High CRP = high risk. In a Ugandan cohort of 1,378 people with advanced HIV (CD4 ≤200), Dr. Boulware’s team found that CRP ≥10 mg/L predicted a 4× higher risk of hospitalization and 10× higher risk of death within 30 days. #IDSky

🦠 Save the date! Emerging Infections 2025 📍 Minneapolis, MN | 🗓️ Nov 21, 2025 Now in its 31st year, this conference cohosted by Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, and MDH unites clinicians, laboratorians, and public health experts to tackle today’s emerging infectious threats. #IDSky

There’s now an app for all things fungi 🦠🍄 Dr. Matthew Pullen, Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, helped launch Dr Fungus—a free app that brings the trusted resource to your phone. Explore fungal infections, antifungal treatments, and case-based learning—all in one place.

Dr. Radha Rajasingham & Dr. Nathan Bahr explore this critical question in a new article. Their work highlights ongoing knowledge gaps around ART timing, antifungal regimens, and how to ensure treatments are effective, safe, and accessible worldwide. 🌍💊 www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

Dr. David Boulware’s latest study sheds light on the immune response in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. 🧪 Early deaths were linked to immune exhaustion in cerebrospinal fluid cells. Low CD8+ T cells + higher PD-1 expression = higher risk. #IDSky

🧠💉 Exciting news! Our faculty member Dr. Nathan Bahr co-authored the brand-new Clinical Practice Guideline for Tuberculous Meningitis. This work provides crucial recommendations for diagnosis & treatment of this devastating infection worldwide. #IDSky

Cryptococcosis remains a leading cause of death in people with HIV. Dr. David Boulware’s FLOOR trial tested whether lower flucytosine dosing could keep treatment effective while reducing side effects. #IDSky

📅 Save the date: Sept 7–9, 2025 📍 Minneapolis, MN Join us for the 2025 Congenital CMV Public Health & Policy Conference! We’ll cover diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and family support. Our goal? Fewer babies born with CMV—and better lives for those affected. #CMV #PublicHealth #IDSky

Faculty Dr. William M. Stauffer co-led the 2025 International Refugee and Migration Health Conference in Halifax—bringing together 600+ global leaders to address health equity for displaced people. 🧵#IDSky

🚨 New National Guidelines Alert! Our very own Dr. Dimitri Drekonja together with colleagues just authored the IDSA guidelines for urinary tract infections. ID expertise from the University of Minnesota helping shape clinical care nationwide. 💪💊 #IDSky #UMNproud #UTI #MedSky #InfectiousDiseases

✨ #FollowFriday ✨ We’re so close to 4,000 followers! Help us get there by tapping that follow button and tagging a colleague who should be part of our community. 🧫🌍🧠 Grateful for all of you who make this space smarter, kinder, and more curious. #IDSky #MedSky

🧠📈 New research from @drboulware.bsky.social @natebahrid.bsky.social In people with TB meningitis (a serious brain infection), high levels of inflammation in the blood were linked to worse recovery. A simple blood test (CRP) could help doctors predict who’s at higher risk early on. #IDSky

Dr. Lokensgard and his team just made a fascinating discovery: certain immune cells called bTRMs stay in the brain after a viral infection and quietly keep the virus from waking up again. When these cells were removed in mice, the virus started to stir. #IDSky

🌲🔥 Our former ID fellow led a powerful study linking wildfire smoke and COVID-19 outcomes in California during 2020. Climate change isn't just an environmental crisis—it’s an infectious diseases one too. 🌍🦠 #IDSky

How common is Valley fever really? A new study by faculty Dr. Bahr and colleagues estimates over 273,000 symptomatic cases of coccidioidomycosis in 2019—up to 18x higher than what’s reported nationally. Most cases are missed or misdiagnosed. #ValleyFever #PublicHealth #IDSky

Can early changes in COVID-19 viral load predict serious outcomes? 🧬 Dr. Boulware and team led the first individual participant data meta-analysis to find out! They pooled data from 23 trials to tackle this key question for Phase 2 clinical trials. #IDSky

