New Insights into Biomarkers for Evaluating Therapy Efficacy in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Narrative Review
AbstractEvaluating therapy efficacy is crucial for patients with tuberculosis (TB), especially those with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). The World Health Organization currently recommends sputum smear and culture as the standard methods for evaluating pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) therapy efficacy. However, these approaches have limitations including low sensitivity, lengthy culture periods, and susceptibility to contamination. There is an urgent need for dependable biomarkers to evaluate therapy efficacy in patients with PTB. Numerous new biomarkers ofMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and the host have been used in re...
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - November 8, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Candida albicans and Antifungal Peptides
AbstractCandida albicans, a ubiquitous opportunistic fungal pathogen, plays a pivotal role in human health and disease. As a commensal organism, it normally resides harmlessly within the human microbiota. However, under certain conditions,C. albicans can transition into a pathogenic state, leading to various infections collectively known as candidiasis. With the increasing prevalence of immunocompromised individuals and the widespread use of invasive medical procedures, candidiasis has become a significant public health concern. The emergence of drug-resistant strains further complicates treatment options, highlighting t...
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - November 8, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
New Insights into Biomarkers for Evaluating Therapy Efficacy in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Narrative Review
AbstractEvaluating therapy efficacy is crucial for patients with tuberculosis (TB), especially those with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). The World Health Organization currently recommends sputum smear and culture as the standard methods for evaluating pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) therapy efficacy. However, these approaches have limitations including low sensitivity, lengthy culture periods, and susceptibility to contamination. There is an urgent need for dependable biomarkers to evaluate therapy efficacy in patients with PTB. Numerous new biomarkers ofMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and the host have been used in re...
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - November 8, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Emergent Variants Following AZD7442 (Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab) for Early Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19 (TACKLE Trial)
ConclusionThese data indicate that AZD7442 creates a high genetic barrier for resistance and is a feasible option for COVID-19 treatment. (Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy)
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - November 2, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Evaluation of Different Blood Culture Bottles for the Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections in Patients with HIV
ConclusionsFungal BSIs are the predominant type of infections in HIV-positive patients. Myco/F culture bottles exhibit noteworthy attributes of high positive rate in diagnosing HIV combined with BSI. These advantages are conducive to obtaining accurate culture results and minimizing missed diagnoses. (Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy)
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - October 23, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Mutations in Coding and Non-Coding Regions in Varicella-Zoster Virus Causing Fatal Hemorrhagic Fever Without Rash in an Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report
ConclusionDifferential diagnosis of varicella-zoster virus in immunocompetent adults should be considered among patients with suspected VHF, even if the expected vesicular rash is not present at admission and does not arise thereafter. Whole genome sequencing of strains causing uncommon symptoms and/or mortality is needed for epidemiological surveillance and further characterization of putative markers of virulence. Additionally, this report highlights the recommendation for a VZV vaccination policy in non-immunized migrants from developing countries. (Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy)
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - October 23, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Evaluation of Different Blood Culture Bottles for the Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections in Patients with HIV
ConclusionsFungal BSIs are the predominant type of infections in HIV-positive patients. Myco/F culture bottles exhibit noteworthy attributes of high positive rate in diagnosing HIV combined with BSI. These advantages are conducive to obtaining accurate culture results and minimizing missed diagnoses. (Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy)
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - October 23, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Mutations in Coding and Non-Coding Regions in Varicella-Zoster Virus Causing Fatal Hemorrhagic Fever Without Rash in an Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report
ConclusionDifferential diagnosis of varicella-zoster virus in immunocompetent adults should be considered among patients with suspected VHF, even if the expected vesicular rash is not present at admission and does not arise thereafter. Whole genome sequencing of strains causing uncommon symptoms and/or mortality is needed for epidemiological surveillance and further characterization of putative markers of virulence. Additionally, this report highlights the recommendation for a VZV vaccination policy in non-immunized migrants from developing countries. (Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy)
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - October 23, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Alfosbuvir plus Daclatasvir for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in China
ConclusionsAlfosbuvir plus daclatasvir for 12 weeks was highly effective and safe in Chinese patients infected with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, or 6, suggesting that this regimen could be a promising option for HCV treatment in China irrespective of genotype.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrial.gov identifier, NCT04070235. (Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy)
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - October 19, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Versus Dolutegravir Plus Lamivudine for Switch Therapy in Patients with HIV-1 Infection: A Real-World Cohort Study
ConclusionsBoth regimens are well tolerated and effective for switching HIV-1 infection therapy. However, the detection of genotypic drug resistance should be considered when baseline virological non-suppression is observed. (Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy)
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - October 16, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Disease Burden of Meningitis Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae Among Under-Fives in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
ConclusionsPneumococcal meningitis remains one of the most important health problems among children younger than 5 years in China. Immunization programs should be promoted to avoid preventable cases and deaths. (Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy)
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - October 14, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
