An ongoing dialogue on HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases,
Paul E. Sax, MD
Associate Editor
NEJM Clinician
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FROM NEJM — Recent Infectious Disease Articles- Cerebral Syphilitic Gumma May 9, 2026A 50-year-old man presented to the ED with a 1-month history of headache and worsening weakness of the left arm and leg. Brain MRI showed an enhancing lesion with extensive surrounding edema.
- Efficacy and Safety of an mRNA Seasonal Influenza Vaccine in Adults May 7, 2026Among adults 50 years of age or older, fewer cases of confirmed influenza-like illness were observed with an mRNA influenza vaccine than with standard vaccines. Reactogenicity was higher with the mRNA vaccine.
- Human Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N5) Virus May 7, 2026Avian influenza can jump species from birds to humans, a fact that arouses concern for serious illness and broader human transmission. In this report, avian influenza A(H5N5) was shown to cause severe human illness.
- Reducing Bacterial Contamination of Blood Bags with a Double Knot May 7, 2026In a study involving 180 blood bags, use of a double-knot closure rather than the usual single knot prevented bacterial contamination. This strategy may reduce the risk of blood-product contamination in resource-limited settings.
- Immune Interference May 7, 2026A 62-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for malaise, anorexia, rash, and diffuse lymphadenopathy. Fatigue and anorexia began 6 months earlier. Four months before admission, a pruritic rash developed on the back and spread.
- Cerebral Syphilitic Gumma May 9, 2026