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BMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background Influenza and tuberculosis both cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the burden of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus infection among human tuberculosis patients and the general population. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted among a cohort group (TB positive patients) as exposed and a comparison group (general population) as non-exposed. A total of 304 participants were recruited in both groups and followed for a period of 12 weeks. Of the 304 concurrently enrolled individuals, 152 were TB-positive patients (cohort group) and 152 were from the general population (comparison group).To calculate the sample size, the power of study was kept at 80% for detecting a difference at 5% alpha level assuming the 25% prevalence of respiratory viruses in cohort group compared to 12.5% in general population. An oropharyngeal swab was taken from a participant with symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI). Samples were tested by conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09. All statistical analyses were conducted using R software. Results A total of 95 participants developed influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms. Among these, 64 tested positive for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, of which 39 were from the exposed group and 25 were from the non-exposed group. During the 12-week period of follow-up, the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 incidence rate was 20 per 1000 people. The risk of testing positive for influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 was 1.66 times higher in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. The cumulative incidence indicated that 25% of the TB cohort and 16% of the comparison group were at risk of getting influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 during the 12 weeks of follow-up. Conclusion Participants from the TB cohort had a higher incidence of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 than the general population suggesting that they should be prioritized for influenza vaccination.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic respiratory infection. Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been a significant obstacle to TB control. Insufficient attention has been given to TB/HIV, and more information is needed to address this issue. We conducted an observational study to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, treatment outcomes and its associated factors of HIV-positive TB patients in Southeast China. Methods An observational study was conducted based on data collected directly from China National TB Surveillance System during 2012–2021. Epidemiological characteristics, drug resistance and outcomes were described as frequency (n) and percentage (%). Risk factors for unsuccessful outcomes were determined using univariate (chi-squared) and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 347 TB/HIV cases were included, and the proportion of HIV-positive cases among all TB cases increased significantly from 0.06% to 2012 to 0.40% in 2021. The majority of cases were males (86.5%), non-local household registers (139, 40.1%), farmers or workers (179, 51.6%), and aged 40–59 (142, 40.9%). Of 347 cases, 290 (83.6%) had pulmonary TB (PTB), 10 (2.9%) had extra pulmonary TB (EPTB) and 47(13.5%) had both PTB and EPTB. A total A total of 258 (74.4%) were HIV positive prior to TB diagnosis. 8.0% (4/50) of cases were resistant to rifampicin (RIF) and 274 patients (83.8%) had successful outcomes. Being non-local (AOR = 2.193, 95% CI = 1.196–4.022, P = 0.011) and diagnosed HIV infection after TB (AOR = 2.365, 95% CI = 1.263–4.430, P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for unsuccessful outcomes of anti-TB treatment. Conclusion During 2012–2021, the proportion of HIV-positive cases among all TB cases increased significantly in Southeast China. HIV-positive TB patients were significantly more likely to develop resistance to RIF and INH and unsuccessful anti-TB treatment. Non-local registration and becoming HIV positive after TB diagnosis were independent risk factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Objective Superinfection of cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life-threatening complication with significant morbidities, which can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for superinfected CE, as there is currently limited information available on the differences between superinfected and non-infected CE in terms of clinical features, serological and radiologic findings. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on hospital records of patients who were diagnosed with hydatid cysts in a 15-year period (2004 to 2018) in two main university-affiliated referral centers in Fars province, southern Iran. Patients’ information regarding the demographical and clinical features related to CE, age, sex, previous history of CE or recurrence, size and location of CE, and length of hospital stay were collected. Moreover, the characteristics of concurrent infections with hydatid cysts were recorded. Results A total of 586 surgeries due to CE were performed on 501 patients, of which 67 (11.43%) had reoperations due to the recurrence of the disease. A total of 30 (5.99%) incidences of superinfection were observed. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of laboratory and imaging findings between CE patients with concurrent infections and other CE patients (p-value > 0.05). Among the patients with super-infection, four had fungal infections of the lungs. Aspergillus fumigatus was the causative pathogen in all four patients that were diagnosed with fungal superinfection. All patients underwent surgical excision with favorable long-term outcomes. Conclusion Our study revealed a 5.99% incident rate of CE superinfection. Regarding the concurrent fungal infections in hydatid cysts, the patient’s symptoms and laboratory and imaging findings are inconclusive and histopathological evaluation seems to be the most reliable option. Surgical resection is the gold-standard treatment option with favorable outcomes and potentially can be curative.