Former US President Jimmy Carter, whose commitment to the eradication of Guinea worm and other diseases of poverty leaves a lasting legacy, died on Dec 29, 2024. Talha Burki reports.
Category: Immunology
New insights into mechanisms of mucosal mast cells in food allergies
Food allergy, or the aggressive immune system reaction following the consumption of a certain food or food ingredient, typically involves immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and can be potentially life-threatening. Often, the immune response to a food protein can be rapid and severe, requiring emergency care. In recent years, scientific studies have revealed that mucosal mast… Continue reading New insights into mechanisms of mucosal mast cells in food allergies
[Obituary] Adriaan Willem Sturm
Renowned expert in medical microbiology died on Nov 15, 2024, aged 79 years.
[Newsdesk] Reinvigorating malaria control in Africa
Africa’s progress towards malaria control is stalling in high-burden regions due to political instability, funding gaps, and ineffective health systems. Vijay Shankar Balakrishnan reports.
[Newsdesk] Research in brief
Monotherapy with bedaquiline, a diarylquinoline used to treat pulmonary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, is efficacious in patients with multibacillary leprosy, suggests a phase 2, open-label study in Brazil. Nine adult patients with previously untreated leprosy consisting of at least six skin lesions received oral bedaquiline 200 mg once daily for 2 weeks, followed by bedaquiline 100 mg… Continue reading [Newsdesk] Research in brief
[Newsdesk] Infectious disease surveillance update
On Dec 19, 2024, the Regional Public Health Office (RUVZ) in Bratislava, Slovakia, reported an increase in the number of hepatitis A cases in all districts of the Bratislava region. According to the RUVZ, 73 cases of hepatitis A were recorded between Jan 1 and Dec 19, 2024, with 24 cases recorded in Dec 1–19… Continue reading [Newsdesk] Infectious disease surveillance update
[Editorial] Vaccination in Africa—no hesitancy without access
Mpox vaccines are finally trickling into Africa after having been available in non-endemic, high-income countries for more than 2 years. Yet, they will have limited impact in stemming the ongoing outbreaks of monkeypox virus on the continent if people refuse them. An online survey of 1832 adults in six African countries, published in eClinicalMedicine, reported… Continue reading [Editorial] Vaccination in Africa—no hesitancy without access
[Newsdesk] Raw milk, bird flu, and the politicisation of public health
The US FDA announced an investigation into the presence of avian influenza virus in raw milk products as human infections rise and one death is reported. Cahal McQuillan reports.
[Newsdesk] Increase in zoonotic diseases in Europe
A report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Food Safety Authority highlights the burden of zoonotic diseases in Europe. Sanjeet Bagcchi reports.
[Newsdesk] WHO reports gaps in global IPC programmes
Inadequate infection prevention and control programmes are contributing to high rates of health care-associated infections in health facilities globally. Timothy Jesudason reports.