Communicable

CMI Communications
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  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Communicable

Communicable takes on hot topics in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology. Hosted by the editors of CMI Communications, the open-access journal of ESCMID, the European Society of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases.

  1. Communicable E25: The Nightmare Series, part 5 - Measles is back

    5D AGO

    Communicable E25: The Nightmare Series, part 5 - Measles is back

    In this episode of Communicable, hosts Angela Huttner and Annie Joseph join experts Kerrigan McCarthy of South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Natasha Crowcroft of the World Health Organisation to discuss the resurgence of measles as a consequence of misinformation campaigns and waning vaccination rates, how to diagnose and manage active measles cases, and post-exposure control measures to take to reduce further spread. They also address the broader challenges of the moment, including generalised vaccine hesitancy and sudden, sweeping budget cuts, underscoring the message that “measles anywhere is a problem everywhere.” This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and peer reviewed by Dr. Anelia Zasheva of the Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria.

    55 min
  2. Communicable E24: The role of medical societies in global health - An interview with ESCMID leadership

    APR 6

    Communicable E24: The role of medical societies in global health - An interview with ESCMID leadership

    ESCMID Global, ESCMID’s flagship congress, kicks off this Friday in Vienna. In light of that, Angela Huttner and Thomas Tängdén sit down with ESCMID leadership, President Robert Skov and Immediate-Past President Annelies Zinkernagel in this episode of Communicable. Together they discuss the roles of medical societies like ESCMID in shaping healthcare policy, the importance of scientific communication, and lessons learned from the COVID pandemic. The conversation highlights ESCMID’s priorities for the future on addressing antimicrobial resistance, fostering international collaboration and new educational initiatives. The episode also features personal anecdotes about what makes coming together at ESCMID Global so special. Tune in for a comprehensive look at how ESCMID is championing medical progress in infection for a healthier tomorrow. This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and not peer reviewed. References Global impact of US policy changes: The ESCMID perspective. CMI Comms 2025;2(2): 105073.Malani AN, Sharland M, Clancy CJ, Skov R, ESCMID & IDSA Executive Boards. A global call to action to fight antimicrobial resistance: IDSA and ESCMID joint white paper. CMI Comms 2024; 1(2): 105033.Baghdadi JD & Morgan DJ. Diagnostic tests should be assessed for clinical impact. CMI Comms 2024; 1(2): 105010.

    48 min
  3. Communicable E23: Women & men in medicine: An honest discussion, part 2

    MAR 23

    Communicable E23: Women & men in medicine: An honest discussion, part 2

    Communicable returns to the topic of gender dynamics in medicine in the second half of this special. This round, Angela Huttner wants to hear from the men, CMI Comms editors Marc Bonten, Josh Davis, Navaneeth Narayanan and Thomas Tängdén, about tackling issues like the evolving expectations at home and work, the impact of parental-leave policies, and the systemic biases that continue to shape careers. Personal anecdotes and reflections highlight both the progress made and the hurdles that still exist in striving for true gender equity in the medical profession. Editors Erin McCreary and Annie Joseph of CMI Comms also participate in the discussion, with Annie sharing an interesting follow-up to her story told in part 1.

    31 min
  4. Communicable E22: Women & men in medicine: An honest discussion, part 1

    MAR 7

    Communicable E22: Women & men in medicine: An honest discussion, part 1

    In honour of International Women's Day, Communicable releases the first of a two-part special on gender dynamics within the fields of infectious diseases and clinical microbiology. Moderated by Angela Huttner, part 1 focuses on the women's perspectives, featuring CMI Comms editors Erin McCreary, Annie Joseph, and Huttner herself, who together reflect on personal experiences of gender bias in the workplace. They discuss differential (mis)treatment, break down common gendered situations in the workplace, and explore what individuals, institutes and society can do to promote a more inclusive, supportive environment for all. Editors Marc Bonten, Josh Davis, Navaneeth Narayanan and Thomas Tängdén of CMI Comms also join for part 1.

    40 min
  5. Communicable E21: FMT for C. difficile infections - does it work?

    FEB 23

    Communicable E21: FMT for C. difficile infections - does it work?

