Epidemiologic studies

Stopping whooping cough in its tracks

Whooping cough incidence is increasing in the UK, possibly owing to a change in vaccine type in 2004. Epidemiologists are working to develop solutions that could eventually eradicate the disease.…

Genome sequencing reveals how MRSA spreads

Strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) previously thought to be restricted to hospitals are spreading in the wider UK population, according to new research published in the journal Science.…

Around one in six patients does not collect newly prescribed treatment

Around one in six patients fails to get a prescription filled the first time it is prescribed for them by a doctor, according to new research.…

Google searches reveal effect of chickenpox vaccinations

Digital epidemiological approach can predict seasonal outbreaks and shows effectiveness of vaccination.…

Very poorly controlled asthma lasts more than a decade for half of patients

Ten-year follow up of 341 patients shows 48% still had VPC asthma despite standard treatment.…

Evidence shows Zika virus crosses placental barrier

Amniotic fluid from two pregnant women in Brazil was found to contain Zika virus.…

Link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and asthma strengthened

Study of more than 50,000 children shows prenatal exposure to paracetamol associated with 13% increased risk of asthma.…

European folic acid recommendations have not reduced birth defects

Birth registry data show neural tube defects have not fallen in the past 20 years despite folic acid recommendations.…

Tamiflu and Relenza need a better evidence base for influenza, report finds

The evidence base for influenza drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) must be strengthened, says a report from the Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences.…

Asthma treatment failure linked to older age but not gender

Asthma patients aged 30 years and over are nearly twice as likely to experience treatment failure compared with younger sufferers.…