Browse Infectious Disease Topics Articles by Topic

Highlights of Updated 2023 Pediatric Vaccination Schedules in the United States

In February, the annually updated immunization schedule for children in the United States was released by several professional organizations. Key updates involve the inclusion of the PCV-15 vaccine and COVID vaccines, as well as new comments about other vaccines.

Dual Therapy Using Doxycycline and Azithromycin Is Superior to Monotherapy for Treating Severe Scrub Typhus

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial from India found dual therapy with intravenous doxycycline and azithromycin is more effective than either agent alone for treating severe scrub typhus.

Golden State: Disseminated Gonococcal Infection

The diagnosis of disseminated gonococcal infection often is delayed, but the infection can most often be readily treated with ceftriaxone. Patients often lack urogenital symptoms.

Shigella: The New Superbug?

Five percent of Shigella isolates in the United States in 2022 were extensively drug-resistant.

Concerns and Complications of Measles and Mumps

Decreased vaccine coverage against diseases such as measles and mumps has led to new vulnerabilities in pediatric population health. Thus, the astute practitioner should be vigilant and ready to recognize and diagnose these infections.

Vaccination Against Mpox: Does It Work? Is It Safe?

Vaccination, either subcutaneously or intradermally, with the non-replicating Jynneos monkeypox vaccine is safe and effective.

Resistance of SARS-CoV-2 Variants to Monoclonal Antibodies

Prevalent SARS-CoV-2 variants are persistently resistant to therapeutic and prophylactic monoclonal antibodies but remain susceptible to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, and molnupiravir.

Tocilizumab Injection (Actemra)

The FDA has approved tocilizumab injection to treat COVID-19 among hospitalized adult patients who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen.

Physician Autonomy at Issue if Patients Demand Ineffective Treatments

A controversial Wisconsin Supreme Court case centers on whether physicians can be legally required to provide ivermectin for COVID-19 if a patient or family requests it.

Fecal Microbiota, live-jslm (Rebyota)

Rebyota can be prescribed to prevent recurring Clostridioides difficile infection for patients age 18 years and older who are following antibiotic treatment for recurring episodes.