New drug-resistant TB strains could become widespread says new study – The emergence of new forms of tuberculosis could swell the proportion of drug-resistant cases globally, a new study has found. The finding raises concern that although TB incidence is falling in many regions, the emergence of antibiotic resistance could see virtually untreatable strains of the disease become widespread.
St. Jude scientists report flu infection leaves brain more vulnerable later in life — Avian influenza strain primes brain for Parkinson’s disease. – At least one strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus leaves survivors at significantly increased risk for Parkinson’s disease and possibly other neurological problems later in life, according to new research from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Threat of resistance to artemisinin-based anti-malarial drugs highlighted by new study – Malaria parasites in western Cambodia have become resistant to artemisinin based therapies, the first-line treatment for malaria, revealed by researchers.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Authorizes Emergency Use of Another Test for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a another diagnostic test for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, whose spread has caused the virus to be characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
Vi typhoid vaccine proves highly effective in young children — IVI-NICED study published by NEJM demonstrates that vaccine primarily used for travelers may have a major impact on morbidity and mortality in the world’s poorest populations. – A new study has found that a currently available yet underused vaccine against typhoid fever is highly effective in young children and protects unvaccinated neighbors of vaccinees.
First three cases of likely HIV transmission to infants via pre-chewed food suggest cautioning HIV-positive caregivers against prechewing food. – Researchers have uncovered the first cases in which HIV almost certainly was transmitted from mothers or other caregivers to children through pre-chewed food.
NIAID set to launch clinical trials to test 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine candidates – Scientists in a network of medical research institutions across the United States are set to begin a series of clinical trials to gather critical data about influenza vaccines, including two candidate H1N1 flu vaccines.
Update on Influenza a (H1N1) as on 19th July 2009 — 298 positive for Influenza A H1N1 recorded in India – Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries to India is continuing in 22 International airports. 50,858 passengers have been screened on 18.7.2009 of which 40,675 passengers were from affected countries.
Increased Risks Associated with Heart Bypass Vein Harvesting Devices Compared to Traditional Approach – Endoscopic devices commonly used to harvest vein grafts for coronary artery bypass surgery may result in poorer outcomes than traditional vein harvesting techniques, revealed by researchers.
Osteoporosis drug may save lives by strengthening immune system – An osteoporosis drug zoledronic acid (Reclast) proven to save lives after hip fractures may do so by strengthening the body’s immune system, revealed by geriatrics researchers at Duke University Medical Center.
Scientists decode genome of deadly parasitic worm — Schistosoma mansoni — that causes intestinal schistosomiasis. – Researchers have sequenced the genome of the parasite — Schistosoma mansoni — that causes intestinal schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia or snail fever), a devastating tropical disease that afflicts more than 200 million people in the developing world.
Smoking associated with more rapid progression of multiple sclerosis — Smokers at higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis. – Patients with multiple sclerosis who smoke appear to experience a more rapid progression of their disease, revealed by researchers in the Archives of Neurology.
