Host factors such as age and pathogen factors such as viral load appear to determine the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in hospitalized infants, researchers report in the December issue of the Journal of Medical Virology. Reuters Health Information
The World Health Organisation (WHO) suspects there has been only limited human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus in Pakistan, but international test results are pending, an official said on Friday. Reuters Health Information
Global measles mortality reduction is a public health priority. WHO and UNICEF have a comprehensive strategy focused on 47 countries. How have measles mortality reduction strategies fared from 2000-06 Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report
Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 has a "very high prevalence" among penile cancer patients in Italy, clinicians report in the January 1 issue of the International Journal of Cancer. Reuters Health Information
Hemodialysis patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection whose HCV genotype changes after initially successful treatment with interferon-alpha have become re-infected with a different strain of the virus, researchers report in the January issue of the Journal of Medical Virology. The source of the re-infection is likely the dialysis unit. Reuters Health Information
Serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels are elevated in untreated visceral leishmaniasis and can be used as an indicator of active disease, according to results of a study from India. Reuters Health Information
An investigation has been launched into how two mothers died from an identical infection after giving birth at the same hospital on the same day, officials said on Friday. Reuters Health Information
In this review and commentary: update of US influenza 2006 to 2007 season, 2007 to 2008 vaccine, worldwide avian influenza; and causes of respiratory infections in intercontinental air travelers. Medscape Infectious Diseases
Hundreds of thousands of Britons have been struck down by a highly infectious stomach virus that swept the country during the holiday period, doctors said on Thursday. Reuters Health Information
In a 2003-2004 outbreak of whooping cough in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, most cases were diagnosed in adolescents, although adults had more severe disease, public health officials report in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine for January. Reuters Health Information
