IDSA’s Journal of Infectious Diseases has launched a monthly roundup of JID papers with direct relevance to clinicians. Read on to learn more about the impact of human papillomavirus vaccination programs on the incidence of genital warts in Sweden, ceftriaxone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains in Hanoi, Vietnam, and other research ready to inform clinical practice. (Titles and summaries are adapted from the July 2025 issue of JID.)
Companion editorial: Prospectively Defined Clusters of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Sequela
Post-COVID conditions are not a single disease but rather distinct symptom-based phenotypes predicted by host characteristics, acute illness severity and distinct early inflammatory markers. This study of 1,988 SARS-CoV-2 positive U.S. military health system beneficiaries revealed three symptom-based clusters: a sensory cluster, a fatigue/difficulty thinking cluster and a difficulty breathing/exercise intolerance cluster. These findings may support future clinical trials using similar precision phenotypes endpoints.
This study of 357 prospectively-recruited children (age 6-36 months) revealed another potential consequence of excess antibiotic use. When vaccine-induced antibody levels were used to define vaccine response groups, children with lower vaccine-induced antibody levels had more frequent antibiotic exposures. Low vaccine responsiveness was further linked to more frequent antibiotic-treated infections. Individual children can persist or change vaccine response groups over time.
In this study, carbapenems (ertapenem/meropenem) enhanced the efficacy of ceftaroline or vancomycin against MRSA. Results demonstrate in vitro and in vivo (murine) synergy, reduced resistance and virulence, and enhanced immune-mediated killing. Findings suggest that adjunctive carbapenems may be a promising therapy for MRSA.
HPV vaccination programs have significantly reduced incidence of genital warts in Sweden, especially among women aged 15-34 with reductions of 89%, 73%, 50% and 20% in women aged 15-19, 20-24, 25-29 and 30-34, respectively. Incidence among men has also decreased substantially, likely through herd effect. During 2006-2018, 31,233 cases were averted, highlighting vaccination's remarkable population-level impact.
High Prevalence of Ceftriaxone-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2023–2024
This study, from Hanoi, Vietnam, between 2023-2024, observed a 27% prevalence of ceftriaxone resistance among 352 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates. Whole-genome sequencing revealed resistance was primarily driven by the mosaic penA-237.001 allele with a smaller contribution from penA-60.001. The report highlights an urgent threat to ceftriaxone as an empiric gonorrhea treatment option.