🧠🔬 Grand Rounds Spotlight Drs. Caleb Skipper and Mark Schleiss delivering a powerful discussion on the life-course implications of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) — a virus that continues to reveal its complexity far beyond the contexts of pregnancy or immunocompromised populations. #IDSky

We're proud to highlight Dr. Nathan Bahr as co-author of the 2025 clinical practice guidelines for Histoplasmosis 🧬📖 His dedication to advancing clinical standards and bridging global gaps in fungal infection care continues to set benchmarks for excellence in ID research and practice. #IDSky

We’re incredibly proud of Dr. Johnathone Yang for representing with passion and professionalism at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) meeting in Honolulu last week! Check out his poster! #IDSky #Pedsky

🧬 Pushing the Boundaries of Medical Research 🧫 Drs. Erayil, Kline, and Selmecki, along with the team from the Selmecki Lab, have uncovered critical insights into a persistent Candida glabrata bloodstream infection that developed resistance while under treatment with micafungin. #IDSky

Dr. Boulware’s Ambition-CM trial shows promise for HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis. But for transplant patients, immune responses to antifungal therapy can be harmful. Personalized treatment is key. ⚠️🧠 #IDSky

We’re proud to spotlight the U’s groundbreaking Vaccine Integrity Project—a visionary initiative designed to protect the integrity, trust, and science behind vaccines in the U.S. 💉 #IDSky

🔬 A 5-year study by our faculty in the Division shows cryptococcal (62%) & TB meningitis (21%) lead in Uganda. High mortality persists—up to 32%. Urgent need for better diagnostics & access. #IDSky

🚨 Exciting new research from Drs. Boulware, Rajasingham and colleagues! 🚨 In collaboration with clinics in Uganda, they led a groundbreaking study validating the FujiLAM II assay, a point-of-care test designed to detect tuberculosis (TB) in individuals with advanced HIV. #IDSky

🎙️ Tune in! Our very own Dr Tom Schmidt and Faculty Dr Nate Bahr joined @febrilepodcast.bsky.social to dive deep into the world of endemic fungal infections. 🌍🍄 From the challenges of early diagnosis to emerging treatments, they share expert insights on managing these often-overlooked infections.

🎧 Tune in to @mprnews.org as host Angela Davis sits down with Dr. Susan Kline, Director of the Division, to reflect on how COVID-19 has reshaped Minnesota over the past five years. Discover insights into its impact on our communities and the lessons learned. Don't miss this engaging conversation!

Second Measles Death Amid Outbreak New Mexico reports its first measles death after an unvaccinated adult tested positive posthumously. Most infections, including a recent child fatality in Texas, involve unvaccinated individuals. #BlueSky #IDSky

🔬 Faculty member Dr. Kline’s latest research explores the evolving strategies for Staph aureus decolonization before surgery to reduce surgical site infections. The study reveals a shift towards universal decolonization over targeted screening. #MedSky #IDSky @ichejournal.bsky.social

Shoutout to all the amazing ID fellows! 🎉👏 In these challenging times, your dedication, hard work, and expertise make a huge difference. Thank you for your commitment and impact! 💙🙌 #IDSky #MedSky

💉 No More Flu Vaccine? The FDA abruptly canceled its March meeting to decide this fall’s flu vaccine composition—without explanation. Medical expenses are skyrocketing. Without vaccines, people risk higher illness severity, increased hospitalizations, and preventable deaths. #Bluesky

🚨Join us for a research conference presented by @natebahrid.bsky.social Dr. Bahr will explore the latest advancements and challenges in diagnosing this deadly form of tuberculosis. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and engage in discussion! 📅 Feb 27, 2025 📍 Zoom link below

🚨Economic Impact of Infectious Diseases: H5N1 avian flu has wiped out 19M birds in 30 days, hitting farms in Ohio, Indiana, Florida & New York. With a 3M-bird loss in Ohio, expect egg price hikes & supply chain strain—a blow to consumers & businesses. 🥚💰 Thoughts? ⬇️

A measles outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, is growing, with 24 cases and at least 14 hospitalizations—mainly among children. Low vaccination rates are fueling the crisis. Outbreaks like this will become more common as vaccine misinformation spreads and laws weaken immunization requirements.

