Disease News Update

Talk Medical (http://talk.news-medical.net). Post news from your organization or company, post events you are involved in or feel would be of interest to the wider community, blog to your heart's content on current health issues or simply just share any interesting health stories you may have.

Latest News

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A pandemic of human fear and anxiety
Is a flu pandemic looming and if so should we worry? It is now 41 years since we experienced the last pandemic of flu and many think that we are overdue for the next one. But have we over-reacted to the present outbreak of swine flu?
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090601/A-pandemic-of-human-fear-and-anxiety.aspx

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Experts say let swine flu run its course
With the number of influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) cases in Australia now over 300 federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon says the government is considering whether to elevate the nation's response to the disease from the contain to sustain phase, as it may be impossible to keep quarantining people.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090601/Experts-say-let-swine-flu-run-its-course.aspx

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Australian swine flu toll now over 300
The World Health Organisation's last update on the outbreak of influenza A(H1N1) - swine flu says as of the 29th of May, 53 countries have officially reported 15,510 cases including 99 deaths and Australian health authorities have confirmed that more than 300 people have been diagnosed with swine flu in Australia and all states and territories are now affected by the virus.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090601/Australian-swine-flu-toll-now-over-300.aspx

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Marijuana effectiveness as an HIV self-care strategy
Those in the United States living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to use marijuana than those in Kenya, South Africa or Puerto Rica to alleviate their symptoms, according to a new study published in Clinical Nursing Research, published by SAGE.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Marijuana-effectiveness-as-an-HIV-self-care-strategy.aspx

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Researchers plan to target immune cells responsible for eluding antiretroviral treatment
Certain human immune cells known as macrophages are composed of hybrid HIV strains that elude treatment and antiretroviral drugs, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Florida and other institutions, the Gainesville Sun reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Researchers-plan-to-target-immune-cells-responsible-for-eluding-antiretroviral-treatment.aspx

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Thai HIV/AIDS advocates urge increased treatment access for IDUs
The Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group recently called on the country to launch a comprehensive harm reduction program for injection drug users in an effort to help curb the spread of HIV, Thailand's The Nation reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Thai-HIVAIDS-advocates-urge-increased-treatment-access-for-IDUs.aspx

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Report estimates significant impact of widespread circumcision effort in Botswana
Botswana's campaign to circumcise about 500,000 men by 2012 will prevent nearly 70,000 new HIV cases by 2025, according to a report published Thursday in the Journal of the International AIDS Society, AFP/Yahoo! News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/Report-estimates-significant-impact-of-widespread-circumcision-effort-in-Botswana.aspx

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HIV prevention efforts in five African countries not reaching at-risk groups, report says
National HIV prevention strategies in at least five African countries are not reaching the groups most at risk of infection, according to a report from UNAIDS and the World Bank conducted in conjunction with the national HIV/AIDS authorities of Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland and Uganda, IRIN/PlusNews reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090531/HIV-prevention-efforts-in-five-African-countries-not-reaching-at-risk-groups-report-says.aspx

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'Complacency,' 'stigma' hindering efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS in black communities, opinion piece says
"Nearly 30 years after the discovery of HIV and AIDS, the epidemic is still ravaging black neighborhoods in Baltimore and across the nation," Kevin Fenton -- director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention -- writes in a Baltimore Sun opinion piece.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Complacency-stigma-hindering-efforts-to-reduce-HIVAIDS-in-black-communities-opinion-piece-says.aspx

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Fishing industry contributing to spread of HIV around Africa's Lake Victoria
The fishing industry and some cultural practices in communities living around Africa's Lake Victoria are contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections in the area, according to a panel of experts at a recent meeting in Kisumu, Kenya, The Citizen reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Fishing-industry-contributing-to-spread-of-HIV-around-Africas-Lake-Victoria.aspx

