Introduction The efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) remain controversial. Method PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database were searched on September 19, 2024. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, while secondary outcomes included serious adverse events. A random-effects model calculated risk ratios

Background Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r) is an oral antiviral treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19. Methods This phase 2/3, double-blind, randomized (1:1) study assessed oral NMV/r 300 mg/100 mg versus placebo every 12 hours for 5 days in high-risk, unvaccinated, nonhospitalized, symptomatic adults with COVID-19 from 343 sites across 21 countries. In testing the primary endpoint of COVID-19‒related

Background Older individuals and adults with certain chronic or immunocompromising health conditions are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. Methods In this phase 3 randomized trial of RSVpreF safety and immunogenicity in 18−59-year-olds at high-risk of severe RSV disease, participants were randomized 2:1 to 1 RSVpreF (120 µg) or placebo dose. Primary safety endpoints included reactogenicity events

Background Accessible, accurate screening tests are necessary to advance tuberculosis (TB) case finding and early detection in high-burden countries. Methods We prospectively screened adults with ≥2 weeks of cough at primary health centers in the Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa, Uganda, and India. Participants received chest-X-ray, Cepheid Xpert TB Host Response (Xpert HR) testing, and point-of-care

Background Cancer risk among people with HIV (PWH) has declined over time as a result of antiretroviral therapy, but it is unclear whether all racial/ethnic groups and transmission risk groups have experienced equal declines. Methods We used data on PWH aged ≥20 years old from the HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study during 2001–2019. We used Poisson regression to assess time trends in incidence rates for each

Background Infectious diseases is a crucial specialty in medicine, yet applications for fellowship have declined even as the United States faces an imminent shortage of infectious disease physicians. Career interests often develop in medical school, but little is known about which interests and experiences are associated with interest in ID. Objective Evaluate interest in ID among medical students

Background While people with HIV (PWH) start antiretroviral treatment (ART) regardless of CD4 count, CD4 measurement remains crucial for detecting advanced HIV disease and evaluating ART programmes. We explored CD4 measurement (proportion of PWH with a CD4 result available) and prevalence of CD4 <200 cells/µL at ART initiation within the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA)

Background Borealpox virus (BRPV, formerly known as Alaskapox virus) is a zoonotic member of the Orthopoxvirus genus first identified in a person in 2015. In the six patients with infection previously observed BRPV involved mild, self-limiting illness. We report the first fatal BRPV infection in an immunosuppressed patient Methods A man aged 69 years from Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula was receiving anti-CD20

Background Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) is a chronic lung condition with rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide. Macrolides like azithromycin and clarithromycin are the backbone of long-term antibiotic therapy for progressive MAC-PD. The impact of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), especially within the susceptible range, for macrolides on treatment responses remains

Background Limited evidence suggests elevated risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) disease, though studies have not adjusted for pre-existing CVD risk. We carried out a cohort study using two separate datasets, estimating CVD incidence in people with TB versus those without. Methods Using data from the United States (Veterans Health Administration) and

Background Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and the menopausal transition have separately been associated with body composition changes in women with HIV (WWH), but their interaction is unknown. Methods From 2006-2019, 1131 non-pregnant WWH with viral suppression [(419 who switched to INSTI (INSTI+); 712 who did not switch (INSTI–)] and 887 women without HIV (WWOH) from the Women’s Interagency

Successful prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a central focus of clinical care in solid organ and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Over the past 5 years, pivotal clinical trials have created new paradigms in CMV prevention, including diverging approaches in HCT and SOT. We review recent advances in CMV risk assessment and progress in antiviral and immune-based

Background Guidelines recommend annual anal cytology-based squamous cell carcinoma of anus (SCCA) screening for men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV aged ≥35 years (eligible population). Recommended threshold for high resolution anoscopy (HRA) depends on its availability: low-threshold (any abnormal cytology) if availability is high, and high-threshold (High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion

Background Measles is a highly contagious disease presenting a significant risk for unvaccinated infants and adults. Measles vaccination under the age of 12 months provides early protection, but has also been associated with blunting of antibody responses to subsequent measles vaccinations and assumed to have lower vaccine effectiveness. Methods Our study included children who received an early measles

Background While the estimated number of U.S. influenza-associated deaths is reported annually, detailed data on the epidemiology of influenza-associated deaths, including the burden of in-hospital versus post-hospital discharge deaths are limited. Methods Using data from the 2010-11 through 2018-19 seasons from the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network, we linked cases to death certificates

Background Despite effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, clinical burden persists. An unmet need exists for additional effective agents with safety profiles allowing use across a broad population. Ibuzatrelvir is an orally bioavailable SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor that has demonstrated in vitro antiviral activity and low potential for safety concerns, including drug-drug interactions. Methods

In a low-barrier long-acting PrEP program in a safety-net setting, permitting same-day or next-day initiation, 85% of injections were on-time, and six-month retention was 83%, surpassing outcomes from most previously-reported oral PrEP studies. With drop-in, wrap-around services, similar retention among housing-insecure populations was seen. Long-acting PrEP expansion is urgently needed.

