Infectious Disease
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Modified mRNA Influenza Vaccine Shows Superior Efficacy Over Standard Inactivated Vaccine
In a Phase III randomized controlled trial of adults aged 18 to 64 years, a quadrivalent nucleoside-modified messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (modRNA) influenza vaccine demonstrated 34.5% relative efficacy against laboratory-confirmed influenza-like illness compared with a licensed inactivated influenza vaccine, meeting criteria for both noninferiority and superiority. The modRNA platform showed enhanced immunogenicity against influenza A strains and strong T-cell responses but did not meet noninferiority criteria for immunogenicity against influenza B strains (although clinical efficacy against B strains could not be determined due to low case counts). The modRNA vaccine was associated with increased reactogenicity but demonstrated an acceptable safety profile, supporting the potential of mRNA technology for next-generation influenza vaccines.
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One vs. Two Doses of HPV Vaccine
A single dose of either of two human papillomavirus vaccines was as effective as administration of two doses.
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Steroids for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Africa
A randomized clinical trial from Kenya found that adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia who received standard care plus a 10-day course of glucocorticoids had a modest decrease in 30-day mortality compared to standard care alone (22.6% vs. 26.0%, respectively; P = 0.02).
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Transplanted Rabies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes the fourth donor-organ rabies transmission event in the United States.
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Infant Botulism
As of early December 2025, a commercially prepared infant formula distributed throughout the United States was linked to 39 cases of life-threatening infant botulism in 18 states.
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Infectious Disease Updates
Lyme Disease; Pregnant Women Must Be Screened for Syphilis; Pacific Coast Tick Fever
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Cephalexin Beat Cefdinir for Treating Uncomplicated UTI in Women
Cefdinir was inferior to cephalexin in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women due to a high rate of early recurrence.
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Comprehensive Data Analysis Validates the Effectiveness and Safety of COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza Vaccination
Respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Receipt Was Associated with Better Clinical Outcomes in U.S. Veterans
An observational study from the Department of Veterans Affairs found that individuals who received the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccine on the same day had fewer emergency department visits, COVID-19-associated hospitalizations, and deaths related to COVID-19 compared to a group that only received the influenza vaccine.
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Imposed Diagnostic Stewardship and Pediatric Blood Cultures
A children’s hospital developed a strategy to restrict indications for ordering blood cultures when supply chain problems led to a shortage of blood culture bottles. Evaluating outcomes, they realized that the imposed diagnostic stewardship preserved resources without harm to patients; they subsequently continued to impose restrictions on ordering blood cultures even when supplies were available.