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Thailand aims to halve new HIV cases by 2011, Prime Minister says
Thailand has set a goal of reducing by half the number of new HIV cases in the country by 2011, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday, TNA/MCOT English News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Thailand-aims-to-halve-new-HIV-cases-by-2011-Prime-Minister-says.aspx

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About 75% of people in Rwanda who have experienced discrimination are HIV-positive, survey finds
A recently released survey on stigma in Rwanda indicates that at least 74% of people in various segments of society who have experienced discrimination are HIV-positive, the New Times/AllAfrica.com reports. The discrimination often is in the form of isolation from family and physical harassment, according to the survey.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/About-7525-of-people-in-Rwanda-who-have-experienced-discrimination-are-HIV-positive-survey-finds.aspx

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About 0.59% of Vietnamese fishery workers are HIV-positive, prevalence could rise by 2013, survey says
An estimated 33,000 of the total 5.5 million workers in Vietnam's fishery sector, or about 0.59%, were living with HIV in 2008, according to a survey released Tuesday by Vietnam's fishery program, VNA/VOV News reports (VNA/VOV News, 5/27).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/About-05925-of-Vietnamese-fishery-workers-are-HIV-positive-prevalence-could-rise-by-2013-survey-says.aspx

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Second death from mosquito-borne disease prompts calls for more spraying programs
The recent death of a second person from Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) in Northern Australia has prompted calls for an increase in mosquito control spraying programs.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090528/Second-death-from-mosquito-borne-disease-prompts-calls-for-more-spraying-programs.aspx

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Stranded swine flu cruise ship plays a waiting game
According to the World Health Organisation's latest update, #40, on Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu), as of the 27th May, 48 countries have officially now reported 13,398 cases of the virus, including 95 deaths.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Stranded-swine-flu-cruise-ship-plays-a-waiting-game.aspx

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New cellular targets for HIV drug development
Focusing HIV drug development on immune cells called macrophages instead of traditionally targeted T cells could bring us closer to eradicating the disease, according to new research from University of Florida and five other institutions.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/New-cellular-targets-for-HIV-drug-development.aspx

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Solomon Islands could see increase in HIV cases, WHO says
A recent estimate from the World Health Organization says that the number of HIV cases in the Solomon Islands could reach at least 350 by 2010, the Solomon Star News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Solomon-Islands-could-see-increase-in-HIV-cases-WHO-says.aspx

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Rwanda launches campaign to address cross-generational sex
The Rwanda Ministry of Youth recently launched a six-month campaign aimed at reducing the trend of cross-generational sex, which some health officials say is contributing to the spread of HIV among young people in the country, the New Times/AllAfrica.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Rwanda-launches-campaign-to-address-cross-generational-sex.aspx

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World Cup campaign to build centers to provide HIV/AIDS education, other services to 'at-risk' African youth
Authorities in South Africa have begun construction of one of the 20 planned Football for Hope centers in Africa -- part of a 2010 World Cup campaign called "20 Centers for 2010" aimed at reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, poverty and crime in local communities -- the AP/Google.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/World-Cup-campaign-to-build-centers-to-provide-HIVAIDS-education-other-services-to-e28098at-riske28099-African-youth.aspx

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South African Health Minister to launch 'plan to address mother-to-child HIV transmission'
South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi within the next two weeks is expected to launch a plan to address mother-to-child HIV transmission in an effort to reduce infant mortality in the country, The Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/South-African-Health-Minister-to-launch-e28098plan-to-address-mother-to-child-HIV-transmissione28099.aspx

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Advocates at Kenyan conference explore new strategies to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa
Nearly 30 years after the emergence of HIV/AIDS, the global health community must develop new strategies to curb the spread of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa, some experts said Tuesday ahead of the Global Citizens Summit for Social Mobilization to End AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya, AFP/Google.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/Advocates-at-Kenyan-conference-explore-new-strategies-to-combat-HIVAIDS-in-Africa.aspx

