Top 5 Infectious Disease News Stories Week Of October 18-25

Long COVID’s Impact on the Brain, Specifically Cognitive Function

In our recent Long COVID roundtable, clinicians discussed the significant cognitive impacts of COVID-19, particularly for those suffering from Long COVID. The panel, comprising experts from various medical fields, highlighted that COVID-19 can lead to serious cognitive impairments, described as “brain fog,” affecting both adults and children, and expressed concerns about the long-term public health implications. Studies cited revealed measurable decreases in neurocognitive function, equating to notable IQ losses even in patients who feel recovered. The experts stressed the urgency for improved infection prevention strategies and more research on the neuroinflammatory mechanisms at play, given the rising incidence of cognitive decline and potential neurodegenerative disorders linked to repeated COVID infections. They emphasized the need for continued vigilance and intervention to mitigate these risks.

FDA Approves Pfizer’s RSV Vaccine for Expanded Population of Adults Aged 18 to 59 Years

The FDA has approved Pfizer’s bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F vaccine, Abrysvo, for preventing lower respiratory tract disease in individuals aged 18 to 59 who are at increased risk for RSV-related complications. This approval expands the vaccine’s previous indications for adults 60 and older, making it the most comprehensive adult RSV vaccine available. The decision is based on data from a phase 3 clinical trial assessing its efficacy in adults with chronic medical conditions like asthma, obesity, and heart disease. This approval highlights the vaccine’s importance for younger adults with underlying health issues, as nearly 10% of adults aged 18 to 49 have such conditions, increasing their risk for RSV hospitalization.

A Clinician’s Perspective on Rebyota for Recurrent C Diff Treatment

Timothy Ritter, MD, shared insights on the use of Rebyota, a live biotherapeutic product for treating recurrent C difficile infections. He emphasized that Rebyota has demonstrated a strong safety profile, with only minor issues like abdominal cramping and occasional diarrhea reported. Efficacy results from recent studies presented at ID Week 2024 showed that Rebyota significantly reduced recurrence rates of C diff infections, with 75% of patients experiencing no recurrence within eight weeks post-treatment. This offers a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic therapies, which often yield variable effectiveness and prolonged treatment courses, thereby alleviating the burden of recurrent symptoms and reducing reliance on costly antibiotics.

E coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders

An outbreak of E coli O157 infections linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has resulted in 49 reported cases across 10 states, leading to 10 hospitalizations and one death in Colorado. Health officials are investigating the potential source of contamination, focusing on slivered onions and beef patties used in the burgers. Although a specific ingredient has not been confirmed, slivered onions are suspected, prompting McDonald’s to temporarily halt their use in affected states. The CDC, FDA, and USDA are collaborating on the investigation, which has not yet resulted in a recall, but Quarter Pounders will be unavailable in certain locations. McDonald’s has emphasized its commitment to food safety during this situation.

Merck’s Clesrovimab Shows Effectiveness in RSV Prevention for Infants

Merck’s investigational monoclonal antibody, Clesrovimab (MK-1654), has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease and related hospitalizations in healthy preterm and full-term infants, as reported at IDWeek 2024. In a Phase 2b/3 trial involving over 22 countries, Clesrovimab resulted in a 60.4% reduction in RSV-associated medically attended lower respiratory infections and an 84.2% decrease in RSV-related hospitalizations, with severe cases of lower respiratory infections dropping by 91.7%. Anushua Sinha, MD, highlighted that the safety profile of Clesrovimab was comparable to placebo, emphasizing its potential as a vital preventive measure for infants during their first RSV season.