Infectious Diseases

EV‑D68 detection variably associated with acute neurologic outcomes across designs and years

Across 98 observational studies, EV‑D68 detection was modestly associated with neurologic outcomes (pooled OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.14–1.69). Heterogeneity was very high (I2 = 98.9%), with respiratory‑surveillance studies driving stronger signals (OR 1.59) while AFM case‑control studies showed no clear association (OR 0.86). Meta‑regression attributed ~47% of between‑study variance to study design and calendar year, with predicted ORs declining 2014–2022. Authors note small‑study effects and recommend standardizing diagnostics and integrating design‑specific surveillance for better risk estimates. 1

STI diagnosis linked to markedly higher subsequent suicide‑attempt risk

In a Taiwan nationwide cohort (n = 71,666 STI patients; 286,664 controls), STI diagnosis associated with a higher hazard of suicide attempts (HR 5.64, 95% CI 5.30–6.00). Syphilis and trichomoniasis had the strongest point estimates (syphilis HR 8.08, trichomoniasis HR 6.77). Time to event was shorter after STI diagnosis (mean 4.60 vs 7.36 years). Authors recommend integrating proactive suicide‑risk assessment and psychosocial support into routine STI care. 2

Prior syphilis associated with higher incident all‑cause dementia in two real‑world cohorts

Harmonized propensity‑matched cohorts (NHIRD and TriNetX) found prior syphilis linked to increased dementia risk (pooled HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.22–1.79; I2 = 80%). Cohort estimates were NHIRD HR 1.35 and TriNetX HR 1.64, with associations present across age and sex strata. A prespecified one‑year lag sensitivity analysis in NHIRD remained directionally consistent. Authors caution that findings are associative, subtype estimates were heterogeneous, and causality is unestablished. 3