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) reduces the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men and transgender women. In the United States, doxy-PEP is in an early stage of integration into clinical practice, and national guidelines for its use were recently released. The goal of this manuscript is to provide practical guidance for clinicians who

This article provides a focused update to the clinical practice guideline on the treatment and management of patients with coronavirus disease 2019, developed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The guideline panel presents a recommendation on the use of the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 neutralizing antibody pemivibart as pre-exposure prophylaxis. The recommendation

INTRODUCTION The equity-focused ILANA study evaluated feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness of delivering on-label two-monthly cabotegravir and rilpivirine (CAB+RPV) injections for HIV-1 therapy in clinics and community settings. METHODS The study, which mandated inclusive recruitment, was conducted May-December 2022 at six UK sites. Injections were delivered in clinic (months 1-6), and in clinic

Background As COVID-19-related mortality remains a concern, optimal management of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 continues to evolve. We developed a population model based on real-world evidence to quantify the clinical impact of increased utilization of remdesivir, the effectiveness of which has been well established in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods The PINC AI healthcare database

Remdesivir is the only antiviral approved for treatment of persons hospitalized for COVID-19. This supplement presents new information from real-world cohort studies reporting reduced mortality in at-risk populations and reductions in re-admission for COVID-19 in the Omicron era.

Background Previous estimates of vaccine effectiveness (VE) against asymptomatic influenza virus infection based on seroconversion have varied widely and may be biased. We estimated 2022–2023 influenza VE against illness and asymptomatic infection in a prospective cohort. Methods In the HEROES-RECOVER cohort, adults at increased occupational risk of influenza exposure across 7 US sites provided weekly

Background Evidence is limited about the comparative safety of antibiotic regimens for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We compared the risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with antibiotic regimens for CAP treatment among otherwise healthy, non-elderly adults. Methods We conducted an active comparator new-user cohort study (2007-2019) of commercially-insured adults 18–64 years

BACKGROUND Blastomycosis is an environmentally acquired fungal infection that can result in severe pulmonary illness and high hospitalization rates. In 2023, a blastomycosis outbreak was detected among workers at a paper mill in Delta County, Michigan. METHODS We included patients with clinical and laboratory evidence of blastomycosis who had spent ≥40 hours in Delta County since September 1, 2022

Background COVID-19 remains a major public health concern, with continued resurgences of cases and substantial risk of mortality for hospitalized patients. Remdesivir has become standard-of-care for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Given the continued evolution of the disease, clinical management relies on evidence from the current endemic period. Methods Using the PINC AI Healthcare database, effectiveness

Summary The authors provide a brief overview of different propensity score methods that can be used in observational research studies that lack randomization. Under specific assumptions, these methods result in unbiased estimates of causal effects, but the different ways propensity score are used may require different assumptions and result in estimated treatment effects that can have meaningfully

BACKGROUND Data on the true prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among medically attended acute respiratory illnesses (MAARI) has been limited by the lack of regular clinical testing of mild to moderate illnesses. Here we present a prospective evaluation of the epidemiology of RSV-associated MAARI across age groups and multimorbidity status over 3 seasons, which is informative in light of

BACKGROUND Weight gain and associated metabolic complications are increasingly prevalent among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are incretin-based therapies for diabetes and weight management that have been shown to result in substantial weight loss; however, studies of their effects in PWH are limited. METHODS A retrospective single-center

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is increasing in incidence globally and challenging to manage. The 2020 multisociety treatment guideline and the 2022 consensus recommendations provide comprehensive evidence-based guides to manage pulmonary diseases caused by the most common NTM. However, with >190 different NTM species that may require different multidrug regimens for treatment

Background Patients with immunocompromising conditions are at an increased risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related hospitalizations and mortality. Randomized clinical trials provide limited enrollment, if any, to inform outcomes of such patients treated with remdesivir. Methods Using the US PINC AI Healthcare Database, we identified adult patients with immunocompromising conditions, hospitalized

Background Reducing hospital readmission offer potential benefits for patients, providers, payers, and policymakers to improve quality of healthcare, reduce cost, and improve patient experience. We investigated effectiveness of remdesivir in reducing 30-day COVID-19-related readmission during the Omicron era, including older adults and those with underlying immunocompromising conditions. Methods This

