More Africa & Middle East News
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NewsStudy links gut bacteria to bloodstream infections in newborns within sub-Saharan Africa for the first time
New research has shown gut and bloodstream infections are caused by the same bacteria giving hope of better prevention and diagnosis of deadly neonatal sepsis.
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NewsPersistent antibiotic resistance of cholera-causing bacteria in Africa revealed
In 2024, representatives from 14 African countries came together for a five-day intensive workshop on a whole-genome sequencing method called Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) aimed at strengthening cholera surveillance capabilities across the continent.
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NewsCloves and miswak: Antimicrobial effects of Syzygium aromaticum and Salvadora persica against common pathogens in vitro
Clove essential oil (CEO) derived from Syzygium aromaticum and miswak (Salvadora persica) contains bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of CEO, miswak, and their combination against key peri-implantitis pathogens.
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NewsAFYREN and ESSE Skincare begin partnership to offer 100% natural cosmetic solutions with enhanced skincare performance
AFYREN, a greentech company offering manufacturers biobased, low-carbon ingredients through a unique fermentation technology, and South Africa-based Esse Skincare, a leader in microbiome skincare science, are partnering to introduce the world’s first bio-based propionic acid for the skincare industry.
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NewsProfessor named EMBO Young Investigator for work on the infant microbiome
Prof. Moran Yassour has been selected as one of the 2025 EMBO Young Investigators. She receives this prestigious recognition for her innovative research on the developing infant microbiome and its impact on pediatric health.
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NewsGlobal Virus Network issues warning on the Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia
The Global Virus Network (GVN) has issued a statement on the newly confirmed outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in southern Ethiopia. This represents the country’s first documented outbreak of Marburg virus and raises urgent public health, research, and surveillance imperatives.
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NewsIs malaria messaging working? African biostatisticians have the data
New analysis shows malaria messaging works. Using advanced causal methods, researchers found that exposure to prevention messages increases insecticide-treated net use among women and children in Uganda, offering rare causal evidence to guide policy.
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NewsMarine viruses use ‘hijacked’ genes to take over bacteria and exploit their energy systems
Marine viruses deploy a sophisticated Trojan horse maneuver that enables them to dismantle the energy systems of ocean bacteria and use the breakdown products for self-replication, according to a new study.
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NewsHear us out: scientists say garlic shows promise as a mouthwash alternative
Garlic extract demonstrates antimicrobial efficacy comparable to other widely used antiseptics and disinfectants, such as chlorhexidine, according to scientists. While garlic-based mouthwash may cause more discomfort than chlorhexidine, it offers longer-lasting residual effects.
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NewsMaternal health programme cuts infection deaths by 32%
A landmark multi-country clinical trial has shown that a structured, sustainable approach to infection prevention and treatment can save women’s lives, cutting severe maternal infections and deaths by about one-third (32%) compared to usual care.
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NewsThe leading causes of mass mortality events in sea urchins are pathogens, storms, and extreme temperatures
Researchers have identified the primary drivers of sea urchin mass mortality events over recent decades: pathogens, storms, and extreme temperatures. The team have developed an innovative method for genetic sampling in marine environments - using a swab similar to a COVID-19 test, to enable rapid and non-invasive monitoring of marine animals and underwater disease outbreaks.
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NewsTyphoid conjugate vaccine demonstrates strong safety and immunogenicity: Results from Phase 3 study
PATH and EuBiologics Co., LTD have announced Phase 3 results from a clinical trial of a typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), EuTYPH-C Inj.® Multi-dose. EuTYPH-C Inj.® Source: CDC/ Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Charles N. Farmer This photomicrograph reveals some of the histopathology exhibited in a lymph node tissue ...
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NewsSingle-dose malaria treatment combining four existing drugs as effective as more onerous multi-day, multi-dose regimen
Hundreds of malaria patients participating in a clinical trial in Gabon in West Africa were cured via a single dose of a treatment that utilizes four widely available malaria drugs, according to a new study.
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NewsCracking leishmaniasis: new DNA test to track infection
A new study offers an innovative way to track the spread of leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease affecting both animals and humans. Researchers developed a fast, reliable method to identify sand fly species, detect Leishmania parasites, and determine the source of their blood meals from a single sample.
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NewsEgypt becomes the seventh country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced that Egypt has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, marking a historic public health milestone for the country and WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO EMR).
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NewsFirst detection of zoonotic Rickettsia species in dog ticks from Malawi reveals potential public health risk
An international research team has reported the first molecular detection of Rickettsia bacteria in ticks collected from domestic dogs in Malawi, addressing a significant knowledge gap in understanding tick-borne disease risks in southeastern Africa.
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NewsHIV significantly affects sleep, with many living in a state akin to chronic jet lag
A new study describes how people living with HIV experience higher rates of sleep issues even when virally suppressed, which has been associated with a higher risk for heart disease, depression and cognitive decline.
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NewsBreathing new life Into TB treatment with inhalable nanomedicine
Scientists are developing an inhalable nanosystem to transport TB medicines directly into the lungs, the very place where the bacterium that causes TB hides and thrives. The nanocarrier can hold all four standard TB drugs in a single formulation and release them precisely at the infection site.
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NewsNew study reveals how immune cells help defend against candida infections
New research shows that eosinophils, immune cells usually linked to allergies, also play a protective role against Candida infections by using the CD48 receptor to recognize the fungus and release proteins that stop its growth.
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NewsEurope backs first cervical cancer vaccination campaign in Angola
Angola’s first national vaccination campaign will immunise over 2 million girls aged 9–12 against cervical cancer. The national rollout began this week with coordinated delivery across schools, clinics, and communities in all 21 provinces.