Muna Al Maslamani, Bosco Paes, Mohamed Janahi, Eman Al Maslamani, Ahmed Abushahin, Ali Almudeer, Manasik Hassan, Moaaz Abo Zeed, Mai Alqubaisi, Ibrahim Janahi, Peter V Coyle, Mohammed Alkuwari, Khalid Elawad, Hayat Khogali, Hadi Yassine, Salah Al Awaidy
{"title":"Palivizumab for respiratory syncytial virus immunoprophylaxis in high-risk populations in Qatar: a call for action.","authors":"Muna Al Maslamani, Bosco Paes, Mohamed Janahi, Eman Al Maslamani, Ahmed Abushahin, Ali Almudeer, Manasik Hassan, Moaaz Abo Zeed, Mai Alqubaisi, Ibrahim Janahi, Peter V Coyle, Mohammed Alkuwari, Khalid Elawad, Hayat Khogali, Hadi Yassine, Salah Al Awaidy","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2694632","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2694632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Preterm and high-risk infants are at increased risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, leading to prolonged hospitalization, intensive care unit admissions, respiratory support and death. Although, RSV prevention is a major health priority in Qatar, national guidelines for RSV prophylaxis are currently lacking.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This expert opinion summarizes the burden of RSV in Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) along with current immunoprophylaxis practices and real-world evidence on the effectiveness of palivizumab in high-risk infants. Evidence from a literature review was supplemented by expert insights relevant to Qatar and the GCC to address data gaps and heterogeneity in RSV prophylaxis. The integrated findings support context-specific recommendations.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>A steering committee with 16 experts was convened in December 2024 to review the available evidence and discuss challenges in RSV prevention among high-risk infants. The experts reviewed the literature and reached consensus for the recommendations. Palivizumab, supported by established effectiveness and long-term safety data, remains the cornerstone of RSV prophylaxis for preterm and high-risk pediatric population. It also acknowledges the necessity to collaborate with other GCC countries and develop a regional protocol to further strengthen the RSV prevention efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"755-766"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148519880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexandra P Kuo, Sally Hamdan, Monica A Donnelley, George R Thompson
{"title":"Anti-infective therapy and novel treatment options for coccidioidomycosis.","authors":"Alexandra P Kuo, Sally Hamdan, Monica A Donnelley, George R Thompson","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2693682","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2693682","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Coccidioidomycosis infections can pose severe clinical complications with high morbidity and mortality. There exist numerous treatment options with emerging evidence accumulating for each.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review summarizes evidence regarding current and novel agents for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis. Key topics include a review of therapeutic agents, current guidelines, and evidence regarding selection of the most optimal treatment regimen.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>There exist multiple antifungal regimens that have been demonstrated to be efficacious in treating systemic coccidioidomycosis infections; however, determining the most optimal therapy as new therapeutic agents emerge should be weighed upon a variety of factors including efficacy, tolerability, penetration into areas of infection such as the central nervous system (CNS), and susceptibility of the pathogen. Novel agents in preclinical and clinical development may assist in addressing patients with refractory, resistant or intolerance to currently available treatment regimens.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"767-778"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Mazzitelli, Riccardo Serraino, Enrico Maria Trecarichi, Rita Murri, Carlo Torti
{"title":"How long is enough? Evidence gaps and research priorities for antibiotic duration in immunocompromised hosts.","authors":"Maria Mazzitelli, Riccardo Serraino, Enrico Maria Trecarichi, Rita Murri, Carlo Torti","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2692475","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2692475","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"737-739"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148270724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah S Alghanem, Wasmeya Al-Ajmi, Abdelmoneim Awad
{"title":"Intensivists' practices and perceptions regarding β-lactam prescribing and monitoring in intensive care units: a cross-sectional survey.","authors":"Sarah S Alghanem, Wasmeya Al-Ajmi, Abdelmoneim Awad","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2692481","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2692481","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prolonged β-lactam infusion and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) are recommended to optimize target attainment in critically ill patients, but implementation varies, and Middle Eastern data are scarce. This study assessed intensivists' practices, beliefs, and perceptions regarding β-lactam administration and TDM in intensive care units (ICUs) in Kuwait.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among intensivists in adult, pediatric, and neonatal ICUs across public hospitals using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 348 intensivists invited, 212 responded (61%). Intermittent infusion predominated for cephalosporins (91%), cloxacillin (84%), and piperacillin-tazobactam/meropenem (81%). Piperacillin-tazobactam/meropenem extended infusion was reported by 60%, while continuous infusion was rare (<10%). Loading doses for severe infections were more frequent with intermittent infusion (68%) than extended (39%) or continuous (9%). Experience >10 years predicted greater use of intermittent infusion and loading doses; neonatal ICU respondents were less likely to use prolonged infusions or loading doses. Beliefs toward prolonged infusion were neutral or uncertain (median 3.0), whereas perceptions of TDM were generally positive (median 4.0), both lower in pediatric ICUs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Intermittent infusion remains dominant. Practices vary by experience and ICU type, underscoring the need for national protocols, targeted education, and TDM implementation to strengthen stewardship.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"791-799"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148270792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Calvin Q Pan, Bai L Pan, Jonathan Li, Fu-Sheng Wang
