Outbreak News Radio

The efficacy and accepted regimen of antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease has been a point of significant contention among physicians and patients.

Newly published research finds that the Lyme bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi survive a 28-day course of antibiotics when treated months after infection. In addition, the study also measured the antibody immune response to the bacteria both pre- and post- treatment, as this is how current diagnostics typically evaluate Lyme disease in humans.

Lead author of the study, Monica Embers, PhD joined me to discuss the research and it's implications. Dr Embers is an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Tulane University School of Medicine and an adviser for the Bay Area Lyme Foundation.

Naegleria fowleri is a protozoan parasite , more specifically an amoeba. This lethal parasite is commonly referred to as the "brain eating amoeba" in mainstream media.

It is generally considered a rare cause of human infections in the US with a handful of cases (2-3) reported annually on average, almost universally fatal.

However, researchers in a new study estimate that the number of N. fowleri deaths in the US may be higher than the confirmed cases reported.

Lead author of the research letter published in the CDC journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases and infectious disease doctor in the CDC's Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Dr Jennifer Cope joined me to discuss the study and some other topics concerning N. fowleri and primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

What is health promotion and what is its role and importance in disease outbreaks?

Author of the new book, Health Promotion in Disease Outbreaks and Health Emergencies, Glenn Laverack, PhD joined me on the show to answer these questions and more.

He discussed the role of community involvement, communications and social media in a health emergency.

In addition, Dr. Laverack discussed in some detail health promotion in specific outbreaks like the West Africa Ebola outbreak, avian influenza and the Zika virus outbreak.

Topics such as rumors and the importance of post outbreak response were also examined.

Tens of millions of animals are used for scientific and commercial research in the US that benefits humans and animals alike. Despite the obvious benefits, animal research draws much criticism in some circles with the most common argument revolving around the case that it is cruel and inhumane.

Director, Center for Comparative Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, Cindy Buckmaster, PhD joined me to look at the whats behind the scenes with animal research and some of the arguments, pro and con.

Dr Buckmaster discussed how animal research benefits human health, your pet's health, the various regulations and protections in place and much, much more.

Meningitis is an inflammation or swelling of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Bacterial meningitis is very serious and potentially deadly.

In recent weeks we've reported on cases on college campuses like Oregon State University and UMass Amherst. In addition, we've seen outbreaks in several major cities in the men who have sex with men or MSM population.

Vice President, Director Scientific Affairs and Public Health, Vaccines North America at GlaxoSmithKline, Dr. Leonard Friedland joined me on this podcast to discuss this very important public health issue.

Dracunculus medinensis. The “fiery serpent”. Guinea worm. It is set to become the second human disease in history, after smallpox, to be eradicated. It will be the first parasitic disease to be eradicated and the first disease to be eradicated without the use of a vaccine or medicine. Joining me to discuss this parasite is Parasitology […]

Dracunculus medinensis. The "fiery serpent". Guinea worm.

It is set to become the second human disease in history, after smallpox, to be eradicated. It will be the first parasitic disease to be eradicated and the first disease to be eradicated without the use of a vaccine or medicine.

Joining me to discuss this parasite is Parasitology teacher, author of Parasites: Tales of Humanity's Most Unwelcome Guests and friend of the show--Rosemary Drisdelle.

A measles outbreak investigation can be a very expensive task as was demonstrated in the Minnesota outbreak earlier this year when some 79 mostly children were infected costing the health department $2.3 million during the five-month outbreak.

Recently in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), an analysis was published looking at the Public Health Economic Burden Associated with Two Single Measles Case Investigations.

I was joined by Grace Marx, MD to discuss the MMWR report. Dr Marx is with the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) and is the lead author of the paper.

On today's show we will be talking about a trematode or fluke that is not seen often in humans, but is fascinating just the same Dicrocoelium dendriticum, or the lancet liver fluke.

Joining me to lend her expertise in answering questions about this flatworm is Parasitology teacher and author of Parasites: Tales of Humanity's Most Unwelcome Guests, Rosemary Drisdelle.

This week is World Antibiotic Awareness Week (Nov 13-19). It’s an annual observance to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use. Chair and Professor of Medical Laboratory Science at Texas State University, Rodney Rohde, PhD joined me to discuss a variety of issues concerning antibiotic resistance, […]