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 epidemic control and prevention strategies affected people’s sexual activities and behaviors. Little was known about long-term effects of COVID-19 prevention and control strategies on sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to examine changes in risky sexual behaviors of MSM before and after the local epidemic. Methods An online survey was conducted nationwide from June 1 to June 10, 2022. MSM aged 16 years and above, residing in China were recruited through convenience sampling. A generalized estimating equation model with modified Poisson regression was used to analyze changes in multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, mobility for sexual activity, and recreational substance use before and after the local epidemic. Results Compared to the pre-pandemic (36.5%), the prevalence of multiple sexual partners (11.5%) significantly decreased during the local epidemic and then increased after the local epidemic (25.2%) but remained lower than pre-pandemic, as did the prevalence of unprotected sex (31.1%, 19.4%, and 26.1%), mobility for sexual activity (7.5%, 2.8%, and 4.1%) and recreational substance use (47.7%, 27.2%, and 39.5%). Compared to the pre-pandemic, higher declines in the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors during the local epidemic existed among MSM living without a regular partner (44% decrease in unprotected sex and 46% in recreational substance use), with a bachelor’s degree and above (70% decrease in multiple sex partners, 39% in unprotected sex, 67% in mobility for sexual activity and 44% in recreational substance use), higher incomes (70% decrease in multiple sex partners), self-identified gay or bisexual/unsure (38-71%), and HIV infection (49-83% decrease respectively in these four indicators). After the local epidemic, the declines in the above indicators compared to the pre-pandemic were correspondingly. And higher declines existed among MSM living without a regular partner (8% decrease in unprotected sex and 13% in recreational substance use), with a bachelor’s degree and above (33% decrease in multiple sex partners), higher incomes (55% decrease in mobility for sexual activity), self-identified gay (51% decrease in mobility for sexual activity), and HIV infection (32%, 68%, 24% decrease respectively in unprotected sex, mobility for sexual activity and recreational substance use). Conclusions Risky sexual behaviors reduced considerably during the local epidemic, then seemed rebounded after the outbreak but wouldn’t return to pre-pandemic levels. More attention should be paid to vulnerable people with lower socio-economic status, HIV-positive, and sexual minorities for sustained HIV and COVID-19 prevention.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background Ventilator-Associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients in lower-and-middle-income settings, where timely access to emergency care and accurate diagnostic testing is not widely available. Therefore, rapid microbiological diagnosis is essential to improve effective therapy delivery to affected individuals, preventing adverse outcomes and reducing antimicrobial resistance. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with suspected VAP and COVID-19, evaluating the diagnostic performance of the BioFire® FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel (FA-PP). Respiratory secretion samples underwent standard microbiological culture and FA-PP assays, and the results were compared. Results We included 252 samples. The traditional culture method detected 141 microorganisms, and FA-PP detected 277, resulting in a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 60%, with a positive predictive value of 68% and negative predictive value of 93%. In samples with high levels of genetic material (> 10^5 copies/mL), the panel had a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 86%. In addition, 40% of the culture-negative samples had positive FA-PP® results, of which 35% had > 10^5 copies/mL of genetic material. The most prevalent bacteria were Gram-negative bacilli, followed by Gram-positive cocci. The panel identified 98 genes associated with antimicrobial resistance, predominantly extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (28%). Conclusion The FA-PP is a sensitive assay for identifying bacteria causing VAP in patients with COVID-19, with a greater capacity to detect bacteria than the conventional method. The timely microbiological recognition offered by this panel could lead to optimized decision-making processes, earlier tailored treatment initiation, and improved antibiotic stewardship practices.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background Septicemia that leads to ocular involvement mostly presents as endophthalmitis or panophthalmitis. Contrarily, septicemia without intraocular involvement, known as hematogenous orbital cellulitis (HOC), involves only the orbit and is an extremely rare complication of septicemia and a rare type of orbital cellulitis. Case presentation Four male patients with septicemia presented with orbital involvement without intraocular infection were described in this study. They were 22 (case 1), 15 (case 2), 79 (case 3), and 30 (case 4) years old, with a mean age of 29.75 years. All patients were immunocompromised except for case 2. Cases 1 and 3 had a history of steroid use, whereas case 4 was in a post-chemotherapy myelosuppression phase. Septicemia in case 1 was community-acquired, cases 3 and 4 were hospital-acquired, and case 2 was secondary to acne squeezing. Blood cultures from cases 1, 2, and 3 were positive for Candida albicans, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. Case 4 had negative cultures; however, next-generation sequencing reported the presence of Enterococcus faecalis and Rhizopus oryzae. Case 1 had right eye involvement, and both eyes were involved in the other three cases. According to Chandler’s classification, case 1 was type 2, case 2 was type 2 (OD) and type 4 (OS), and cases 3 and 4 were type 1 orbital infections. All patients had eyelids erythema, and cases 1 and 2 had mildly decreased visual acuity, proptosis, and painful and restricted ocular motility. Hospital stays ranged from 13 to 43 days (mean, 24 days). All patients received systemic antibiotic therapy based on drug sensitivity and next-generation sequencing results, in combination with multidisciplinary treatment, resulting in complete recovery of ocular and systemic signs and symptoms; no ocular surgical interventions were performed. Extraocular muscle palsy was the last symptom to resolve. Conclusion HOC is predominantly seen in immunocompromised individuals with a high proportion of hospital-acquired infections and positive cultures for pathogens. Infection control using systemic antibiotics targeted at the causative organism guarantees a favorable prognosis.