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California Gov. Schwarzenegger's plan to reduce state spending includes cuts to HIV/AIDS services
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Tuesday sent state lawmakers a plan to reduce more than $5 billion in spending that includes cuts to HIV/AIDS services, the Los Angeles Times reports (Rothfeld/McGreevy, Los Angeles Times, 5/27).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090527/California-Gov-Schwarzeneggers-plan-to-reduce-state-spending-includes-cuts-to-HIVAIDS-services.aspx

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Australian swine flu toll climbs but expert says threat is over-hyped
According to the World Health Organisation's latest update, # 39, as of the 26th of May the latest figures in the influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak are 12,954 confirmed cases in 46 countries, including 92 deaths.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Australian-swine-flu-toll-climbs-but-expert-says-threat-is-over-hyped.aspx

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Australian scientist finds two new animal viruses
An Australian scientist has discovered two new animal viruses, one in cattle and the other in mosquitoes - the unknown viruses were found in isolated regions of northern Australia - neither of the viruses cause disease in livestock.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Australian-scientist-finds-two-new-animal-viruses.aspx

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Ancient skeletal evidence for leprosy in India
A biological anthropologist from Appalachian State University working with an undergraduate student from Appalachian, an evolutionary biologist from UNC Greensboro, and a team of archaeologists from Deccan College (Pune, India) recently reported analysis of a 4000-year-old skeleton from India bearing evidence of leprosy. This skeleton represents both the earliest archaeological evidence for human infection with Mycobacterium leprae in the world and the first evidence for the disease in prehistoric India.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Ancient-skeletal-evidence-for-leprosy-in-India.aspx

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De-worming drug praziquantel could help reduce spread of HIV in Africa
Providing girls in rural Africa with a deworming drug could help reduce the spread of HIV, according to a study recently published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/De-worming-drug-praziquantel-could-help-reduce-spread-of-HIV-in-Africa.aspx

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City of Sheffield to participate in pilot home-based HIV testing program
The United Kingdom government has selected the city of Sheffield to participate in a three-month pilot program aimed at increasing HIV detection rates by offering home-based test kits, the Sheffield Star reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/City-of-Sheffield-to-participate-in-pilot-home-based-HIV-testing-program.aspx

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Sex education in Singapore's schools should provide teens with objective, reliable information, Education Ministry says
The number of teenagers contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections has increased over the past several years, Singapore's Education Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Thursday, the Straits Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Sex-education-in-Singapores-schools-should-provide-teens-with-objective-reliable-information-Education-Ministry-says.aspx

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Economic recession, emerging diseases should not replace efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, IAS President says
Concerns regarding the H1N1 flu strain or the current global economic recession should not take attention away from the long-term fight against HIV/AIDS, Julio Mantaner, head of the International AIDS Society, said recently, VOA News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Economic-recession-emerging-diseases-should-not-replace-efforts-to-fight-HIVAIDS-IAS-President-says.aspx

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Meeting addresses mother-to-child HIV transmission in Africa
Health officials recently held a regional consultation in Kenya to examine mother-to-child HIV transmission services and pediatric HIV/AIDS care in nine Eastern and Southern African countries, IRIN/PlusNews reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Meeting-addresses-mother-to-child-HIV-transmission-in-Africa.aspx

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More funding urged for yellow fever vaccine stockpile
The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Yellow Fever Vaccine Provision is warning that the global emergency stockpile of yellow fever vaccine for the world's most vulnerable populations in Africa is under threat.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/More-funding-urged-for-yellow-fever-vaccine-stockpile.aspx

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Researchers gain ground in efforts to fight parasite infection
New findings by researchers UT Southwestern Medical Center are accelerating efforts to eradicate worm infections that afflict a third of the world's population.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/26/Researchers-gain-ground-in-efforts-to-fight-parasite-infection.aspx