📢 Join Us for the Infection & Immunity Research Conference! 🦠🔬 📅 Tuesday, February 11, 2025 🕛 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST 🎤 Featured Speaker: Pamela Skinner, PhD 🧬 Topic: Engineering Immune Cells to Treat HIV Infections Don’t miss this exciting discussion on cutting-edge HIV research! See you there!

Flu season is hitting hard, with the most intense surge in 15 years—forcing school closures and overwhelming hospitals. Yet, flu vaccination rates remain low. Public health info must be transparent, and vaccines are key to protection. #BlueSky

Food safety regulations exist for a reason. Listeria contamination of broccoli florets is a reminder that transparency & swift action are critical to protecting consumers.

Uganda is experiencing an Ebola outbreak, while Tanzania is dealing with a Marburg virus outbreak. These deadly viruses can kill up to 80% of those infected.

Egg prices are soaring 🥚📈, up 20% in 2025 due to avian flu & inflation. With millions of hens lost, tight supply means costly breakfasts for a while. This highlights how infectious diseases disrupt food supply & strain economies. 🛒💡 Thoughts? #BlueSky

📢 Don’t Miss This! Join us for the Infection & Immunity Research Conference to explore the complexities of biofilm formation in Enterococcus faecalis. 📅 Date: Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

🌿 Exploring Lyme Disease Care in the U.S. 🌿 Dr. Alpern, Dr. Rothenberger, adjunct faculty members, examined the range of care provided by clinics utilizing both conventional and complementary and alternative medicine approaches. Here’s a closer look at their findings. #IDSky #MedSky

The U.S. is currently in the midst of a nationwide epidemic of seasonal influenza, with at least 43 states reporting high or very high activity. Hospitals and doctors’ offices are experiencing significant strain as flu cases continue to rise, compounded by increases in norovirus, COVID-19, and RSV.

🌟 It's #FollowFriday! 🌟 Today, we're spotlighting the incredible work of our experts at the Division of Infectious Diseases. 💉🧬 From groundbreaking research to compassionate patient care, our team is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases worldwide. 🌍❤️

🎉 Huge congratulations to our Advanced HIV Disease Research Team for being named a 2024 inductee to the Academy for Excellence in Team Science at the University! 🌟 Your interdisciplinary efforts are transforming biomedical research and advancing health equity. 👏

Faculty Dr. Rhein, Dr. Boulware and colleagues conducted a study aimed to determine whether individuals diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis within 14 days of initiating antiretroviral therapy faced a higher risk of mortality and to evaluate the impact of interrupting ART upon diagnosis. #IDSky

A hepatitis A outbreak has been tied to frozen blueberries sold by Dutch supermarket Albert Heijn, potentially impacting hundreds of people. To date, 12 cases have been confirmed, with patients ranging from 25 to 77 years old. Two individuals required hospitalization due to severe symptoms. #IDSky

Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Sanitation Violations at Boar's Head Virginia Plant The outbreak in 2024 left 10 dead and dozens hospitalized across 19 states. Inspectors found residue from previous days of production, dripping condensation on exposed products, and mold near equipment.

To our new followers in #Bluesky We’re thrilled to connect with you here! As leaders in research, education, and clinical care, we’re dedicated to advancing the fight against infectious diseases and improving global health. 🌐 Let’s learn, collaborate, and grow—together.

Do new catheter materials improve PICC performance? A randomized trial compared hydrophobic, chlorhexidine, and standard-polyurethane PICCs. Results: no significant reduction in device failure for new materials. Standard PICCs remain a reliable choice.

Join us on January 14, 2025, 12pm CST ! Zoom link: umn-private.zoom.us/j/9847367525...

While over 450 fatalities from H5N1 have been recorded globally since 2003, this is the first death in North America. Of the 67 human cases of H5N1 reported in the U.S.—nearly all in 2024—this marks the first severe outcome, as prior cases were limited to mild symptoms. #MedSky