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background Fungal infections, other than candidiasis and aspergillosis, are an uncommon entity. Despite this, emerging pathogens are a growing threat. In the following case report, we present the case of an immunocompromised patient suffering from two serious opportunistic infections in the same episode: the first of these, Nocardia multilobar pneumonia; and the second, skin infection by Scedosporium apiospermum. These required prolonged antibacterial and antifungal treatment. Case presentation This case is a 71-year-old oncological patient admitted for recurrent pneumonias that was diagnosed for Nocardia pulmonary infection. Nervous system involvement was discarded and cotrimoxazole was started. Haemorrhagic skin ulcers in the lower limbs appeared after two weeks of hospital admission. We collected samples which were positive for Scedosporium apiospermum and we added voriconazole to the treatment. As a local complication, the patient presented a deep bruise that needed debridement. We completed 4 weeks of intravenous treatment with slow improvement and continued with oral treatment until the disappearance of the lesions occurs. Conclusions Opportunistic infections are a rising entity as the number of immunocompromised patients is growing due to more use of immunosuppressive therapies and transplants. Clinicians must have a high suspicion to diagnose and treat them. A fluid collaboration with Microbiology is necessary as antimicrobial resistance is frequent.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background Chest X-rays (CXRs) have traditionally been used to aid the diagnosis of TB-suggestive abnormalities. Using Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) algorithms, TB risk is quantified to assist with diagnostics. However, CXRs capture all other structural abnormalities. Identification of non-TB abnormalities in individuals with CXRs that have high CAD scores but don’t have bacteriologically confirmed TB is unknown. This presents a missed opportunity of extending novel CAD systems’ potential to simultaneously provide information on other non-TB abnormalities alongside TB. This study aimed to characterize and estimate the prevalence of non-TB abnormalities on digital CXRs with high CAD4TB scores from a TB prevalence survey in Zambia and South Africa. Methodology This was a cross-sectional analysis of clinical data of participants from the TREATS TB prevalence survey conducted in 21 communities in Zambia and South Africa. The study included individuals aged ≥ 15 years who had high CAD4TB scores (score ≥ 70), but had no bacteriologically confirmed TB in any of the samples submitted, were not on TB treatment, and had no history of TB. Two consultant radiologists reviewed the images for non-TB abnormalities. Results Of the 525 CXRs reviewed, 46.7% (245/525) images were reported to have non-TB abnormalities. About 11.43% (28/245) images had multiple non-TB abnormalities, while 88.67% (217/245) had a single non-TB abnormality. The readers had a fair inter-rater agreement (r = 0.40). Based on anatomical location, non-TB abnormalities in the lung parenchyma (19%) were the most prevalent, followed by Pleura (15.4%), then heart & great vessels (6.1%) abnormalities. Pleural effusion/thickening/calcification (8.8%) and cardiomegaly (5%) were the most prevalent non-TB abnormalities. Prevalence of (2.7%) for pneumonia not typical of pulmonary TB and (2.1%) mass/nodules (benign/ malignant) were also reported. Conclusion A wide range of non-TB abnormalities can be identified on digital CXRs among individuals with high CAD4TB scores but don’t have bacteriologically confirmed TB. Adaptation of AI systems like CAD4TB as a tool to simultaneously identify other causes of abnormal CXRs alongside TB can be interesting and useful in non-faculty-based screening programs to better link cases to appropriate care.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background The ABO and Lewis blood group antigens are potential factors in susceptibility to H. pylori infection. This research aimed to examine the prevalence of Helicobater pylori (H.pylori) infection and its association with ABO, Lewis blood group systems, and secretory status in Yemeni symptomatic patients. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 103 patients referred for endoscopy due to dyspepsia were included. H pylori infection was assessed using stool antigen and serum antibody rapid tests. ABO and Lewis blood group systems were examined using hemagglutination assay. Saliva samples were investigated for identification of the secretory phenotype using hemagglutination inhibition test. Results The prevalence of H. pylori infection was (80.6%), with a higher rate of infection in females than males. The ABO blood groups were found to be significantly different between males and females (p = 0.047). The O blood group was prevalent among H. pylori patients, especially secretors. There was a significant association between ABO blood groups and H. pylori infection (p = 0.001). The Le (a + b+) phenotype was the most common, followed by Le (a + b-), Le (a-b+), and Le (a-b-). Lewis blood group systems and secretory status of symptomatic patients were not associated with H. pylori infection. The results showed that serum Ab test for H. pylori achieved poor sensitivity (68%), specificity of 55%; positive predictive value (PPV) 86%, negative predictive value (NPV) 29% and accuracy 65.1%. Conclusion The prevalence of H. pylori infection was high in Yemeni patients. This infection was linked to the O and Le (a + b+) secretor phenotype. The H. pylori stool Ag test is the most reliable noninvasive diagnostic method for detecting H. pylori infection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background Mycobacterium obuense (M. obuense) is a rapidly growing mycobacterium (RGM) which has been considered nonpathogenic. Here, we report a case of disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection caused by M. obuense in an