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Sanofi Pasteur receives U.S. Government order to produce new influenza A(H1N1) vaccine
Sanofi Pasteur announced today it has received the first of what is expected to be a series of orders from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to commence production of a vaccine to help protect against the new influenza A(H1N1) virus.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/25/Sanofi-Pasteur-receives-US-Government-order-to-produce-new-influenza-A(H1N1)-vaccine.aspx

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Australian H1N1 flu toll climbs to 17
The latest update, # 37, from the World Health Organisation on the influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak says as of the 23rd of May, 43 countries have now officially reported 12,022 cases, including 86 deaths.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/24/Australian-H1N1-flu-toll-climbs-to-17.aspx

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New understanding on how superbugs manipulate the immune system
It appears that some superbugs have evolved to develop the ability to manipulate the immune system to everyone's advantage.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/24/New-understanding-on-how-superbugs-manipulate-the-immune-system.aspx

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HHS directs $1 billion towards commercial-scale production of a candidate vaccine for H1N1
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced that the department will take important steps necessary to prepare for potential commercial-scale production of a candidate vaccine for the novel Influenza A ( H1N1).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/24/HHS-directs-241-billion-towards-commercial-scale-production-of-a-candidate-vaccine-for-H1N1.aspx

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California's AIDS funding cuts would be 'catastrophic,' says AHF
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has criticized California state officials for planning draconian budget cuts that will jeopardize the public health by eliminating all funding for AIDS care and treatment from the state's General Fund.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/24/Californiae28099s-AIDS-funding-cuts-would-be-e28098catastrophice28099-says-AHF.aspx

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Scientists map sequence mutations of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus
In just two weeks from the time the first patient virus samples were made available, Singapore scientists report an evolutionary analysis of a critical protein produced by the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus strain.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Scientists-map-sequence-mutations-of-the-2009-H1N1-influenza-A-virus.aspx

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Vaginal ring could protect against HIV
A researcher with Weill Cornell Medical College has developed a vaginal ring that releases microbicides and could prevent HIV and unplanned pregnancies, ANI/Times of India reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Vaginal-ring-could-protect-against-HIV.aspx

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London Health Service begins offering rapid HIV tests
Barts and the London NHS Trust has become the first National Health Service provider in the United Kingdom to offer rapid, oral HIV tests, BBC News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/London-Health-Service-begins-offering-rapid-HIV-tests.aspx

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Majority of HIV-positive pregnant women in developing world lack access to PMTCT services, report says
Two-thirds of HIV-positive pregnant women in the developing world do not have access to treatment to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, which could lead to 370,000 new HIV cases annually among infants, according to a study released Thursday by the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition, Bloomberg reports (Chase, Bloomberg, 5/21).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Majority-of-HIV-positive-pregnant-women-in-developing-world-lack-access-to-PMTCT-services-report-says.aspx

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Australia's swine flu toll rising
Australia's 10th confirmed case of influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) has appeared in Adelaide in South Australia - the first case for that state.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Australias-swine-flu-toll-rising.aspx

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62nd World Health Assembly closes with resolutions on public health
The 62nd World Health Assembly, which brought together health ministers and senior health officials from WHO's Member States, closed today with the adoption of resolutions on a variety of global health issues including primary health care, the prevention and control of multidrug- resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, public health, innovation and intellectual property and pandemic influenza preparedness. The Health Assembly also passed the Programme Budget for 2010 -2011.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/62nd-World-Health-Assembly-closes-with-resolutions-on-public-health.aspx

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Call for vaccination against HPV 16 in young men and women to prevent head and neck cancers
Researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in Buffalo, New York, are strongly advocating a national discussion about the need to vaccinate both young men and women against HPV 16 to prevent head & neck cancers.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Call-for-vaccination-against-HPV-16-in-young-men-and-women-to-prevent-head-and-neck-cancers.aspx

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Prevalence of vCJD agent in Britain remains uncertain
First results from a large tissue survey in Britain of the agent that causes variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) are unable so far to establish that the prevalence is lower than that given by previous estimates, concludes a study published on bmj.com.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Prevalence-of-vCJD-agent-in-Britain-remains-uncertain.aspx

