Phage therapy for treating drug resistant bacteria in cystic fibrosis patients
Release Date: 05/14/2025
Rat lungworm increases on Australia's east coast and the link to climatic factors
Outbreak News Interviews
Rat lungworm disease is on the rise in eastern Australia in dogs – and there have even been recorded cases in humans, including two known lethal incidents. Research by veterinary scientists at the University of Sydney has unveiled insights into what is behind the growth in the disease, also known as neural angiostrongyliasis. Their study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, highlights how climatic factors act as drivers for this potential public health issue. Joining me to discuss this is Professor Jan Slapeta, Dr Slapeta is a Professor of Veterinary and Molecular Parasitology...
info_outline
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: Rare case reported in Greece
Outbreak News Interviews
In this newscast, I look at a new report of a rare case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Greece. I look at the disease, geography and measures and recommendations put in place by Greek authoroties.
info_outline
Anthrax as a bioterrorism agent
Outbreak News Interviews
In this podcast, I look at Bacillus anthracis as a bioterror agent. This includes history, geography, the three forms of anthrax and what is expected of the clinical laboratory.
info_outline
Vietnam: Dengue fever in Ho Chi Minh City, Measles in the Southern region
Outbreak News Interviews
In today's newscast, I'll be looking at two serious infectious disease situations in Vietnam- the rise of dengue fever in Ho Chi Minh City and with a little good news, the measles outbreak in the southern region of the country.
info_outline
Michigan: Chinese nationals charged with smuggling fungal plant pathogen into the US
Outbreak News Interviews
In this newscast, I look at the recent arrest and charges against two Chinese nationals for attempting to smuggle a fungal plant pathogen into the United States.
info_outline
Australia: Locally acquired malaria in North Queensland
Outbreak News Interviews
In this newscast, I look at the recent locally acquired malaria cases reported in North Queensland, Australia.
info_outline
Measles in Ontario, Canada: More than 2,000 cases
Outbreak News Interviews
In this newscast, I look at the measles situation in Ontario, Canada, including the recent death. I also review the situation in the other Canadian provinces.
info_outline
Pink Cocaine, or Tusi with Diane Calello, MD
Outbreak News Interviews
On today’s program we’re going to look at a drug that America’s Poison Centers are warning about–its called pink cocaine or Tusi. Since January 2024, America’s Poison Centers National Poison Data System® has documented 18 pink cocaine exposures reported by U.S. Poison Centers in four states. Nearly all patients (83%) received medical treatment. Seven were hospitalized, three with life-threatening symptoms. Additionally, one unconfirmed death has been reported associated with pink cocaine use. Joining me to talk about pink cocaine is Diane Calello MD, Dr Calello is the executive and...
info_outline
Toxoplasma gondii and beheaded sperm
Outbreak News Interviews
Accumulating evidence suggests that a common single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii may be a contributor to affecting male fertility. An April 2025 study published in the (Federation of European Biochemical Societies) Journal showed for the first time that “human sperm lose their heads upon direct contact” with the parasite. Could this be affecting male fertility? Joining me today to discuss this topic is William Sullivan, PhD. Dr Sullivan is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Indiana University
info_outline
Mental health illness: Anxiety, adult ADHD, PTSD and depression
Outbreak News Interviews
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on today’s show, we are going to look at four mental health issues -anxiety, adult ADHD, PTSD, and depression. Joining me today to discuss these issues and his personal story is author & social psychologist, Jamie Hughes. Watch the video version on
info_outlineAntimicrobial resistance is a rising global threat. When these become ineffective, infections can become difficult or impossible to treat, leading to an increase in the spread and severity of disease.
In a new study, published in Nature Medicine, a team of researchers at the Center for Phage Biology and Therapy at Yale discovered a novel approach that may revolutionize the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
In the study, the research team investigated the use of phage therapy—the use of viruses, or phages, to target and kill bacteria—to help patients with cystic fibrosis, a disease in which antimicrobial resistance is a significant issue. The team pioneered a strategy to select phages that not only kill bacteria that cause infections but also weaken surviving bacteria to become less virulent or less resistant to antibiotics.
Joining me today to discuss phage therapy and their research is Jon Koff, MD, Dr. Koff is an associate professor in Yale School of Medicine’s Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and medical director of the Center for Phage Biology and Therapy.
Check out the paper: Phage Therapy May Treat Drug Resistance in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis, Study Finds
Watch the video version at Outbreak News TV