The latest infectious disease news – from Ebola vaccination statistics to CRISPR editing gene technology for mpox
Each month, we carefully curate the top stories across the field of infectious disease – highlighting the latest news, industry insights, and clinical research. Want to receive these updates directly into your inbox? Sign up here.
Why do we conceal infectious diseases?
I’m sure everyone has frowned at the echoes of coughs around the office or at a busy family gathering. Unfortunately, a simple cold isn’t enough to prompt people to take a day off work or stay home. But at what point do we admit defeat and stay home to prevent the spread of disease? And when and why do people conceal infectious disease?
University of Michigan researchers conducted a study with 4,110 participants to find out. Shockingly (or not), they discovered that up to 75 percent of adults conceal infectious diseases to continue attending work and social events. Additionally, five percent admitted to concealing a COVID-19 infection for a social or achievement orientated event.
As disease concealment appears to be a widely prevalent behavior, we opened the floor to our newsletter readers. Who concealed an infectious disease in favor of personal goals? The results are highlighted below.
Have you ever concealed an infectious disease?
13 - Yes, for social, travel, and work reasons
9 - Yes, but only for work reasons
15 - No, I’ve always stayed at home
In Other News…
Researchers show that hormonal steroids bind to the MtrR protein of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, inducing multidrug resistance and stress response genes; in short, the study authors note, “[...steroid-based hormonal contraceptives might be co-opted by Neisseria gonorrhoeae to help colonize its human host.” Link
Team based in Australia explores transcriptional factors behind atypical B cells, pointing to zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (Zeb2) as a key player. Link
Retrospective cohort study confirms that vaccination against Ebola halves mortality rates for infected patients. Link
Controlled trials in India aim to understand barriers to children receiving inexpensive, life-saving treatment – oral rehydration salts (ORS) – for diarrhea from healthcare providers; surprisingly, the biggest barrier appears to be that providers feel the patients do not want ORS. Link
CRISPR gene editing technology used to develop a faster and more accessible testing system for mpox. Link