 10.34, 95% CI: 2.46 to 43.65, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with increased HIV acquisition. Women with both clinical and immunological inflammation had the highest risk of HIV acquisition, with adjusted hazard ratios of 2.08 (95% CI: 1.10 to 3.91, P = 0.022) and 2.46 (95% CI: 1.21 to 5.03, P = 0.013), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and immunological definitions of inflammation were each independently associated with increased HIV acquisition risk and combined, they reflected greater susceptibility. These findings highlight the important role of genital inflammation in women's HIV susceptibility, suggesting that clinical signs may provide practical early indicators of risk even as cytokine profiles provide more sensitive measures of underlying inflammation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Simultaneous Administration of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine With Other Recommended Vaccines Among Adolescents Aged 13-17 years, National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen), United States, 2023.

PURPOSE: To investigate the percent of adolescents who receive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine with one or more other vaccines recommended for adolescents in a single medical visit. METHODS: Data from the 2023 National Immunization Survey-Teen were analyzed. Timing of receipt of HPV vaccine, tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap), quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY), and influenza vaccine was assessed using provider-reported vaccination histories. RESULTS: In 2023, among adolescents aged 13-17 years, 69.5% received HPV vaccine with one or more other vaccines recommended for adolescents in a single medical visit. In addition, 47.8% received specifically HPV vaccine, Tdap, and MenACWY together in a single medical visit. DISCUSSION: The HPV vaccine is commonly given with other vaccines recommended for adolescents in a single medical visit. These findings demonstrate variation in simultaneous vaccination patterns, suggesting that flexibility in the recommended adolescent vaccination schedule allows for different approaches to vaccination across clinical settings and family preferences while maintaining adherence to the recommended schedule.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

"Everybody thinks that it won't happen to them": A mixed-methods study of HIV prevention strategies among people experiencing homelessness who use drugs.

BACKGROUND: HIV disproportionately affects people experiencing homelessness, particularly those who use drugs. Although effective prevention strategies exist, uptake remains suboptimal in high-risk populations. Limited research has examined how this population engages with HIV prevention strategies and the contextual factors shaping behaviors. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study of adults (≥18 years) experiencing homelessness with recent drug use, recruited from three Boston sites (Feb 2024-Jan 2025). Participants completed a survey assessing HIV prevention strategy uptake. A subsample completed in-depth interviews on factors influencing behavior. Guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework, we coded qualitative data and identified themes to help contextualize uptake. RESULTS: Among 196 participants, mean age was 48; 61% identified as male and 44% as non-Hispanic White. Forty-two percent reported condomless sex, and among those who had ever injected drugs (n = 123), 24% reported syringe sharing in the prior three months. Only 9% reported current PrEP use, and 12% had ever used HIV self-tests. Qualitative findings highlighted perceived control as a key facilitator, while low perceived HIV risk hindered uptake across strategies. Additional barriers varied by strategy and included partner dynamics and substance use affecting condom use, structural constraints affecting syringe use, and knowledge, stigma, and cost concerns affecting PrEP and self-testing. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of people experiencing homelessness who use drugs, HIV prevention strategy uptake was suboptimal, with particularly low PrEP and HIV self-testing use. Qualitative findings suggest that interventions to promote HIV prevention strategy uptake in this population should leverage perceived control, address perceived risk, and target strategy-specific interpersonal and structural barriers.

Humans↗