Health news scan for Jul 07, 2021.

WHO recommended three new classes of rapid molecular tests for tuberculosis detection, and Valneva received FDA breakthrough designation for its chikungunya vaccine candidate.

The World Health Organization updated its consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis detection and drug-resistant TB to recommend three new classes of rapid molecular tests and issued an operational handbook to aid implementation. Separate reports described outcomes from an antimicrobial stewardship programme at a 500-bed hospital in Oman, and Valneva announced FDA breakthrough therapy designation for its single-dose chikungunya vaccine candidate VLA1553. The WHO also reported low global influenza activity in mid-June, with most detections identified as influenza B of the Victoria lineage. Key developments: - The WHO recommended three classes of rapid molecular NAATs for TB: moderate-complexity automated NAATs for initial TB detection and rifampicin/isoniazid resistance, low-complexity automated NAATs for isoniazid and second-line resistance, and high-complexity hybridization-based NAATs for pyrazinamide resistance. - The WHO estimated more than a third of TB patients and about two-thirds of those with drug-resistant TB go undetected, and the agency released an operational handbook to support national programme roll-out. - A retrospective analysis from a tertiary hospital in Oman reported 828 antimicrobial-related clinical pharmacist interventions in 2018, with 62% involving ICU patients; the study estimated projected net annual cost savings of US $193,320. - Valneva announced that its live attenuated chikungunya vaccine candidate VLA1553 received FDA breakthrough therapy designation, that phase 3 enrollment is complete, and that topline data were expected this summer. - The WHO’s mid-June global influenza update noted below-expected activity overall, with 89% of positive respiratory samples identified as influenza B (Victoria lineage) and limited detections in parts of Africa and India. Summary: These items reflect recent activity in diagnostics, stewardship, vaccine development, and surveillance. The WHO called for rapid implementation of the TB testing updates and provided an operational handbook; Valneva reported ongoing phase 3 follow-up and regulatory engagement. The Oman study reported clinical and cost impacts tied to pharmacist-led stewardship interventions, and the WHO noted caveats about interpreting flu trends amid pandemic-era surveillance changes.