Immune and infectious diseases Archive

Infections from a drug-resistant fungus have been occurring around the world for the past decade. It's not cause for panic, but it's wise to understand the facts and ways to protect yourself.

Because those in the baby boom generation account for around 75% of hepatitis C cases, the CDC and USPSTF are recommending that all baby boomers should get screened for the hepatitis C virus.

Research we're watching

A long-used vaccine is showing promise in helping to restore near-normal blood sugar levels in people with advanced type 1 diabetes. Researchers from Harvard Medical School injected adults who had type 1 diabetes with two doses of the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is traditionally used to prevent tuberculosis.

Participants in the study, all of whom had type 1 diabetes for many years, all showed significant improvements in their average blood sugar levels after the vaccination. The improvements lasted for the next five years. Researchers said that it appears the vaccine affected a metabolic mechanism that increases consumption of glucose by cells.

Antibiotics are crucial tools in fighting illnesses, but over-reliance on them can have serious consequences. A new study found that babies who were given antibiotics in their first two years were significantly more likely to become obese.