Microbiology & Infectious Diseases

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.