{"title":"Hepatitis B in pregnancy and breastfeeding: current approaches to prophylaxis and treatment.","authors":"Calvin Q Pan, Bai L Pan, Jonathan Li, Fu-Sheng Wang","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2690003","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2690003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Chronic hepatitis B infection affects an estimated 258 million people globally. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) accounts for over one-third of new cases in endemic regions and almost invariably results in lifelong infection if acquired at birth. Over the past four decades, universal vaccination, hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), and maternal antiviral prophylaxis have substantially reduced MTCT. However, limited access to antiviral therapy and HBIG in resource-constrained settings continues to hinder elimination efforts.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review focuses on HBV in pregnancy and breastfeeding, with emphasis on maternal antiviral prophylaxis. It outlines epidemiology, maternal risk factors, and the limitations of vaccination and HBIG. Evidence supporting tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is evaluated, alongside HBIG-free strategies and novel vaccine delivery platforms. Postpartum management, including hepatitis flares and the safety of breastfeeding during antiviral therapy, is also addressed.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Maternal antiviral prophylaxis with TDF, and increasingly TAF, is central to preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. HBIG-free strategies, earlier treatment initiation, and improved vaccines may further reduce transmission, particularly in resource-limited settings. Achieving WHO 2030 elimination goals will require policy commitment, affordable access, and integration of HBV prevention into routine maternal-child health care.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"741-753"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148257807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annette C Westgeest, Merel M C Lambregts, Joshua T Thaden, Kevin B Laupland
{"title":"The impact of sex on therapy, epidemiology, and outcome in bloodstream infections.","authors":"Annette C Westgeest, Merel M C Lambregts, Joshua T Thaden, Kevin B Laupland","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2692486","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2692486","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"731-735"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148270722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ximeng Duan, Dongmei Tan, Qian Deng, Xiao Hou, Lin Liu, Kaile Zhai, Xiuyun Li
{"title":"Synergistic antifungal effects and potential mode of action of crisaborole combined with azoles against drug-resistant <i>Candida albicans</i>.","authors":"Ximeng Duan, Dongmei Tan, Qian Deng, Xiao Hou, Lin Liu, Kaile Zhai, Xiuyun Li","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2694112","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2694112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Candida albicans</i> is the leading pathogen of life-threatening invasive candidiasis, with mortality exceeding 40% in immunocompromised patients. Global azole resistance and limited approved antifungal classes severely restrict clinical treatment, making repurposing FDA-approved drugs a promising low-barrier strategy.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>The synergistic antifungal activity of crisaborole (CRB) combined with azoles was validated via checkerboard microdilution assay. <i>In vivo</i> efficacy of CRB plus ketoconazole (KCZ) was evaluated in a Galleria mellonella infection model, with mechanisms explored via phenotypic assays and qPCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CRB combined with azoles exerted potent synergism against drug-resistant <i>C. albicans</i> (FICI 0.023-0.500). CRB+KCZ significantly improved larval survival, reduced fungal burden, inhibited fungal efflux pump activity, and impaired hyphal growth and host cell adhesion of <i>C. albicans</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CRB specifically enhances azoles' antifungal activity, offering a clinically translatable therapeutic strategy for drug-resistant <i>C. albicans</i> infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"779-790"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148301550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antibiotics in severe acute pancreatitis: from routine prophylaxis to targeted use.","authors":"Fons F van den Berg, Hjalmar C van Santvoort","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2708163","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2708163","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The global surge of drug-resistant infections and what it reveals about our failing defenses.","authors":"Bashar Haruna Gulumbe, Abdulrakib Abdulrahim, Esther Ugo Alum, Abdullahi Adamu Faggo, Tirmizhi Munkaila Abubakar, Victor Abiola Adepoju","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2684571","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2684571","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has shifted from a projected threat to a measurable global crisis, with recent surveillance showing rising resistance across major pathogen-drug combinations. This perspective examines why resistance is accelerating despite years of global action.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Drawing on an exploratory search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and key WHO and CDC reports, we synthesized peer-reviewed studies and surveillance reports published up to October 2025. We focus on five interlinked failures: fragmented surveillance, inappropriate antibiotic use in human and animal sectors, environmental amplification of resistance, stagnation in antibiotic innovation, and inequities in diagnostic and treatment capacity. Available estimates indicate that around 90% of AMR deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, while livestock consume most antibiotics used globally. Headline surveillance figures are largely based on laboratory-confirmed infections and uneven country reporting, and therefore should not be interpreted as true population incidence.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>AMR control will require enforceable stewardship and agricultural reforms, stronger laboratory and sanitation systems, rapid diagnostics, and new economic incentives for antibiotic development. Progress will depend on shared accountability across health systems, regulators, industry, and governments.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"663-676"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148155953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eva Amenta, Larissa Grigoryan, Lindsey Laytner, Kiara Olmeda, Michael K Paasche-Orlow, Barbara W Trautner
{"title":"Lack of knowledge of antibiotic risks among outpatients is associated with intention to use antibiotics without a prescription.","authors":"Eva Amenta, Larissa Grigoryan, Lindsey Laytner, Kiara Olmeda, Michael K Paasche-Orlow, Barbara W Trautner","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2683611","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2026.2683611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health issue. Little is known about patients' understanding of the risks associated with antibiotic use or antimicrobial resistance. We conducted a survey in Houston, Texas among ethnically and racially diverse patients to identify factors associated with knowledge of antibiotic risks and to determine whether knowledge of antibiotic risks impacts patients' intention to use antibiotics without a prescription.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A survey was conducted between January 2020 and June 2021 among adult patients in waiting rooms at six public clinics and two private emergency rooms in Houston, Texas. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with the intention to use non-prescription antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Surveys were collected among 564 individuals, of which 62% knew about any risks (individual or public health) associated with antibiotics, 19% had some knowledge of antibiotic resistance, and 6% had knowledge about microbiome effects. Knowledge gaps, younger age, receiving care in public rather than private healthcare setting were independent predictors of intention to use non-prescription antibiotics in the future.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Improving knowledge regarding antibiotic risks may reduce the use of antibiotics without a prescription.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"713-719"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148197962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}