Microbiology & Infectious Diseases

New research defines RSV viral shedding timelines, showing a short infectious window and key immune responses to guide prevention.

Ending CDC-funded HIV testing could raise infections by 10%, with rural areas most affected, highlighting the key role of early diagnosis.

Metagenomic analysis reveals Treponema and microbial dysbiosis in children with noma, a poorly understood, devastating childhood disease.

Fluvoxamine may reduce long COVID fatigue and boost quality of life, while metformin shows no benefit in adults with persistent post-COVID symptoms.

A new AI platform offers free drug discovery tools to global health researchers, aiming to speed up treatments for malaria, tuberculosis, and more.

London measles outbreak prompts calls for stronger vaccination efforts, with low uptake and inequalities driving rising case numbers.

Study finds higher antimicrobial resistance genes in lung disease patients, with antibiotic use linked to increased resistance in airway microbiomes.

Italian health authorities have been alerted of the first human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) in the EU, identified in the Lombardy Region.

WHO recommends new tuberculosis testing tools, including near point-of-care tests, tongue swabs, and sputum pooling to improve diagnosis and access.

Tens of thousands of people remain undiagnosed while Europe’s multidrug-resistant tuberculosis rates are up to seven times the global average.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported that the general population in the EU is at very low risk of invasive meningococcal disease.

Persistent taste dysfunction in long COVID may stem from molecular changes rather than structural damage, offering new insight into lingering symptoms.

Study shows zoonotic viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can transmit between humans without prior adaptation, unlike lab-passaged viruses.

Study finds gut microbiota composition may be linked to future cardiometabolic disease and cardiovascular events in a large multi-ethnic cohort.

South Africa is exploring local production of lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug, to improve regional access and strengthen supply chains.

Global AMR governance has improved, but antimicrobial resistance remains high, highlighting gaps in policy implementation and surveillance.

Scientists have discovered a protein, Aurora-related kinase 1, that is “indispensable” for malaria parasite survival.

Machine learning reveals unique COVID vaccine immune signatures in people living with HIV, with differences in antibodies, cytokines, and T cell responses.

The world’s first dengue fever early warning system has been launched by researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

The WHO has announced updated influenza vaccine strains for the 2026–27 northern hemisphere season, reflecting evolving flu virus patterns worldwide.

New research shows why coronavirus infection may lead to long COVID, with long-term effects on the lungs and brain, unlike influenza.

Novel gut health metric identifies microbial imbalance and may help detect disease progression earlier and more accurately.

Scientists have discovered a bacterium in Romanian cave ice that resists antibiotics used to treat infections including tuberculosis, colitis, and UTIs.

Study dissects HIV reservoir clones that persist on ART, revealing how CD8+ T cells and resistance pathways could be harnessed for future cure strategies.

Researchers uncover three antimicrobial peptides in dromedary camels that show potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

A renewed norovirus surge is pushing hospital cases to their highest level this winter, adding strain to the NHS as winter pressures persist.

A single-dose multicomponent mRNA vaccine elicits durable immune responses against influenza and COVID-19 in a Phase 1/2 trial.

WHO prequalification of an additional novel oral polio vaccine boosts global outbreak response, accelerating polio eradication efforts.

Releasing male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia cut wild mosquito numbers in Singapore and lowered dengue infection risk.

New study reveals how influenza virus infiltrates heart tissue via specialised immune cells, triggering damaging interferon responses.

A global study shows obesity heightens the risk of severe infections and related deaths across multiple disease types and populations.

New algorithm maps hidden global and genetic diversity in vaginal microbiomes, offering precision tools for reproductive health research.

Major trial finds immediate or high-dose TB treatment does not lower overall mortality in HIV-related sepsis, except in confirmed TB cases.

Rising temperatures are increasing antimicrobial resistance deaths in the Western Pacific, highlighting urgent need for global coordinated action.

A novel HIV vaccine candidate induces neutralising antibodies after a single dose in primates, potentially accelerating HIV prevention strategies.

Drug-resistant infections such as MRSA are widespread among children in Oceania, with major gaps in access and approved treatments.

Two major trials show metformin taken during acute COVID-19 lowers long COVID risk, is safe, and could be added to outpatient treatment guidelines.

HPV vaccination rates among schoolchildren in England stay below pre-pandemic levels, with 1 in 4 still unprotected against key cancers.

Influenza D and canine coronavirus HuPn-2018 could fuel future respiratory epidemics amid diagnostic and surveillance gaps, experts warn.

New modelling study estimates major lifetime health and cost burden from frailty and falls in people with HIV in the USA, highlighting need for prevention.

How does repeat influenza vaccination affect antibody responses? Study finds early immune boosts may be smaller, but protection later remains similar.

Babies rapidly share gut microbes at nursery, with peer contact shaping the infant microbiome as strongly as family by the first year of life.

Amplicon-based sequencing may boost severe pneumonia diagnosis in ICU, particularly for fungal infections and immunosuppressed patients.

