Finding infections earlier is only part of the work. At IDWeek 2026, David Weber, MD, MPH, explored how broader surveillance and emerging technologies could help infection preventionists spend more time supporting safer care.
|Articles|January 17, 2017
Plant-Derived Products May Help Fight HBV
Advertisement
Researchers have found that certain plant-derived products may help prevent and treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Proanthocyanidin (PAC) and its analogs, oolonghomobisflavanes, act by inhibiting viral entry into host cells.
The investigators noted that PAC was effective even against treatment-resistant HBV strains, and it augmented the ability of the antiviral drug tenofovir to interrupt HBV spread in human cells.
"PAC represents a specific inhibitor against HBV that is a less toxic plant-derived agent used as a dietary supplement," said Dr. Koichi Watashi, co-author of the Hepatology study.
Source: Wiley
Advertisement
Related to this article
Two experts give an update ahead of the first season with a new mRNA vaccine against flu.
This week in infection prevention: Kenya’s Bundibugyo virus response shows why execution, not just planning, determines outcomes, and France reported the first known human Shamonda virus infection. Our roundup also covers brucellosis, blood donor screening, and long-acting HIV antibody findings from IDWeek 2026.
At IDWeek 2026, Jimmy Chang, PhD, discussed investigational HIV antibodies TMB-365 and TMB-380, explaining their complementary mechanisms, early study findings, and ongoing evaluation as a long-acting maintenance regimen.
At IDWeek 2026, Samuel Ntow, MBChB, MPH, discussed research findings of reactive infection screening markers in 18.3% of replacement donor records from rural Ghana, highlighting opportunities for further evaluation and linkage to care.
France’s first reported human Shamonda virus infection raises questions about transmission and vulnerable patients. Explore what investigators know, what remains uncertain, and why infection preventionists should follow this emerging story.
John Rex, MD, CMO of F2G, discusses investigational olorofim’s phase 3 findings, why new antifungals are difficult to develop, and how an oral option could help patients with limited treatment choices.
An analysis of 147 million US hospital admissions identified 875 adults with brucellosis diagnoses, highlighting demographic and regional differences while emphasizing exposure histories and uncertainty about underdiagnosis.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Trending on Infection Control Today
1
Early Flu, Late RSV: What Infection Preventionists Should Watch This Respiratory Season
2
David Weber, MD, at IDWeek 2026: A Career of IPC and His Thoughts on Influential Research
3
ICT Weekly Rounds: Ebola Execution Gaps, a Midge-Borne Virus Jumps to Humans, and IDWeek Findings
4