Potential new treatments for sepsis, influenza

Abstract

A number of presentations at the 36th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) [ New Orleans, US; September 1996 ] focused on new ways of dealing with sepsis and influenza. Developments in the field of sepsis included a new vaccine with a broad spectrum of activity against Gramnegative bacteria, and an antibody structure that may act as a ‘sponge’ for ‘mopping up’ endotoxin in cases of severe infection. Regarding influenza, researchers are investigating the efficacy of a live intranasal vaccine. In addition, a new orally active neuraminidase inhibitor is in development.