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 relationship between the gut microbiome and clinical infections, a retrospective cohort study of influenza-associated hospitalization rates by underlying conditions and other research ready to inform clinical practice. (Titles and summaries are adapted from the October 2025 issue of JID.)
Companion editorial: The Vaginal Microbiome: Setting the Stage for Cancer?
This study implicates the Atopobiaceae family of bacteria as a potential marker to monitor HPV persistence and/or as a target to prevent HPV-mediated cancer. The authors’ findings suggest that these bacteria may influence lipid metabolism, inflammation and immune evasion, contributing to cervical cancer.
Metagenomic analysis of 663 fecal samples from 276 stem cell transplant patients revealed E. faecium, E. coli and E. faecalis were the three most prevalent causes of clinical infection. Higher gut abundance of E. faecium and the vanA gene were linked to increased risk of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium infections, identifying high-risk individuals.
Modeling the Potential Impacts of Outpatient Antiviral Treatment in Reducing Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations in the United States
This modeling study supports recommendations to prioritize outpatient antiviral treatment among older adults and others at higher risk of influenza complications. A 50% improvement in access to prompt testing and treatment among outpatients with suspected influenza could avert up to 71,000 hospitalizations (13.3%) compared to study baseline.
Influenza-Associated Hospitalization Rates by Underlying Conditions, 2016-2017 to 2019-2020: A Retrospective Cohort Study
In some individuals, influenza-like illnesses lead to hospitalization. In this study, using two retrospective cohorts (870,788 cohort members, 1,403 influenza hospitalizations), individuals with congestive heart failure had the highest adjusted rate ratio for influenza-associated hospitalization (4.2, 95% confidence interval: 3.6-4.9). Each underlying medical condition increased hospitalization risk; in those with >4 UMCs without vaccination, rates were ~60% higher. Vaccination diminished risk, highlighting the importance of annual influenza vaccination, particularly for individuals at high-risk.
Fetal Defects in Mice Treated With Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors: Comparison of Dolutegravir, Raltegravir, Bictegravir and Cabotegravir
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors are preferred for HIV treatment. However, safety data in pregnancy are limited for newer INSTIs. In this fetotoxicity mouse study, the presence of any defect (tail defects, eye defects, bleeding defects, cranial swelling, growth restriction) was significantly higher in all INSTI-groups compared to control. Among INSTIs, dolutegravir had the lowest rates of defects and adverse fetal outcomes.