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December 2007
1. Nationwide study reveals MRSA more widespread than previously believed
Although MRSA infections have been considered a significant public health problem for several years, a recently-published study revealed that they may be more common than doctors previously understood. The study also indicated that although MRSA infections remain primarily health care-associated, they are increasingly being seen in other settings. 2. Yale study: Universal HIV screening is cost-effective
In 2006, the CDC recommended routine volunteer HIV testing for all Americans aged 13 to 64. Earlier this year, a Yale study demonstrated that such an approach to HIV testing is cost-effective. The Yale study confirmed that universal HIV testing is cost-effective even in places where the percentage of patients with HIV is low and patients may not meet the criteria for traditional risk factors. 3. Rates of XDR-TB, MDR-TB increasing
Multidrug-resistant TB is now present in 90 countries and extensively drug-resistant TB is becoming more prevalent in countries throughout the world. According to WHO estimates, 423,000 new cases of MDR-TB occur each year. For most patients with TB throughout the world, proper diagnosis and treatment remain inadequate. 4. Study in Kenya and Uganda finds male circumcision significantly reduces HIV risk
The study found that male circumcision was associated with up to a 50% reduction in the risk of contracting HIV. The study, which was stopped early due to clear efficacy, prompted WHO to recommend circumcision as an additional intervention to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. 5. Merck discontinues HIV vaccine candidate
A phase-2 clinical trial of V520, an investigational HIV vaccine, was discontinued earlier this year. Following a review of safety data and interim efficacy analysis, the Independent Data Safety Monitoring Board said the vaccine would not meet its primary endpoints and recommended the discontinuation of the trial. 6. Human-to-human transmission of avian influenza detected
Researchers discovered what they believe is the first evidenceof human-to-humantransmission of H5N1. The transmission occurred among an extended family in Indonesia. 7. Increased number of foodborne illness outbreaks reported
Foodborne illness outbreaks – including E. Coli, botulism and salmonella – were reported with increasing frequency this year. Experts have questioned the safety of the food supply and public health officials have urged tighter restrictions to reduce the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks. 8. Two new studies find contrasting views of influenza vaccine effectiveness
A study published in the Oct. 7 issue of Lancet Infectious Diseases questioned the notion that influenza immunization saves lives in the elderly population. But another study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated that influenza vaccines reduced mortality from influenza complications in the elderly by 48%. 9. Chikungunya fever outbreak reported in Italy
In September, Italian health officials reported 254 cases of Chikungunya fever. The outbreak occurred in the province of Ravenna, in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Public health officials said they believed this was the first outbreak of Chikungunya fever in Europe. Previously, outbreaks have typically been reported in Africa and Asia. 10. ACIP recommends MCV4 for adolescents
In an effort to simplify adolescent vaccine schedules, members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted in favor of recommending the tetravalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine for all 11- to 18-year-olds. This recommendation came after a review of disease epidemiology data showing an increased risk for disease among patients in this age group. |