    Several publications have described wondrous therapeutic effects of faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) on Clostridioides difficile infection. Yet the recent randomised trial assessing FMT in US veterans was terminated early for futility. In this episode, hosts Angela Huttner and Marc Bonten delve into the history, application, and complexities of FMT with experts Maria Vehreschild (Frankfurt University Hospital, Germany) and Dimitri Drekonja (Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Care System and University of Minnesota, US), who led the US trial. From the regulatory challenges and trial nuances to important new research, this conversation sheds light on a potentially revolutionary yet controversial treatment.  Episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and peer-reviewed by Arjana Zerja (Mother Theresa University Hospital Centre, Tirana, Albania). Other mentions: EurFMTEuropean Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare. Guide to the quality and safety of tissues and cells for human application. vol. 5th ed. EDQM Council of Europe; 2022. https://freepub.edqm.eu/publications/17/detail Literature Drekonja DM et al (2024) Clin Infect Dis, doi: 10.1093/cid/ciae467

    57 min
  6. Communicable E20: Tuberculosis today

    FEB 9

    Communicable E20: Tuberculosis today

    Despite being preventable and curable, tuberculosis remains a major global health threat, infecting over 10 million people and claiming more than 1 million lives every year. In this episode of Communicable, hosts Angela Huttner and Navaneeth Narayanan discuss tuberculosis with experts Lorenzo Guglielmetti of Doctors without Borders and Olha Konstantynovska of Kharkiv National University, Ukraine. Key topics include the history, transmission, and pathophysiology of tuberculosis, as well as current diagnostic challenges and treatments for drug-resistant strains. The conversation highlights Lorenzo's work on the endTB project and Olha's experiences managing tuberculosis during the war in Ukraine. Despite advancements in treatment, the episode underscores the urgent need for political will and funding to combat this global health threat. This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and peer reviewed by Dr. Maria Ana de Quadros Flores e Santos of Unidade Local de Saude Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.   Abbreviations and terminology used in this episode: MSF: Médecins sans Frontières, or Doctors without Borders (msf.org)FIND: Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (www.finddx.org)‘Intoxication symptoms’ are synonymous with ‘constitutional symptoms’ or ‘B symptoms’ of tuberculosis and include fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss.   Literature: endTB ProjectAnnual global tuberculosis report by WHO 2024 Dorman SE, et al. Four-Month Rifapentine Regimens with or without Moxifloxacin for Tuberculosis. N Engl J Med 2021 doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2033400Guglielmetti L, et al. Oral Regimens for Rifampin-Resistant, Fluoroquinolone-Susceptible Tuberculosis. N Engl J Med 2025 doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2400327

    54 min
  7. Communicable E19: ‘Super gonorrhoea’ & other sexually transmitted infections

    JAN 26

    Communicable E19: ‘Super gonorrhoea’ & other sexually transmitted infections

    Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect millions globally daily, and multidrug-resistant strains are complicating treatment. Hosts Angela Huttner and Josh Davis welcome experts Dr. Teodora Elvira Wi from WHO and Professor Catriona Bradshaw from Monash University to discuss critical issues surrounding ‘super gonorrhoea,’ chlamydia, syphilis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and bacterial vaginosis. The episode reviews the latest epidemiology and highlights the need to innovate diagnostics and treatment options, destigmatise STIs, and promote people-centred healthcare strategies to manage and prevent these infections.    This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and peer-reviewed by Dr. Arjana Zerja of Mother Theresa University Hospital Centre, Tirana, Albania.     Literature: Guidelines for the management of symptomatic sexually transmitted infections. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Chris Kenyon et al. on screening impact for gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections in key populations The Lancet HIV 2024.

    58 min
  8. Communicable E18: The Nightmare Series, part 4 - How to manage polio and rubella

    JAN 12

    Communicable E18: The Nightmare Series, part 4 - How to manage polio and rubella

    Rising anti-vaccine sentiment and dissemination of misinformation are threats to public health. In the US, calls to revoke certain public health mandates have been proposed by likely members of the incoming administration, among them vaccination against polio. The fourth instalment of the Nightmare Series is both a cautionary tale and an effort to preserve and share clinical expertise on how to diagnose and manage polio and rubella in a world where, until now, few doctors have had to face these illnesses in the clinical setting. Host Angela Huttner welcomes Professor Emeritus of Infectious Diseases Bernard Hirschel at the University of Geneva and Dr. Kerrigan McCarthy of the Centre for Vaccines and Immunology at South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) for that discussion.   This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and peer-reviewed by Dr. Barbora Píšová in Antwerp, Belgium.   Literature   Link-Gelles R et al (2022) MMWR https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7133e2.htm    Ryerson AB et al (2022) MMWR https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7144e2.htm    Kasstan B et al (2023) Epidemiol Infect doi: 10.1017/S0950268823001127   NICD (2024) Report: Rubella in South Africa, 2024. https://www.nicd.ac.za/surge-in-rubella-cases-in-south-africa-november-2024/

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Communicable takes on hot topics in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology. Hosted by the editors of CMI Communications, the open-access journal of ESCMID, the European Society of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases.

Information

  • Creator
    CMI Communications
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 CMI Communications

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