Infectious Diseases

November 15, 2024

Zinc deficiency promotes Acinetobacter lung infection: study

The study findings point to the potential of interleukin-13 antibodies — approved for use in humans — as a treatment to protect against bacterial pneumonia in patients with zinc deficiency.

By Leigh MacMillan
(iStock)
November 6, 2024

Number of whooping cough cases on rise nationally

While it has been difficult to pinpoint the reason for the rise in cases, waning immunity and vaccine hesitancy may be the likely culprits.

By Jessica Pasley
October 25, 2024

Asthma drug does not speed COVID-19 recovery: study

The study, a randomized and controlled clinical trial, tested the effectiveness of montelukast in 1,250 outpatients with acute post-COVID-19 symptoms.

By Bill Snyder and Shantell Kirkendoll
October 21, 2024

Anna Person honored for teaching by Infectious Diseases Society of America

Person, an award citation reads in part, “has been a champion for empathy and equity in caring for patients. … She models for her learners how to compassionately care and advocate for marginalized populations.”

By Paul Govern
(iStock)
October 16, 2024

Study of severe drug reactions finds skin cells activate their own assassins

Single-cell analysis reveals the inner workings of the life-threatening adverse drug reactions Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

By Paul Govern
October 2, 2024

VUMC awarded PCORI funding to improve antibiotic prescribing for childhood respiratory infections

The pediatric outpatient antibiotic stewardship project is the first implementation project funded at VUMC as part of the PCORI Health Systems Implementation Initiative, which aims to reduce the estimated 17-year gap between evidence publication and clinical application.

By Leigh MacMillan
September 13, 2024

VUMC joins national effort to prevent another pandemic

Developed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ReVAMPP will support a coordinating center and seven research centers, including VUMC, with a focus on nine virus groups that pose the greatest risk to human health.
By Bill Snyder
September 11, 2024

Kelly Dooley’s TB research receives MERIT Award from the NIH  

Researchers must continually chase funding for their work. Kelly Dooley's prestigious award from the NIH is intended to help provide respite from that chase.
By Paul Govern
September 4, 2024

RSV vaccine in older people cuts risk of hospitalization

A multicenter study conducted in 19 states between October 2023 and March 2024 demonstrated that RSV vaccination was 75% effective in preventing RSV-associated hospitalizations for adults age 60 and older.
By Bill Snyder
September 4, 2024

Bacterial metabolism plays role in staph antibiotic tolerance

Staph is a leading bacterial cause of death from bloodstream, bone and joint infections, in part because of high rates of antibiotic treatment failure.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 13, 2024

VUMC, DOD join forces for a hantavirus antibody “sprint”

VUMC’s antibody collaboration with the DOD goes back to 2018, when the medical center signed a five-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop protective treatments that can be rushed to health care providers within weeks after a viral outbreak.
By Bill Snyder
July 23, 2024

VUMC joins $31 million project to speed new TB therapies

Sweeping data integration and clinical trial simulations are needed to help decide which targets to prioritize in researching new tuberculosis treatment regimens.
By Paul Govern
July 12, 2024

Wesley Self named to leadership role in global clinical trials network

The Strategies and Treatments for Respiratory Infections and Viral Emergencies network includes more than 300 sites around the world and international experts in clinical trials, infectious diseases, critical care and pandemic preparedness.
By Bill Snyder
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