New sero-genomic research suggests hidden mpox exposure in healthy Nigerian adults, highlighting residual smallpox immunity and surveillance gaps.

Early gut microbiota changes may predict diabetes, recurrence, and mortality after acute pancreatitis, offering new tools for long-term risk assessment.

Universal infant nirsevimab prophylaxis significantly reduced RSV-related hospitalisations and outpatient visits across two seasons in Spain.

Rising pTau-181 after COVID-19 correlates with neurological post-acute sequelae, offering clinicians potential prognostic insight.

New guidelines update ART choices, endorse long-acting injectables, refine infant feeding advice, and prioritise shorter TB preventive regimens.

Expansion of antiretroviral therapy in Uganda sharply reduced orphanhood incidence, especially among adolescents, but substantial risk persists.

A recent perspective highlights challenges in translating human microbiome research into consistent clinical benefits and precision interventions.

Pooled trial data show gepotidacin provides early, meaningful symptom relief comparable to nitrofurantoin in uncomplicated urinary tract infection.

Children facing economic instability and poor social support in the USA have higher odds of long COVID, highlighting the role of social determinants in child health.

Delayed routine infant vaccinations strongly predict missed MMR doses by age 2, raising concern as post-pandemic declines coincide with rising measles cases in the USA.

Adult bacterial meningitis continues to carry high mortality and neurological complications, especially from Listeria, Streptococcus pyogenes, and pneumococcus.

New evidence shows human rhinovirus can directly infect the lower lungs and cause pneumonia in adults, challenging its reputation as a mild cold virus.

Ants produce diverse, targeted antimicrobial compounds that inhibit drug-resistant pathogens, including Candida auris, offering insights for new antibiotics.

A multi-omics study identifies causal genes and biological subtypes of Long COVID, revealing new therapeutic targets for personalised care.

Novel multistage malaria vaccine demonstrates over 50% efficacy following controlled human malaria infection, supporting further trials in children.

Baloxavir significantly reduces hospitalisations in influenza outpatients compared with oseltamivir, highlighting its value during flu season.

WHO’s review of studies from 2010–2025 confirms vaccines, including thiomersal-containing ones, are not associated with autism.

New Global Burden of Disease 2023 data show lower respiratory infections still cause 2.5 million deaths yearly, with children and older adults most affected.

A 3-year study in Israel shows pooled-saliva cCMV universal screening identifies hidden infections in newborns, enabling early treatment and improving outcomes.

The UKHSA has detected an inter-clade recombinant mpox virus in England; vaccines remain effective and risk to the public is low.

New intranasal BPZE1 vaccine is safe and reduces Bordetella pertussis colonisation, offering hope for whooping cough prevention.

A large study of 1,100 adults shows how nasal microbiome structure influences Staphylococcus aureus carriage.

The WHO World Malaria Report 2025 highlights gains in malaria control, ongoing challenges in Africa, and lifesaving interventions.

New test shows high sensitivity for tuberculosis, providing a faster, near-point-of-care option for early detection and prevention.

Novel mRNA peptibody therapy reduces bacterial load and inflammation in preclinical MDR pneumonia models, offering a new approach to antibiotic resistance.

A modelling study shows syphilis rapid-test algorithms differ widely in missed cases, overtreatment and cost, with optimal strategy varying by population.

New multicomponent programme reduces infection-related maternal deaths and severe illness in Malawi and Uganda by supporting early detection and treatment.

Sorfequiline, combined with pretomanid and linezolid, shows superior efficacy and safety in drug-sensitive TB, supporting its potential role in ultra-short treatment regimens.

The latest UKHSA winter surveillance bulletin shows flu activity rising unusually early, while COVID-19 remains low and RSV begins to increase.

Medicare data show RSV infection may trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome in older adults, although rare. Clinicians should remain vigilant in high-risk populations.

Antibiotic-resistant infections surge in the UK, with nearly 400 weekly cases reported in 2024 and rising deaths, UKHSA report reveals.

Early changes in the nasopharyngeal microbiome could signal fatal infections in infants, offering hope for precision diagnosis and care.

Only 18 asymptomatic H5N1 cases have been reported globally; most found via enhanced surveillance of high-risk contacts.

These findings highlight that lenacapavir and bNAbs can maintain high rates of virologic suppression while presenting a low risk of resistance.

Global Chagas disease cases decline, yet prevalence grows in non-endemic countries due to migration, new study shows.

Gut bacteria influence HIV reservoir size and activity differently across GI segments, offering insights for targeted cure strategies.

HCV incidence among people who inject drugs in Scotland has halved since 2015, bringing WHO elimination targets within reach.

A new two-dose Salmonella Paratyphi A vaccine offers 73% protection in adults and shows strong safety and immune responses, addressing a major public health need.

Study of 2,061 infants reveals RSV, HMPV, influenza, and viral co-infections significantly increase severe lower respiratory illness risk.

Children face over twice the risk of paediatric long COVID after SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, highlighting urgent needs for prevention.

