Infectious Diseases Archive — Page 2 of 13

Clostridium difficile bacterium, 3D illustration
January 28, 2026

Gut microbiome differs according to C. diff symptom status

In a study of children with symptomatic or asymptomatic C. diff, symptom status loomed as the strongest association with differences in gut microbial abundance and diversity.

By Paul Govern
Lili Tao, MD, PhD, medical director of Mycology and Immunoserology, shows Maggie Weiss a culture plate on which the fungus that causes histoplasmosis is growing. (photo by Susan Urmy)
January 22, 2026

A grateful patient says ‘thank you’ to Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories

The infection can result from inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which grows in soil throughout Middle Tennessee, especially in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Previously, blood samples had to be sent to a reference lab in Utah.

By Bill Snyder
(iStock)
January 20, 2026

VIGH, Ugandan partners land grant to study bunyaviruses in Tennessee and Uganda

Bunyaviruses can lead to many illnesses, ranging from mild fevers to serious and sometimes deadly diseases such as hemorrhagic fevers and encephalitis in both children and adults.

By Kristin Centers
January 20, 2026

Following recommended schedule helps keep children safe from vaccine-preventable diseases

Any length of time without immunizations is a time without protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

By Jessica Pasley
(Adobe Stock)
January 16, 2026

Vanderbilt Health team finds potent antibody that neutralizes two dangerous viruses

The single administration of an antibody that provides cross-protection against both RSV and hMPV infection could provide logistical and economic advantages over the need to develop and administer multiple virus-specific monoclonal antibodies.

By Bill Snyder
January 16, 2026

Flu is rampant in our area

It’s still not too late to get a flu shot; what to do if you get sick