Detection of Mpox Virus Using Microbial Cell-Free DNA: The Potential of Pathogen-Agnostic Sequencing for Rapid Identification of Emerging Pathogens.

Background: The 2022 global outbreak of Monkeypox virus (MPXV) highlighted challenges with polymerase chain reaction detection as divergent strains emerged and atypical presentations limited the applicability of swab sampling. Recommended testing in the United States requires a swab of lesions, which arise late in infection and may be unrecognized. We present MPXV detections using plasma microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing.

Reductions in inpatient fluoroquinolone use and postdischarge infection (CDI) from a systemwide antimicrobial stewardship intervention.

Objective: To determine the impact of an inpatient stewardship intervention targeting fluoroquinolone use on inpatient and postdischarge infection (CDI).

Design: We used an interrupted time series study design to evaluate the rate of hospital-onset CDI (HO-CDI), postdischarge CDI (PD-CDI) within 12 weeks, and inpatient fluoroquinolone use from 2 years prior to 1 year after a stewardship intervention.

Setting: An academic healthcare system with 4 hospitals.

Decreased T Follicular Regulatory Cell/T Follicular Helper Cell (TFH) in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques May Contribute to Accumulation of TFH in Chronic Infection.

T follicular helper cells (TFH) are critical for the development and maintenance of germinal center (GC) and humoral immune responses. During chronic HIV/SIV infection, TFH accumulate, possibly as a result of Ag persistence. The HIV/SIV-associated TFH expansion may also reflect lack of regulation by suppressive follicular regulatory CD4(+) T cells (TFR).

Induction of human plasmablasts during infection with antibiotic-resistant nosocomial bacteria.

Objectives: Nosocomial pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii are a growing public health threat, due in part to their increasing resistance to antibiotics. Since some strains are resistant to all available antibiotics, novel therapies are urgently needed. Plasmablasts are short-lived B cells found in the blood that can be collected and harnessed to produce therapeutic antibodies.