immunocompromised patient. Case presentation A 16-year-old boy was referred to our hospital due to acute myeloid leukemia. During the treatment of leukemia, the patient exhibited continuous fever, and diffuse miliary nodules with random distribution were found on chest computed tomography. Repeated examinations of bacterial culture tests revealed sputum and urine samples to be smear-positive for acid-fast bacillus, and blood culture from a peripherally inserted central catheter line showed the growth of NTM. The NTM species was identified as M. obuense by mass spectrometry and confirmed by genome sequencing. Combination therapy with amikacin, rifampicin, azithromycin, and moxifloxacin significantly improved the patient’s symptoms and radiological findings. Conclusion We report a case of disseminated NTM infection caused by M. obuense for which combination anti-microbial therapy was effective. An immunocompromised host indwelling catheter is at risk of RGM bloodstream infections. Although relatively rare, M. obuense may be considered as a potential pathogen causing infectious diseases, especially in high-risk patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline of response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Protecting HCWs is of paramount importance to the World Health Organization (WHO). Outbreak investigation which is based on a critical assessment of core components of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs allows for the identification of different sources of exposure to the COVID-19 virus and for informing additional IPC recommendations. To date, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is categorized as a high-risk country due to weaknesses in the health system, low capacity for diagnosis, socioeconomic characteristics of the population, and insufficient vaccination coverage. Aim To investigate the burden of COVID-19 among HCWs and identification of IPC gaps to reduce HCWs-associated infection at different levels (facilities, communities, and points of entry) following the WHO strategy for IPC program implementation during the first to the third wave of the pandemic. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the DRC National Department of Health (NDOH) database and WHO questionnaire suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases among HCWs from 10/03/2020 to 22/06/2021. The investigation was conducted by a trained IPC response team to identify the sources of the exposures. The questionnaire included demographics, profession, types of interaction between HCWs and patients, and community-based questions regarding family members and other behaviors. These variables were assessed using a multimodal strategy framework. Knowledge and adherence to IPC gaps using WHO guidelines were performed for each COVID-19-positive or suspected HCW. WHO rapid Scorecard dashboard was conducted for evaluating healthcare facilities (HCFs) performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Cumulative incidence of positive HCWs was 809 /35,898(2.2%) from the first to the third wave of COVID-19 among 6 provinces of DRC. The distribution of the HCWs infected by COVID-19 was predominated by nurses (42%), doctors (27%), biologists (8%), environmental health practitioners (5%), interns (3%), and other categories (15%). Other categories included nutritionists, physiotherapists, midwives, pharmacists, and paramedics. The investigation revealed that about 32% of HCWs were infected from household contacts, 11% were infected by HCFs, 35% were infected in the community and 22% were infected from unknown exposures. The mean score of IPC performance for all evaluated HCFs was 27/42(64%). This shows that IPC performance was moderate. Lower or minimal performance was noted in the implementation of the IPC program at the national and facility level, triage and screening, isolation handwashing and multimodal strategies of hand hygiene, PPE availability, and rationale, waste segregation, waste disposal, sterilization, and training of HCWs. Conclusion This study revealed that the prevalence of HCWs who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus was high among frontline healthcare workers from 6 provinces of DRC. A high prevalence of nosocomial infection was correlated with insufficient IPC adherence in the context of COVID-19. Strategies to strengthen IPC capacity building and provide HCWs with sufficient PPE stocks and budgets may improve IPC performance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This will further allow for adherence to WHO recommendations for successful program implementation to minimize COVID-19 transmission in HCFs, communities, and public gatherings. And this may be transferable to other infectious diseases.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Background Although most patients can recover from SARS-CoV-2 infection during the short-term, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain remain explored. Functional MRI (fMRI) could potentially elucidate or otherwise contribute to the investigation of the long COVID syndrome. A lower fMRI response would be translated into decreased brain activity or delayed signal transferring reflecting decreased connectivity. This research aimed to investigate the long-term alterations in the local (regional) brain activity and remote (interregional) functional connection in recovered COVID-19. Methods Thirty-five previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients underwent 3D T1weighed imaging and resting-state fMRI at 6-month follow-up, and 36 demographic-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited accordingly. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) was used to assess the regional intrinsic brain activity and the influence of regional disturbances on FC with other brain regions. Spearman correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the association between brain function changes and clinical variables. Results The incidence of neurosymptoms (6/35, 17.14%) decreased significantly at 6-month follow-up, compared with COVID-19 hospitalization stage (21/35, 60%). Compared with HCs, recovered COVID-19 exhibited higher ALFF in right precuneus, middle temporal gyrus, middle and inferior occipital gyrus, lower ALFF in right middle frontal gyrus and bilateral inferior temporal gyrus. Furthermore, setting seven abnormal activity regions as seeds, we found increased FC between right middle occipital gyrus and left inferior occipital gyrus, and reduced FC between right inferior occipital gyrus and right inferior temporal gyrus/bilateral fusiform gyrus, and between right middle frontal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus/ supplementary motor cortex/ precuneus. Additionally, abnormal ALFF and FC were associated with clinical variables. Conclusions COVID-19 related neurological symptoms can self heal over time. Recovered COVID-19 presented functional alterations in right frontal, temporal and occipital lobe at 6-month follow-up. Most regional disturbances in ALFF were related to the weakening of short-range regional interactions in the same brain function.