Welcome to the latest edition of touchREVIEWS in Infectious Diseases, where we continue our mission to deliver insightful, cutting-edge perspectives in infectious disease diagnosis and management. This issue offers an array of topics spanning diagnostics, service delivery innovations and preventive care, reflecting the dynamic challenges and opportunities in our field. In our first editorial, Barbara […]

Highlights Determining infection and multidrug resistance (MDR) rates continuously helps to detect the problem to be solved, including outbreaks. Cleaning and disinfection play an important role in preventing MDR and evaluating and correcting the process for better results. MDR control can only be achieved with various measures applied continuously and consistently by a group of […]

The expansion of HIV treatment access during the past two decades, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, stands as a significant accomplishment in the field of public health.1 Currently, there are an estimated 30 million people on antiretroviral treatment for HIV globally, of whom approximately 70% reside in Africa.2 Despite advancements in the provision of antiretroviral therapy […]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is often of increased concern in the autumn and winter months, especially for women who are pregnant, or those with newborns.1 Worldwide, RSV is the second leading cause of death (second to malaria) in children during their first year of life.2 Elderly people (>60 years of age) are also at an increased risk […]

Vaginal symptoms are one of the most common reasons for women accessing acute healthcare in the USA.1 Vaginitis is most commonly evaluated based on clinical observations, including assessment of discharge characteristics, vaginal pH and, in some settings, microscopic examination of vaginal fluids. However, many women are suboptimally treated and often seek additional healthcare within the next […]

We are excited to introduce the latest edition of touchREVIEWS in Infectious Diseases. Our mission is to bring you thought-provoking interviews, reviews, editorials, case studies and original research within the realm of infectious diseases. We aspire to engage infectious disease specialists, virologists, immunologists, epidemiologists and healthcare professionals with a keen interest in the captivating field […]

The treatment of people with HIV (PWH)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection, especially those who have additional comorbidities requiring multiple drug therapies can be problematic. Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) is a co-formulated medication consisting of two components in a single tablet regimen: bictegravir (BIC), an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI); and emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), […]

By sharing, listening and gaining an understanding of the real-life experiences of individuals living with a condition, clinicians and patients can better work together to improve care and outcomes and shape the healthcare system and policy of the future. Patient advocacy can play a vital role in ensuring this kind of clinic ian–patient collaboration happens. […]

Despite being the most severe form of viral hepatitis, there is no FDA-approved therapy for chronic hepatitis delta (CHD).1 Patients with CHD can progress to cirrhosis, as early as 5–10 years after infection. Further complications can also develop, such as esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding, ascites, infections and liver cancer. The results of the phase III […]