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Chemical found in green tea shows promise as low-cost intervention against sexual HIV transmission,
A chemical found in green tea might be an effective tool against the sexual transmission of HIV, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Heidelberg in Germany and published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, AFP/Google.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Chemical-found-in-green-tea-shows-promise-as-low-cost-intervention-against-sexual-HIV-transmission.aspx

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Elton John calls for increased HIV/AIDS education, care
Singer Elton John on Tuesday at the 2009 Bio International Convention in Atlanta called for renewed efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Elton-John-calls-for-increased-HIVAIDS-education-care.aspx

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East African officials meet to coordinate HIV/AIDS, transport efforts
East African health officials on Tuesday met in Kisumu, Kenya, to examine integrating HIV/AIDS issues into transport policies in the region, Xinhua/CRI.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/East-African-officials-meet-to-coordinate-HIVAIDS-transport-efforts.aspx

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HIV transmission in Europe occurs primarily in vacation destinations
HIV in Europe is transmitted primarily in vacation destinations, according to a study published recently in the journal Retrovirology, the PA/Google.com reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/HIV-transmission-in-Europe-occurs-primarily-in-vacation-destinations.aspx

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Former President Clinton, U.N. advisor Douste-Blazy announce voluntary airline ticket donation
Former President Clinton has joined efforts to raise money for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria from travelers purchasing electronic airline tickets, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Former-President-Clinton-UN-advisor-Douste-Blazy-announce-voluntary-airline-ticket-donation.aspx

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Tuberculosis can evade immune response
Current research suggests that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can evade the immune response. The related report by Rahman et al, "Compartmentalization of immune responses in human tuberculosis: few CD8+ effector T cells but elevated levels of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in the granulomatous lesions," appears in the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Pathology.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/22/Tuberculosis-can-evade-immune-response.aspx

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New insights into a new strain of chlamydia
New sequencing and analysis of six strains Chlamydia will result in improved diagnosis of the sexually transmitted infection. This study provides remarkable insights into a new strain of Chlamydia that was identified in Sweden in 2006 after spreading rapidly across the country by evading most established diagnostic tests.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/New-insights-into-a-new-strain-of-chlamydia.aspx

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United States should increase its commitment to improving the health of developing nations, IOM report says
To fulfill America's humanitarian obligations as a member of the international community and to invest in the nation's long-term health, economic interests, and national security, the United States should reaffirm and increase its commitment to improving the health of developing nations, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/United-States-should-increase-its-commitment-to-improving-the-health-of-developing-nations-IOM-report-says.aspx

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Methylene blue in combo with new malaria drugs curbs the spread of malaria parasites
New combinations of agents based on the oldest synthetic malaria drug, the methylene blue stain, can curb the spread of malaria parasites and make a significant contribution to the long-term eradication called for by the international "Roll Back Malaria Initiative."
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Methylene-blue-in-combo-with-new-malaria-drugs-curbs-the-spread-of-malaria-parasites.aspx

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Cambodian health officials expand HIV/AIDS prevention education to primary schools
The Cambodian Ministry of Health has begun training primary education teachers in 12 provinces on HIV/AIDS prevention education, the Phnom Penh Post reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Cambodian-health-officials-expand-HIVAIDS-prevention-education-to-primary-schools.aspx

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Governments should increase efforts to reduce stigma, improve access to HIV services among MSM, UNAIDS Executive Director Sidibe says
Governments worldwide should take action to eliminate stigma and discrimination against men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women and transgender people and improve their access to HIV services, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe said recently, the Stabroek News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Governments-should-increase-efforts-to-reduce-stigma-improve-access-to-HIV-services-among-MSM-UNAIDS-Executive-Director-Sidibe-says.aspx