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJames Peterson, Daniel Drazan, Hanna Czajka, Jason Maguire, Jean-Louis Pregaldien, IIkka Seppa, Roger Maansson, Robert O'Neill, Paul Balmer, Luis Jodar, Kathrin U Jansen, Annaliesa S Anderson, John L Perez, Johannes Beeslaar
Lancet Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
MenABCWY immune responses were robust and non-inferior to MenACWY-CRM and MenB-FHbp administered separately, and MenABCWY was well tolerated. The favourable benefit–risk profile supports further MenABCWY evaluation as a simplified schedule compared with current adolescent meningococcal vaccination programmes.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSean M. Callahan, Trevor J. Hancock, Ryan S. Doster, Caroline B. Parker, Mary E. Wakim, Jennifer A. Gaddy, Jeremiah G. Johnson
Science Advances, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Jonas Salm, Tanja Böhme, Elias Noory, Ulrich Beschorner, Tobias Siegfried Kramer, Dirk Westermann, Thomas Zeller
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Jonas Salm, Tanja Böhme, Elias Noory, Ulrich Beschorner, Tobias Siegfried Kramer, Dirk Westermann, Thomas Zeller Objective Severe wound infections in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are common, potentially life- and limb-threatening, and difficult to treat. Evidence on patients with infected leg ulcers in PAD is scarce. This study aims to provide insight into the microbiological patterns and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of specific pathogens in patients with arterial leg ulcers. Methods and design In this retrospective, consecutive, single-centre study 16,553 patients underwent an endovascular revascularization procedure between 2012 and 2021. Of these, 1,142 patients had PAD Rutherford category 5 or 6 with infected leg ulcers. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for Staphylococcus aureus-associated infections. Results A total of 3,431 bacterial isolates were detected, of which 2,335 (68.1%) bacterial isolates were gram-positive and 1,096 (31.9%) were gram-negative species. The most prevalent bacteria were S. aureus (18.6%), Enterococcus faecalis (9.1%) and S. epidermidis (7.8%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.6%), Proteus mirabilis (3.7%) and Escherichia coli (3.4%). The resistance of S. aureus isolates to clindamycin was 11.0%. Resistance to oxacillin was rare (1.5%). P. aeruginosa is frequently resistant to ciprofloxacin (14.4%) whilst intrinsically resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. P. mirabilis and E. coli were frequently resistant to both ciprofloxacin (7.3; 20.7%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (24.6; 22.6%), respectively. Resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was high among E. coli isolates (36.8%). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was rare among S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolates. In contrast, the proportion of MDR was high in E. coli isolates. End-stage renal disease was independently positively associated with S. aureus identification (p = .042). Conclusion S. aureus was the most common pathogen in arterial leg ulcers with end-stage renal disease being an independent risk factor. Clindamycin resistance was common, making empirical therapy likely to fail. Isolated E. coli species had a high proportion of MDR.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedCaleb Arthur, Kathleen Abenes, Marika Waselewski, Samantha A. Chuisano, Tammy Chang
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Caleb Arthur, Kathleen Abenes, Marika Waselewski, Samantha A. Chuisano, Tammy Chang Background Social gatherings are frequent sources of COVID-19 infections, especially among youth. However, little is known about youth testing behaviors before and after gatherings. Our aim was to assess behaviors and perceptions of youth related to testing for COVID-19 before or after social gatherings in order to inform efforts to reduce disease spread. Methods Five open-ended questions were texted to participants aged 14–24 throughout the United States via MyVoice. Using a content analysis approach, two investigators reviewed responses by question, developed a codebook, and independently applied codes. Discrepancies were resolved via discussion. Code frequency and demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results Of 1204 participants, 989 responded to at least one question (RR = 94.1%). The mean age was 20.2 years (SD: 2.4 years). Most participants (80.7%) reported testing for COVID-19 at least once. Most (70.6%) were likely to test following an event, especially “[i]f someone at the gathering tested positive,” while a smaller number (50.9%) endorsed testing prior to a gathering. Of youth who would not get tested, being vaccinated was the highest reported. Conclusion Youth in our nationwide sample are likely to test for COVID-19 after an event, though less likely if they are vaccinated. Their desire to test is primarily driven by symptoms, exposures, and requirements. Youth are interested in increased access to home testing. Youth-centered communications regarding testing recommendations and increased test availability for youth may reduce COVID-19 spread among young people and inform future pandemic recommendations.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHuiying Hu, Huanyu Jiang, Zhenwen Zhu, Honglin Yin, Kai Liu, Lijuan Chen, Mengyuan Zhao, Zhenkun Yu
