Infectious Diseases

Itraconazole effective for ringworm of the body but requires longer treatment

6 hours ago

Itraconazole appears to be effective in the treatment of patients with tinea corporis/cruris (TCC) or ringworm of the body, as shown in a study. However, the treatment duration needs to be longer and, even with successful treatment, many patients experience relapse.

Gut microbiome modulation reduces infections, shows other health benefits

Christina Lau, Yesterday

A gut microbiota–derived synbiotic formula developed by researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is shown in a randomized controlled trial to reduce the risk of bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19, reduce the risk of adverse events (AEs) after COVID-19 vaccination, restore healthy gut microbiota, and provide other health benefits.

HCV, HBV coinfection does not compromise HIV prognosis in the presence of active ART

2 days ago

Among people living with HIV on active antiretroviral therapy (ART), coinfection with the hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) viruses does not seem to significantly worsen immunologic and virologic response to treatment, a recent study has found.

Age, sex, syphilis risk factors for COVID-19 in PLHIV

Roshini Claire Anthony, 5 days ago

Among people living with HIV (PLHIV), young women and patients with active syphilis appeared to be at an elevated risk of contracting COVID-19, according to a cross-sectional study presented at HIV Glasgow 2022.

Vilobelimab augments treatment armamentarium for critically ill COVID-19 patients

Audrey Abella, 29 Nov 2022

In the phase III part of the PANAMO trial, the anti-C5a monoclonal antibody vilobelimab, when added to standard of care (SoC), improved survival in COVID-19 patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).

Breath-holding may predict adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients

Stephen Padilla, 28 Nov 2022

A higher prediction score in breath-holding is associated with nearly a fivefold increased likelihood of respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients, as well as with greater severity of pulmonary deficits seen in chest imaging, a study has shown.

Timely treatment of patients at risk for severe COVID-19 prevents severe outcomes

Dr. Asok Kurup, Dr. Alex Soriano, 31 Oct 2022

Despite widespread uptake of vaccinations, COVID-19 remains a serious health issue for high-risk patients, owing to the emergence of new variants of concern (VOCs), waning immunity, and breakthrough infections.

At a recent symposium in Singapore, esteemed experts Dr Asok Kurup, Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore, and Dr Alex Soriano, Head of Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and Assistant Professor, University of Barcelona, Spain, gave insights on the evolution of global trends since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed key challenges in managing high-risk patients with COVID-19 in the ICU. They also highlighted early treatment strategies to minimize the burden of COVID-19 on healthcare systems.

Burden of Dengue amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

12 Jul 2022

Dengue fever (DF) is endemic in many tropical countries, including Singapore, and is spread by Aedes mosquitoes. All four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV 1–4) are found in Singapore, with serotype distribution fluctuating from year to year. DENV-1 and DENV-2 were previously the dominant serotypes in outbreaks, but DENV-3 has now replaced DENV-2 as the most common serotype in 2022. Along with a larger proportion of people staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this has resulted in an increase in dengue incidence in Singapore. In the week of 12th to 18th June 2022, 1,258 new dengue cases were reported. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), this number is expected to rise and exceed the highest weekly figure of 1,787 cases recorded in 2020.

Rapid antigen test: Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good

Pearl Toh, 23 Oct 2021

While rapid antigen test is less sensitive than conventional nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) such as RT-PCR* in detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus, “a test does not have to be perfect to be clinically useful,” said Professor Angela Caliendo during a session in IDWeek 2021 — echoing the maxim that perfect should not be the enemy of good in the pandemic era.

ID NOW rapid molecular assay an effective COVID-19 test for kids

Rapid COVID-19 testing: Is it as good in kids?

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20 Oct 2021

A large retrospective study from the US, presented at IDWeek 2021, has shown that the Abbott ID NOW rapid molecular COVID-19 assay is highly sensitive and specific at detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in a paediatric population.

Age, sex, syphilis risk factors for COVID-19 in PLHIV

Roshini Claire Anthony, 30 Nov 2022

TB rates elevated after ART initiation in PLHIV

Roshini Claire Anthony, 21 Nov 2022

People living with HIV (PLHIV) who initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) are at an increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB), particularly in the first 3 months after starting ART, according to a study presented at HIV Glasgow 2022.

Low use of CVD prevention strategies in people with HIV

Roshini Claire Anthony, 18 Nov 2022

There is an underutilization of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention strategies in people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are at risk of CVD, according to a study presented at HIV Glasgow 2022.

Early ART yields better outcomes in HIV

Elvira Manzano, 14 Nov 2022

Early antiretroviral therapy (ART) in individuals with HIV offers better outcomes, particularly in those aged 35 years and younger, in a follow-up analysis of the START trial. Conversely, delayed therapy results in a higher risk of death and serious health issues in this population.

Ibrexafungerp: A potential solution for intolerance to standard antifungals?

Roshini Claire Anthony, 11 Nov 2022

Patients who are refractory or intolerant to currently approved antifungal therapies exhibited a positive response to the novel triterpenoid antifungal ibrexafungerp, according to interim analysis results of the phase III FURI trial.

Doravirine-lamivudine-tenofovir disoproxil well-tolerated as HIV postexposure prophylaxis

Tristan Manalac, 11 Nov 2022

Among people with potential nonoccupational exposure to HIV, a single-tablet once-daily regimen (STR) of doravirine-lamivudine-tenofovir disoproxil is a well-tolerated postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) option, reports a study presented at the recently concluded 2022 HIV Glasgow Conference.

B/F/TAF keeps HIV RNA levels suppressed at 24 months

Tristan Manalac, 10 Nov 2022

Implementing the bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) treatment regimen in routine clinical care can effectively suppress HIV in people living with HIV over 24 months of follow-up, reports a study presented at HIV Glasgow 2022.