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About one-third of the world population is estimated to be infected with tuberculosis (TB), but the global incidence of TB appears to be declining slowly, with regional differences. Specific control measures are required and have been proposed to obtain a substantial reduction in the global TB burden. The advantages achieved so far are currently threatened by the emergence of highly drug-resistant forms of TB, the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection and the persisting global poverty. Socioeconomic development, but also access and quality of health services appear to be important in lowering the risk factors for TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiology of Bordetella pertussis infection shows an universal re-emerging pattern, independent of the increased rate of vaccination in some countries. Whooping cough can affect people of any age, as it is highly contagious, but unvaccinated infants and children possess a high risk of developing life-threatening complications. Acquiring anti-pertussis antibodies through active immunization, naturally (post-infection) or artificially (post-vaccination), do not confer life-long immunity. The acellular component of pertussis vaccine DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis) is commonly used in the vaccination schedules, but new results of research studies show that the vaccine DTwP, which contains a whole-cell pertussis component (wP), provides a better protection against infection and an acceptable rate of adverse events. In addition to this, from the economic point of view, the cost-efficiency of DTwP vaccine is estimated to be higher. Improving the level and quality of immunization at a populational level is the best method of protection against pertussis. Adopting new strategies which contain the whole-cell pertussis component could successfully obtain a decrease in the incidence of infection and confer an appropriate durable immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of transmission and the death rate of vaccinepreventable diseases require constant review of national immunization programs' efficacy, in order to increase the compliance of the general population. Last year, in Spain, a child died following an infection with Corynebacterium diphtheriae and this case produced a “state of alert” about the importance of international vaccination coverage for preventable diseases and also about the the need for the existence of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) as national supplies. The National Reference Centre from Belgium confirmed a case of diphtheria on the 15th of March, 2016 in a 3‑year‑old child, in the city of Antwerp (Anvers). It should be mentioned that she was not vaccinated against diphtheria. She has been hospitalized on the 11th of March, in an intensive care unit, with symptoms for the last five days. In the absence of national production of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT), which is the treatment of choice for diphtheria, the Scientific Institute of Public Health asked the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on the 16th of March. ECDC facilitated the immediate supplementation of DAT from the Netherlands. Despite the antitoxin administration on the 16th of March, the child died the next day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important public health issue, in terms of incidence and mortality, with approximately 1.8 million new cases reported worldwide in 2018. Advancements in understanding pathophysiological key steps in CRC tumorigenesis have led to the development of new targeted therapies such as those based on epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR inhibitors). The cutaneous adverse reactions induced by EGFR inhibitors, particularly papulopustular rash, often require long-term antibiotic treatment with tetracycline agents (mostly minocycline and doxycycline). However, this raises several issues of concern: possible occurrence of gut dysbiosis in already vulnerable CRC patients, selection of highly antibiotic resistant and/or virulent clones, development of adverse reactions related to tetracyclines, interference of antibiotics with the response to oncologic therapy, with a negative impact on disease prognosis etc. In the context of scarce information regarding these issues and controversial opinions regarding the role of tetracyclines in patients under EGFR inhibitors, our aim was to perform a thorough literature review and discuss the main challenges raised by long-term use of tetracyclines in advanced CRC patients receiving this targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]