Immunology

This study was a systematic review of evidence related to sexual transmission of HIV at varying viral load levels among serodiscordant couples. The results showed a nearly zero risk of sexual transmission of HIV when the partner living with HIV has a viral load of less than 1000 copies per mL.  A new study published...

In a comprehensive study spanning eight countries and involving 2401 children over 2 years, four clinical case definitions for respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection were evaluated against the World Health Organization’s 2015 criteria.  Respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection (RSV–LRTI) poses a significant threat to young children globally, with varied diagnostic criteria...

Those living in a state with a vaccine mandate during 2020 to 2021 flu season had higher probability of receiving flu shot Children living in states with a vaccine mandate during the 2020 to 2021 influenza season had a higher predicted probability of receiving an influenza vaccine, according to a study published online Oct. 10...

A new study shows that higher exposure to pesticides among rural workers puts them at risk of Hodgkin lymphoma, autoimmune disorders, and other health issues caused by genotoxicity. Though the Green Revolution has helped increase food production globally, it has resulted in the indiscriminate use of pesticides in some nations, putting rural populations at risk....

A recent study explored the correlation between respiratory syncytial virus levels in wastewater and influenza-like illness rates. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred advancements in wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) of respiratory pathogens, offering potential applications in public health surveillance.  This study, conducted in Larissa, Central Greece, assessed the benefits of monitoring respiratory syncytial virus...

Opioid agonist therapy and needle and syringe programs are effective in reducing the transmission of HIV, HCV, and injecting risk behavior, according to a recent review. The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with injecting risk behavior in people who inject drugs (PWID). This systematic review updated an...

Sulfated endospermic nanocellulose crystals were shown to have antiviral activity by irreversibly interacting with viral particles via cross-linking, thereby inhibiting viral infections. Sulfated endospermic nanocellulose (ENC) crystals are biomaterials that have antimicrobial activity. ENC can be derived from the parenchyma of ivory nut endosperm and used against microbes after its binding capacity is enhanced by...

A literature review found that long-acting injectable cabotegravir is effective for the prevention of HIV; however, it may increase the risk of resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors in individuals with infection at the initiation or during the treatment process. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pose a significant health burden,...

Methotrexate treatment for refractory adult atopic dermatitis leads to changes in the cutaneous expression of IL-31 and IL-31RA, according to a recent study. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease with a complex pathophysiology. AD treatment requires inflammation reduction and skin barrier repair. Therefore, methotrexate (MTX) may serve as a treatment for patients with...