Top in ID: Novavax gives vaccine update; study hints that bed bugs may spread MRSA

Novavax said its protein-based vaccine induced neutralizing antibodies against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, becoming the third company to publicize preliminary findings for updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccines expected this fall.

The vaccine candidate induced neutralizing responses to several of the most common omicron subvariants in animal models, according to the manufacturer. The FDA is expected to decide on authorizing or approving on the updated vaccines in mid- to late September, according to the CDC.

It was the top story in infectious disease last week.

Another top story was about an experimental study that determined that bed bugs can contract MRSA, but knowing for sure whether they can spread the infection to humans requires more research.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:

Novavax says updated COVID-19 vaccine induces antibody response to new variants

Novavax said its updated COVID-19 vaccine candidate induced neutralizing antibodies against emerging SARS-CoV-2 subvariants in small animal and non-human primate studies. Read more.

Do bed bugs spread MRSA? Study findings support hypothesis

Through the first experimental evidence of its kind, researchers determined that bed bugs can contract MRSA through contact with or feeding through a surface contaminated with the bacteria, although this does not necessarily mean they can spread the infection to humans. Read more.

Commonly used disinfectants varied in efficacy against Candida auris

Only a handful of commonly used disinfectants — primarily chlorine-based disinfectants — were consistently effective against the four major clades of Candida auris, researchers reported. Read more.

Date set for CDC advisors to vote on new COVID-19 boosters

CDC advisors will meet next month to vote on recommendations for the updated COVID-19 vaccines that are expected to be available in the U.S. this fall, according to a notice published Friday in the Federal Register. Read more.

Data confirm vaccine-drug combo ‘drastically’ reduces malaria

Combining seasonal vaccination and chemoprevention reduces the incidence of malaria by around two-thirds compared with either prevention method by itself, updated study results confirmed. Read more.