Background Linezolid, an important component of rifampicin- and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) treatment, is associated with treatment-limiting toxicities, including anemia. Patient-level and linezolid pharmacokinetic risk factors for anemia have not been well described in children treated for RR/MDR-TB. Methods We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of linezolid and longitudinal hemoglobin

Background Respiratory isolation of people with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), including after treatment initiation, is used to prevent community-based transmission; yet guidelines on duration are limited and implementation is heterogeneous. This systematic review synthesized evidence on respiratory isolation for TB to inform National TB Coalition of America guidelines. Methods After searching six databases

Although occult fungal, viral and multidrug-resistant bacterial infections can cause persistent fever in neutropenic patients with hematologic cancer, a variety of non-infectious entities should be considered in case-by-case basis in the context of negative diagnostic workup for infection.

Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have made it possible for persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to live a lifespan approaching that of people without HIV, without progressing to AIDS or transmitting HIV to sexual partners or infants. There is, therefore, increasing emphasis on maintaining health throughout the lifespan. To receive optimal medical care and achieve desired outcomes

The concept of immunity debt is a phenomenon resulting from the suppression of endemic pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic due to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). The reduced circulation of various pathogens during the pandemic, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), altered typical infectious disease dynamics by reducing levels of population immunity usually acquired through exposure

Background Recent ECIL-guidelines recommend a quantitative PCR (qPCR) guided pre-emptive treatment approach to toxoplasmosis in seropositive recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). While qPCR might serve as a sensitive tool for early Toxoplasma detection, its role in treatment follow-up remains unknown. Methods We analyzed the qPCR kinetics of allo-HCT recipients experiencing

Background In countries with low tuberculosis (TB) burden, the risk of TB in people with HIV (PWH) once HIV virological suppression is achieved is not fully understood. Methods In a nationwide cohort, we included all adult PWH from the Danish HIV Cohort initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) (1995-2017) without prior TB disease. We used Kaplan-Meier estimation and Poisson regression to calculate TB

The IA-DUET study aimed to compare azole-echinocandin combination with azole monotherapy for invasive aspergillosis. Recruitment was hindered by patient ineligibility, competing studies, and guidelines favoring combination therapy when azole resistance was unknown. The low IA-attributable mortality suggests future trials may benefit from cluster randomization or composite endpoints to enhance efficiency

Introduction Since its global reemergence in 2022, monkeypox (mpox) has demonstrated increased incidence and severity among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV [PWH]). Predictors of mpox diagnosis, vaccination, and outcomes among PWH are limited. Methods We included PWH with primary care visits after 1 January 2022 at 9 US sites participating in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated

Background The need for frequent travel to a clinic could impair access to injectable antiretroviral therapy for persons living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. We hypothesized that allowing persons receiving treatment with long-acting injectable cabotegravir plus rilpivirine (LA CAB/RPV) to receive and store the medication in their own refrigerator prior to in-home administration

Shortages of antimicrobial agents rank second among all pharmaceutical classes and are persistent and increasing. Underlying reasons for shortages include manufacturing and quality issues, market economics, and changes in demand. Antimicrobial shortages result in compromised outcomes, higher treatment costs, contribute to antibiotic resistance, and may lead to increased adverse effects.

Background We previously demonstrated at the Ward 86 HIV clinic in San Francisco that long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV) can rapidly lead to viral suppression (VS) in people with HIV (PWH) with viremia due to adherence challenges. We now evaluate VS durability in this population. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PWH who started LA-CAB/RPV with viremia (HIV RNA viral

Background Substantial efforts focus on monitoring and reducing delays in antibiotic treatment for sepsis, but little has been done to characterize the balancing measure of sepsis overtreatment. We aimed to establish preliminary validity and usefulness of electronic health record (EHR) data–derived criteria for sepsis overtreatment surveillance (SEP-OS). Methods We evaluated adults with potential sepsis

Background In the United States, hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnoses among reproductive-aged women are increasing amidst the ongoing opioid and drug overdose epidemic. While previous studies document racial and ethnic disparities in HCV testing and treatment in largely male populations, to our knowledge no national studies analyze these outcomes in reproductive-aged women with opioid use disorder (OUD)

Background Our study addresses the sepsis research gap in lower middle-income countries, notably India. Here, we investigate community-acquired sepsis comprehensively and explore the impact of tropical microbiology on aetiology and outcomes. Methods MARS-India was a prospective observational study from Dec-2018 to Sep-2022 in a tertiary-care hospital in South India. Adult patients within 24hrs of ICU

Background The advent of short-course, curative treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has given promise for the global elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections by 2030. Virological failure occurs in 2%–12% of persons receiving curative DAA treatment and may be presaged by pre-existing polymorphisms or result from selection of drug resistant variants during therapy. Methods We conducted