After Years of Rising Infection Rates, STI Epidemic May Be Tapering Off
For more nearly twenty years, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had increased at an alarming pace. Recent data from the CDC shows some reason for optimism in the fight to control this epidemic. Following many years of rapidly increasing syphilis infections, cases of the bacterial disease only rose by 1% n 2023. Gonorrhea infections decreased for the second consecutive year in 2023, falling by 7 percent. “I see a glimmer of hope amidst millions of STIs,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, Director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. “After nearly two decades of STI increases, the tide is turning,” he continued. “We must make the most of this moment — let’s further this momentum with creative innovation and further investment in STI prevention.”
Full Story: HealthDay
Innovative Test Could Improve Speed and Accuracy of Infectious Disease Diagnoses
Scientists have developed an innovative test which capable of accurately identifying a wide range of germs infecting humans. A new study shows that the test can quickly and accurately detect almost any virus, bacteria, fungi or parasite known to cause infection in people. The test requires just a small sample of respiratory fluid and entails only 30 minutes of manual processing before artificial intelligence and robotic technology step in to complete the remaining work. This automated process allows for results to be given within 12 to 24 hours. If approved by the FDA, the the test could save lives as well as hospitalization and treatment time for patients experiencing a range of infections.
Full Story: HealthDay