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Huiying Hu, Huanyu Jiang, Zhenwen Zhu, Honglin Yin, Kai Liu, Lijuan Chen, Mengyuan Zhao, Zhenkun Yu Squamous papillomas (SPs) of the head and neck are usually benign lesions associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. However, the reported HPV detection rates vary widely, especially with respect to anatomical distribution. The etiology of SPs in the head and neck remains unclear; analyzing HPV genotypes of SPs based on anatomical sites could assist in clarifying the pathogenesis of SPs in the head and neck. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the prevalence, subtypes, and anatomical distribution of HPV in head and neck SPs at a hospital in China; we also investigated whether p16, a marker of HPV infection in oropharyngeal carcinoma, could serve as a surrogate marker for HPV in head and neck SPs. The presence of HPV DNA of 23 types (5 low-risk HPV and 18 high-risk HPV types) was detected via real-time PCR. p16 immunohistochemistry was performed using SP sections. Age, sex, anatomical location, and HPV subtype were recorded for each case. In total, 105 SPs were identified, including 47 in the larynx, 42 in the pharynx, 6 in the external auditory canal (EAC), 5 in the oral cavity, and 5 in the nasal cavity. HPV was found in 57 (54.3%) cases, with the highest positivity rate in the larynx (46/47; 97.9%). Only 5/42 (11.9%) patients showed HPV positivity in the pharynx. HPV incidence was highly dependent on the anatomical site. SPs in the larynx and EAC were more likely to carry HPV than those in other anatomical sites. High-risk HPV infections were rarely associated with SPs in the head and neck region. The sensitivity and specificity of p16 immunohistochemistry for HPV infection were 88% and 96%, respectively. There may be an association between p16 and HPV infection in head and neck SPs, but further studies are needed to validate this assertion.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedQingqing Hu, Jiajia Xu, Jingshu Ke, Ziye Zhang, Ting Chu
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Qingqing Hu, Jiajia Xu, Jingshu Ke, Ziye Zhang, Ting Chu Objective To assess S-1 and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-related adverse events in patients with advanced gastric cancer and provide focused health care approaches to improve patient compliance and quality of survival. Methods The PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane Library, EMbase, SinoMed, Wan Fang Data, CNKI, and VIP databases were searched, and relevant literature was screened from the database construction date through March 31, 2023. Review Manager 5.4.1 and Stata 12.0 were used to analyze the data and GRADEpro was used to assess the quality of the literature. Relative risk ratio (RR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed as markers to compare adverse events due to S-1 vs 5-FU. Results Eight randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included, which contained 3,455 patients. The S-1 group had 1,804 patients, and the 5-FU group had 1,651 patients. There were 17 recorded adverse events in total. Stomatitis, hypokalemia, mucosal inflammation, and hypophosphatemia were more common in the 5-FU group than in the S-1 group (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between S-1 and 5-FU for other adverse events. Conclusions Although both S-1 and 5-FU cause a variety of side effects, 5-FU resulted in a higher incidence of stomatitis, hypokalemia, mucosal inflammation, and hypophosphatemia than S-1. Medical professionals should closely monitor the occurrence of adverse drug events and provide timely, rational guidance and nursing care to improve patient compliance and quality of life.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSusanne Lindquist, Yuhang Wang, Eva-Lotta Andersson, Shizuko Tsuji Grebe, Gerd-Marie Alenius, Solbritt Rantapää-Dahlqvist, Lennart Lundberg, Olle Hernell
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Susanne Lindquist, Yuhang Wang, Eva-Lotta Andersson, Shizuko Tsuji Grebe, Gerd-Marie Alenius, Solbritt Rantapää-Dahlqvist, Lennart Lundberg, Olle Hernell The bile salt-stimulated lipase (BSSL) was originally recognized as a lipolytic enzyme expressed by the exocrine pancreas and in some species, notably humans, the lactating mammary gland, being secreted into the duodenum and with the mother’s milk, respectively. However, BSSL is also present in the blood and has been assigned additional functions, even beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Conventional BSSL knockout mice are protected from developing disease in animal models of arthritis, and antibodies directed towards BSSL prevent or mitigate disease in similar models. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of BSSL as a newly discovered player in inflammation and specifically in inflammatory joint disorders. As part of mechanism of action, we here show that BSSL is secreted by neutrophils, interacts with monocytes and stimulates their migration in vitro. An anti-BSSL antibody that blocks the human BSSL-monocyte interaction was shown to simultaneously prevent the signaling pathway by which BSSL induce cell migration. Moreover, in this cohort study we show that BSSL levels are significantly higher in blood samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis compared to healthy controls. The BSSL levels in patients’ blood also correlated with disease activity scores and established inflammatory markers. Hence, although the mode of action is not yet fully clarified, we conclude that BSSL could be considered a proinflammatory component in the innate immune system and thus a possible novel target for treatment of chronic inflammation.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedShahpal Shujat, Wasim Shehzad, Aftab Ahmad Anjum, Julia A. Hertl, Muhammad Yasir Zahoor, Yrjö T. Gröhn
