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Purpose of review Recurrent skin and soft tissue infections (RSSTIs) are challenging for the clinicians due to morbidity and healthcare-related costs. Here, we review updates on risk factors and management. Recent findings RSSTIs rates range between 7 and 45%. Local and systemic conditions can favour RSSTIs, with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and immunosuppressive disease becoming increasingly relevant. Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aures (including methicillin resistant, MRSA) are the leading causative pathogens of RSSTIs, but also Gram-negative bacteria and polymicr ..read more

Purpose of review The prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) has significantly changed in recent decades. We conducted a literature review to determine whether this microorganism, which became increasingly common as a cause of SSTI in the 2000s, still plays a significant role in these infections today. Recent findings Over the past 30 years, there has been a pattern of increase and then decrease in these infections. The highest frequency was observed in the United States, to the extent that guidelines rec ..read more

Purpose of review Morbidity and mortality rates after lung transplantation still remain higher than after other forms of solid organ transplantation, primarily due to a higher risk of infections and the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Thus, a tiered approach highlighting the most significant respiratory pathogens including common opportunistic infections along with diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies, including vaccination and prophylaxis is needed. Recent findings The need for intense immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection, coupled with the transplanted ..read more

Purpose of review Mycobacterium abscessus is the second most isolated nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) respiratory pathogen in United States. It is also among the most difficult to treat NTM respiratory pathogens. The purpose of this review is to highlight current opportunities and limitations in the management of M. abscessus pulmonary disease and ways to optimize therapy to avoid treatment choices that make management of these patients even more difficult. Recent findings The main themes of the manuscript emphasize recognition of M. abscessus drug resistance mechanisms and their implicatio ..read more

Purpose of review Optimal duration of therapy in SSTIs – a heterogeneous group of infections – remains unknown. The advances in knowledge of antibiotic duration of treatment in selected SSTIs that can impact clinical practice and published in the last 18 months are reviewed. Recent findings Recent evidence indicates that few patients receive guideline concordant empiric antibiotics and appropriate duration in the United States, although this likely can be extrapolated to other countries. One of the most commonly identified opportunities to improve antibiotic stewardship is duration of therapy ..read more

Purpose of review Evidence behind antibiotic duration while treating ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains unclear. There is a need to balance minimizing the development of antimicrobial resistance without compromising clinical outcomes given the high mortality. Recent findings Recent studies have suggested that shorter antibiotic courses, when individualized to clinical response, may be adequate for treating VAP without increasing the incidence of mortality or recurrence, regardless of pathogens. Moreover, shortening duration may reduce the risk of adverse events, including acute kidn ..read more

Purpose of review To discuss skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS) by focusing on their pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management strategies. Recent findings GAS is responsible for a wide range of infections from mild disease to severe fatal invasive infections with high mortality rates. Invasive GAS (iGAS) infections affect both young and old individuals and account for 1.8 million cases worldwide, with a mortality rate of up to 20%. In addition, conditions resulting by immune responses triggered by GAS also contribute to GAS-associated morb ..read more

Purpose of review To discuss the new available options for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) and how to implement in the clinical practice innovative approaches for their management. Recent findings The availability of long-acting antibiotics, including dalbavancin and oritavancin, changed the approach to patients with ABSSSI. Direct discharge from the emergency department and early discharge from the hospital should be considered in patients with ABSSSI. Despite limited data about different bactericidal properties, the choice between dalbavancin and ..read more

Purpose of review The 2024 mpox outbreak, primarily driven by the possibly more virulent clade Ib strain, prompted the WHO declaring it a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024. This review provides essential guidance for clinicians managing mpox cases, as it contrasts the features of the 2024 outbreak with those of the 2022 epidemic to support better clinical decision-making. Recent findings The review highlights significant differences between the 2024 and 2022 outbreaks, including total case numbers, demographic distribution, and fatality rates. It also ..read more