A USA cohort study finds persistent olfactory dysfunction up to 2 years after COVID-19, even in people unaware of smell loss.

New study shows oral microbiome imbalance and reduced salivary hypotaurine may contribute to neuroinflammation in relapsing-remitting MS.

EACS 2025 study shows doxycycline prophylaxis reduced chlamydia and syphilis rates in Swiss men with HIV, with no effect against gonorrhoea.

EACS 2025 data show over half of HIV diagnoses among migrants in Switzerland occur post-migration, highlighting need for targeted testing and prevention.

EACS 2025 study shows minimal HBV reactivation after stopping tenofovir in people with HIV, supporting safe use of tenofovir-sparing ART.

New EACS data show once-weekly islatravir and lenacapavir maintain HIV viral suppression for 96 weeks with no resistance or major side effects.

A new near point-of-care malaria diagnostic detects low-density infections in 45 minutes, supporting malaria elimination efforts across Africa.

Trace-positive sputum identifies a high-risk group for tuberculosis in Uganda. Chest x-ray abnormalities further highlight patients needing early treatment or monitoring.

Cefiderocol shows comparable effectiveness to standard care in treating carbapenem-resistant bloodstream infections, offering hope against superbugs.

A new global analysis reveals chikungunya virus is responsible for millions of infections annually across all continents, with chronic disease accounting for most of the health burden.

A broadly protective sarbecovirus vaccine could slow outbreaks, reduce deaths and give health systems critical time in future pandemics, new research suggests.

Researchers identify LRP8 as the essential receptor for tick-borne encephalitis virus in brain cells, offering new targets for antiviral therapy.

A Mali cohort study shows preterm birth elevates malaria infection risk in children, particularly in multigravid mothers without pregnancy malaria, suggesting targeted prevention and vaccination strategies.

A phase 2 trial in Gabon showed that the PfSPZ malaria vaccine is safe in children aged 1–12 years but failed to prevent Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Immune profiles after COVID-19 vaccination predict booster need, with rapid-decliners at higher risk of breakthrough infection.

Rare genetic variants affecting antiviral, inflammatory, and autophagy pathways may explain severe neurological complications from chickenpox in children.

A landmark trial combining novel therapies has produced the first signs of durable post-treatment HIV control, pointing to a new frontier in functional cure research.

Prior dengue infection reshapes innate immunity, boosting vaccine efficacy. Vaccination alone fails to replicate these immune changes.

Global disparities in AMR governance show high-income countries with stronger plans, while low-income nations face weaker strategies and higher infection burdens.

A 3-month clofazimine- and rifapentine-containing regimen for drug-susceptible TB failed to improve cure rates and caused more severe adverse events than standard therapy, according to the Clo-Fast trial.

New UKHSA data show pre-school booster coverage has fallen to 81.4% in England, below herd immunity thresholds, leaving children vulnerable to outbreaks.

Discover how machine learning shows high accuracy for HIV prediction but needs better validation before use in STI clinical practice.

Three monoclonal antibodies targeting monkeypox A35 protein protect mice and improve outcomes, highlighting potential for new therapies.

A new study suggests that the common cold may boost children’s antiviral defences, lowering the risk and severity of COVID-19.

FMT and microbiome therapies significantly outperform antibiotics in recurrent C. difficile infection, with cure rates up to 91% and favourable long-term safety.

Respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 can awaken dormant breast cancer cells, driving metastasis and raising mortality risk in cancer survivors, new research finds.

A Ugandan trial has found artemether-lumefantrine less effective than other ACTs, with malaria resistance mutations linked to delayed parasite clearance.

A Phase 1 USA trial finds novel oral polio vaccines nOPV1 and nOPV3 to be safe, highly immunogenic, and comparable to Sabin-strain vaccines, paving the way for Phase 2 studies.

Portable $2 test detects deadly infections from a drop of blood within 15 minutes, with unmatched sensitivity.

An AI-driven drug discovery platform has created new antibiotics with unique mechanisms against drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae and MRSA, showing success in preclinical models.

Researchers developed a novel vaginal synbiotic (VS-01) comprising three L. crispatus strains isolated from women with stable, optimal microbiomes.

A new study in Niger reveals a sharp rise in drug-resistant bacteria among hospitalised children treated for severe malnutrition, raising concerns about antibiotic overuse and AMR.

UK health officials urge parents to catch up on MMR vaccines as measles cases rise, warning of a possible surge when school resumes in September.

New research identifies HIV PrEP drugs and MCL-1 inhibitors as promising treatments for HTLV-1c, a neglected virus causing severe disease in Indigenous populations.

A European cohort study finds only 40% of patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis achieved successful treatment outcomes, with mortality and failure rates remaining high.

Taking doxycycline after condomless sex significantly reduced bacterial STIs in men who have sex with men and transgender women.

New data show that one dose of the HPV vaccine in girls aged 9–14 triggers strong, lasting immune responses, comparable to a full three-dose course in adult women.