NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Doxy-PEP, a strategy involving doxycycline post-condomless sex, significantly reduces STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis in MSM and transgender women. Preliminary results show a minor increase in resistant bacteria strains. The approach targets individuals with recurrent STIs, aiming to decrease antibiotic use. Further studies are needed to assess long-term resistance impacts.

Researchers advocate for new Covid vaccines offering broader, longer protection. Current vaccines reduce death risk but don't prevent infections well. Nasal or inhaled vaccines are promising for better immunity and ease of use. Future vaccines may target multiple virus parts or variants, but development is slow due to funding and virus mutations.

A new Lyme disease vaccine, VLA15, is in its final clinical trial phase, aiming to protect people aged five and up. Developed by Pfizer and Valneva, it targets a protein of the Borrelia bacteria, omitting a region linked to past adverse reactions. If successful, it could seek approval by 2025, offering a new defense against the spreading disease.

Despite efforts to increase diversity in clinical trials, significant underrepresentation of women, racial and ethnic minorities, and older populations persists. Women's participation has increased, but gaps remain, especially for pregnant and lactating individuals. Non-Hispanic whites dominate trial participation, and challenges in data reporting hinder comprehensive analysis of diversity efforts.

A study in South Africa found a 23% asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Omicron carriage rate, significantly higher than pre-Omicron variants. Lower CD4+ T-cell counts in HIV-positive individuals correlated with higher SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity, suggesting increased risk of Omicron shedding and transmission challenges.

NCI's SeroNet studies COVID-19 immune responses, finding neutralizing antibodies last months post-infection or vaccination. Research suggests booster shots may be needed, with ongoing studies to determine protective antibody levels. Cancer patients may have weaker vaccine responses. T cells also play a role in immunity. Vaccines offer some protection against variants, though less against Delta. Serology studies help understand pandemic spread and disparities. SeroNet also explores social science to address vaccine hesitancy.

Synbal, Inc. received a SBIR grant to develop a humanized mouse model for Covid-19 research, partnering with La Jolla Institute for Immunology. The model aims to accelerate therapeutic development, expected to be available by early 2022.

Visit MedlinePlus malaria site for information on malaria risk factors, prevention, and treatment strategies.