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Shahpal Shujat, Wasim Shehzad, Aftab Ahmad Anjum, Julia A. Hertl, Muhammad Yasir Zahoor, Yrjö T. Gröhn Coxiella burnetii is the zoonotic pathogen that causes Q fever; it is widespread globally. Livestock animals are its main reservoir, and infected animals shed C. burnetii in their birth products, feces, vaginal mucus, urine, tissues, and food obtained from them, i.e., milk and meat. There were previously very few reports on the prevalence of C. burnetii in raw meat. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C.burnetii and its molecular characterization in raw ruminant meat from the Kasur and Lahore districts in Punjab, Pakistan, as this has not been reported so far. In this study, 200 meat samples, 50 from each species of cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep, were collected from the slaughterhouses in each district, Kasur and Lahore in 2021 and 2022. PCR was used for the detection of the IS1111 element of C. burnetii. The data were recorded and univariate analysis was performed to determine the frequency of C. burnetii DNA in raw meat samples obtained from different ruminant species using the SAS 9.4 statistical package. Of the total of 200 raw meat samples, C. burnetii DNA was present in 40 (20%) of them, tested by PCR using the IS1111 sequence. The prevalence of C.burnetii differed among the studied species of ruminants. When species were compared pairwise, the prevalence in cattle was statistically significantly lower than in sheep (P = 0.005). The sequence alignment based on origin implied that the strains are genetically diverse in different districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The findings demonstrated that the prevalence of C. burnetii, especially in raw meat samples, deserves more attention from the health care system and professionals from Punjab, Pakistan, i.e., abattoir workers and veterinarians.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedYang Hong, Han Dong, Jing Zhou, Ya Luo, Ming-Ming Yuan, Jia-Fei Zhan, Yang-Lu Liu, Jie-Ying Xia, Lei Zhang
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Yang Hong, Han Dong, Jing Zhou, Ya Luo, Ming-Ming Yuan, Jia-Fei Zhan, Yang-Lu Liu, Jie-Ying Xia, Lei Zhang Age-associated impairment in antioxidant defense is an important cause of oxidative stress, and elderly individuals are usually associated with gut microbiota (GM) changes. Studies have suggested a potential relationship between the GM and changes in antioxidant defense in aging animals. Direct evidence regarding the impact of aging-associated shifts in GM on the antioxidant defense is lacking. The heart is a kind of postmitotic tissue, which is more prone to oxidative stress than the liver (mitotic tissue). To test and compare the influence of an aged GM on antioxidant defense changes in the heart and liver of the host, in this study, GM from young adolescent (5 weeks) or aged (20 months) mice was transferred to young adolescent (5 weeks) germ-free (GF) mice (N = 5 per group) by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Four weeks after the first FMT was performed, fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing. Blood, heart and liver samples were harvested for oxidative stress marker and antioxidant defense analysis. The results showed that mice that received young or aged microbiota showed clear differences in GM composition and diversity. Mice that received aged microbiota had a lower ratio of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes in GM at the phylum level and an increased relative abundance of four GM genera: Akkermansia, Dubosiella, Alistipes and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. In addition, GM α-diversity scores based on the Shannon index and Simpson index were significantly higher in aged GM-treated mice. Oxidative stress marker and antioxidant defense tests showed that FMT from aged donors did not have a significant influence on malondialdehyde content in serum, heart and liver. However, the capacity of anti-hydroxyl radicals in the heart and liver, as well as the capacity of anti-superoxide anions in the liver, were significantly increased in mice with aged microbiota. FMT from aged donors increased the activities of Cu/Zn superoxide SOD (Cu/Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase in the heart, as well as the activity of Cu/Zn-SOD in the liver. Positive correlations were found between Cu/Zn-SOD activity and radical scavenging capacities. On the other hand, glutathione reductase activity and glutathione content in the liver were decreased in mice that received aged GM. These findings suggest that aged GM transplantation from hosts is sufficient to influence the antioxidant defense system of young adolescent recipients in an organ-dependent manner, which highlights the importance of the GM in the aging process of the host.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTanoy Debnath, Samy Badreddine, Priyadarshini Kumari, Michael Spranger
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Tanoy Debnath, Samy Badreddine, Priyadarshini Kumari, Michael Spranger Recent research has attempted to predict our perception of odorants using Machine Learning models. The featurization of the olfactory stimuli usually represents the odorants using molecular structure parameters, molecular fingerprints, mass spectra, or e-nose signals. However, the impact of the choice of featurization on predictive performance remains poorly reported in direct comparative studies. This paper experiments with different sensory features for several olfactory perception tasks. We investigate the multilabel classification of aroma molecules in odor descriptors. We investigate single-label classification not only in fine-grained odor descriptors (‘orange’, ‘waxy’, etc.), but also in odor descriptor groups. We created a database of odor vectors for 114 aroma molecules to conduct our experiments using a QCM (Quartz Crystal Microbalance) type smell sensor module (Aroma Coder®V2 Set). We compare these smell features with different baseline features to evaluate the cluster composition, considering the frequencies of the top odor descriptors carried by the aroma molecules. Experimental results suggest a statistically significant better performance of the QCM type smell sensor module compared with other baseline features with F1 evaluation metric.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMatteo Zucchini, Antonietta Maoloni, Enrico Maria Lodolini, Ilario Ferrocino, Lucia Aquilanti, Davide Neri