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Georgia receives $63.9 million in Ryan White funding
Georgia has received $63.9 million in Ryan White Program grants to fund treatment and other services for people living with HIV, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Georgia-receives-24639-million-in-Ryan-White-funding.aspx

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HIV/AIDS, gay rights advocate McFarlane dies
Rodger McFarlane, a leader in gay rights and HIV/AIDS advocacy efforts, died on Friday in New Mexico at age 54, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/HIVAIDS-gay-rights-advocate-McFarlane-dies.aspx

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HIV/AIDS Vaccine Coalition urges continued funding for research amid economic crisis
A recently released AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition report says that although there has been a renewed focus on discovery, innovation and basic science in vaccine research, action is needed to ensure that research funding continues during the economic downturn, VOA News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/HIVAIDS-Vaccine-Coalition-urges-continued-funding-for-research-amid-economic-crisis.aspx

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HIV/AIDS advocates react to Obama's proposed global health initiative
Some HIV/AIDS advocates have voiced disappointment with the level of HIV/AIDS funding in President Obama's proposed $63 billion, six-year global health initiative, VOA News reports. According to VOA News, the advocates say that Obama has not met pledges he made as a presidential candidate, while other say that the "picture is more complicated."
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/HIVAIDS-advocates-react-to-Obamas-proposed-global-health-initiative.aspx

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Algae may the key to SARS vaccine
A protein from algae may have what it takes to stop Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) infections, according to new research.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Algae-may-the-key-to-SARS-vaccine.aspx

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Arsenic exposure linked to influenza A (H1N1) susceptibility
The ability to mount an immune response to influenza A (H1N1) infection is significantly compromised by a low level of arsenic exposure that commonly occurs through drinking contaminated well water, scientists at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and Dartmouth Medical School have found.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Arsenic-exposure-linked-to-influenza-A-(H1N1)-susceptibility.aspx

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NIH to develop therapeutics for rare and neglected diseases
The National Institutes of Health is launching the first integrated, drug development pipeline to produce new treatments for rare and neglected diseases. The $24 million program jumpstarts a trans-NIH initiative called the Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases program, or TRND.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/NIH-to-develop-therapeutics-for-rare-and-neglected-diseases.aspx

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Australia's H1N1 flu cases up to 3
Australia's recorded cases of the new H1N1 flu (Swine flu) has now reached 3 with the confirmation of two new cases.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/20/Australias-H1N1-flu-cases-up-to-3.aspx

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Recommendations by experts to WHO on influenza A (H1N1) vaccines
Current epidemiological information suggests that the influenza A (H1N1) virus transmissibility potential is at least comparable to that of seasonal influenza viruses, with ability to sustain community spread. There is therefore no reason to expect that ongoing spread of the virus will stop.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Recommendations-by-experts-to-WHO-on-influenza-A-(H1N1)-vaccines.aspx

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Experts warn of dangers of swine flu with almost 10,000 now infected, forecasts 4.9 billion doses needed
The latest figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has the worldwide influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) tally fast approaching 10,000 human cases.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Experts-warn-of-dangers-of-swine-flu-with-almost-10000-now-infected-forecasts-49-billion-doses-needed.aspx

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New map depicts the spread of HIV in Europe
Those travelling abroad should take seriously advice to pack their condoms and keep their needles to themselves: research published today in the open access journal Retrovirology shows that tourists, travellers and migrants from Greece, Portugal, Serbia and Spain actively export HIV-1 subtype B to other European nations.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/New-map-depicts-the-spread-of-HIV-in-Europe.aspx

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GIS used to map past and predicted malaria outbreak hotspots
A Geographic Information System (GIS)-driven digital map of past and predicted malaria outbreak hotspots has been used in India as part of a national control program.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/GIS-used-to-map-past-and-predicted-malaria-outbreak-hotspots.aspx

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Opinion piece examines efficacy of foreign aid
"President Obama signaled recently a major shift in the way the United States tries to help poor countries," Philip Stevens, policy director at the International Policy Network, writes in a Providence Journal opinion piece, adding, "Whereas the Bush presidency pushed to spend enormous sums on individual high-profile diseases such as AIDS, Obama says he will broaden U.S. aid to improve health more generally."
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Opinion-piece-examines-efficacy-of-foreign-aid.aspx

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Convicting HIV-positive people contributes to spread of virus, opinion piece says
The recent conviction of HIV-positive Toronto resident Johnson Aziga is "part of an upward trend," as more "charges and prosecutions for HIV transmission -- and even potential HIV exposure -- are popping up around the planet," Regan Hofmann, editor-in-chief of POZ, writes in a Dallas Morning News opinion piece.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Convicting-HIV-positive-people-contributes-to-spread-of-virus-opinion-piece-says.aspx

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'Swift action driven by courage needed' to remove ban on federal funding for needle-exchange programs, letter to editor says
"The Obama administration's budget dealt a serious blow to those who support syringe exchange programs to prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases," Paola Barahona, senior global health policy analyst for Physicians for Human Rights and founding executive director of Prevention Works!, writes in a Washington Post letter to the editor.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Swift-action-driven-by-courage-needed-to-remove-ban-on-federal-funding-for-needle-exchange-programs-letter-to-editor-says.aspx

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Maryland County officials create State's first suburban HIV/AIDS commission
Anne Arundel County, Md., Executive John Leopold recently appointed 20 community leaders, government officials and health workers to serve on the county's first HIV/AIDS commission, which aims to understand and develop strategies for addressing the disease, the Baltimore Sun reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Maryland-County-officials-create-States-first-suburban-HIVAIDS-commission.aspx

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Study shows decreased risk of death from opportunistic infections with earlier antiretroviral treatment
HIV-positive people with opportunistic infections who receive earlier antiretroviral treatment lower their risk of death compared with people who delay treatment, according to a new study conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine and published in PLoS One, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Study-shows-decreased-risk-of-death-from-opportunistic-infections-with-earlier-antiretroviral-treatment.aspx

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Researchers develop questions to determine risk of HIV/AIDS drug resistance
Researchers from the Makerere University hospital in Uganda, the U.S. and Belgium have developed a formula, based on a set of questions, for determining HIV-positive people's risk of treatment failure and drug resistance, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the International AIDS Society, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Researchers-develop-questions-to-determine-risk-of-HIVAIDS-drug-resistance.aspx

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Research may lead to improved TB vaccines
A team of Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigators has cracked one of clinical medicine's enduring mysteries - what happened to the tuberculosis vaccine. The once-effective vaccine no longer prevents the bacterial lung infection that kills more than 1.7 million people worldwide each year.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Research-may-lead-to-improved-TB-vaccines.aspx

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Molecular clues to halting HIV virus
Rice University's Andrew Barron and his group, working with labs in Italy, Germany and Greece, have identified specific molecules that could block the means by which the deadly virus spreads by taking away its ability to bind with other proteins.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Molecular-clues-to-halting-HIV-virus.aspx

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Risk perceptions and behaviour towards pandemic control of emerging infectious diseases
With the current outbreak of swine flu, and in the absence of a vaccine or treatment at present, the only way to contain the virus is to get people around the world to take precautionary measures.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Risk-perceptions-and-behaviour-towards-pandemic-control-of-emerging-infectious-diseases.aspx

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UN, WHO heads meet 30 vaccine manufacturers
WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with over 30 vaccine manufacturers from developing and developed countries at WHO headquarters today.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/UN-WHO-heads-meet-30-vaccine-manufacturers.aspx

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Salmonella's weakness for sugar predicts its downfall
For the first time UK scientists have shown what the food poisoning bug Salmonella feeds on to survive as it causes infection: glucose.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/19/Salmonellae28099s-weakness-for-sugar-predicts-its-downfall.aspx

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