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Matteo Zucchini, Antonietta Maoloni, Enrico Maria Lodolini, Ilario Ferrocino, Lucia Aquilanti, Davide Neri Olive knot is a widely spread disease among olive (Olea europaea L.) trees. Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi is recognized as the primary causative agent of the disease however, recent evidence indicated that consortia of bacteria (pathobiome), may favor its development. Several factors are involved in the host-plant relationship and affect the intensity of the symptoms. Among these the presence of wounds, or damages to the plants’ tissues may affect the intensity and propagation of the disease. It remains unknown whether or not bacteria move from an infected wound to another not infected one via shoot tissues. The present investigation focused on the susceptibility to olive knot of several cultivars after inoculating artificial wounds with selected Pseudomonas species, while spreading the disease from these to wounds on the same stem, that had not been purposefully inoculated. The pathobiome for the inoculum was prepared with 7 species of Pseudomonas (including Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi), isolated from knot samples collected from two different, heavily infected olive orchards. The inoculation was done after the manual execution of 10 horizontal wounds on the stem of potted plants of 13 olive cultivars grown in the greenhouse. Only the lowest 5 wounds were inoculated. The inoculated wounds showed a maximum percentage of knots after 187 days. All 13 cultivars showed knots yet, the cultivar with the most severe disease level to Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi was ‘Rosciola colli Esini’. The metataxonomic analysis performed on the olive knots removed after 225 days confirmed the dominance of the inoculated species Pseudomonas savastanoi in all the assayed cultivars. The not inoculated wounds did not show the knot disease likely because the bacterium’s inability to transmigrate from the inoculated wounds to the non-inoculated ones.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedChristelle Ange Waffo Tchounga, Pierre-Yves Sacré, Raffaella Ravinetto, Marya Lieberman, Patient Hamuli Ciza, Rose Ngono Mballa, Eric Ziemons, Philippe Hubert, Roland Djang’eing’a Marini
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
by Christelle Ange Waffo Tchounga, Pierre-Yves Sacré, Raffaella Ravinetto, Marya Lieberman, Patient Hamuli Ciza, Rose Ngono Mballa, Eric Ziemons, Philippe Hubert, Roland Djang’eing’a Marini The negative consequences of Substandard and falsified (SF) medicines are widely documented nowadays and there is still an urgent need to find them in more efficient ways. Several screening tools have been developed for this purpose recently. In this study, three screening tools were used on 292 samples of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole collected in Cameroon. Each sample was then analyzed by HPLC and disintegration tests. Seven additional samples from the nitro-imidazole (secnidazole, ornidazole, tinidazole) and the fluoroquinolone (levofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, moxifloxacin) families were analyzed to mimic falsified medicines. Placebo samples that contained only inert excipients were also tested to mimic falsified samples without active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The three screening tools implemented were: a simplified visual inspection checklist, a low-cost handheld near infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer and paper analytical devices (PADs). Overall, 61.1% of the samples that failed disintegration and assay tests also failed the visual inspection checklist test. For the handheld NIR, one-class classifier models were built to detect the presence of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, respectively. The APIs were correctly identified in all the samples with sensitivities and specificities of 100%. However, the importance of a representative and up-to-date spectral database was underlined by comparing models built with different calibration set spanning different variability spaces. The PADs were used only on ciprofloxacin samples and detected the API in all samples in which the presence of ciprofloxacin was confirmed by HPLC. However, these PADs were not specific to ciprofloxacin since they reacted like ciprofloxacin to other fluoroquinolone compounds. The advantages and drawbacks of each screening tool were highlighted. They are promising means in the frame of early detection of SF medicines and they can increase the speed of decision about SF medicines in the context of pharmaceutical post-marketing surveillance.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
AbstractMansonellosis is an under-mapped insect-transmitted disease caused by filarial nematodes that are estimated to infect hundreds of millions of people. Despite their prevalence, there are many outstanding questions regarding the general biology and health impacts of the responsible parasites. Historical reports suggest that the Colombian Amazon is endemic for mansonellosis and may serve as an ideal location to pursue these questions. We deployed molecular and classical approaches to survey Mansonella prevalence among adults belonging to indigenous communities along the Amazon River and its tributaries near Leticia, Colombia. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays on whole-blood samples detected a much higher prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi infection (∼40%) compared to blood smear microscopy or LAMP performed using plasma, likely reflecting greater sensitivity and the ability to detect low microfilaremias and occult infections. Mansonella infection rates increased with age and were higher among males. Genomic analysis confirmed the presence of M. ozzardi that clusters closely with strains sequenced in neighboring countries. We successfully cryopreserved M. ozzardi microfilariae, advancing the prospects of rearing infective larvae in controlled settings. These data suggest an underestimation of true mansonellosis prevalence, and we expect that these methods will help facilitate the study of mansonellosis in endemic and laboratory settings.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
AbstractUsing a prospective, observational cohort study during the post-dynamic-COVID-zero wave in China, we estimated short-term relative effectiveness against Omicron BA.5 infection of inhaled aerosolized adenovirus type 5-vectored ancestral strain COVID-19 vaccine as a second booster dose ∼1 year after homologous boosted primary series of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine compared with no second booster. Participants reported nucleic acid or antigen test results weekly until they tested positive or completed pre-designated follow-up. After excluding subjects infected less than 14 days after study entry, relative effectiveness among the 6,576 subjects was 61% in 18-59-year-olds, 38% in ≥60-year-olds, and was sustained for 12 weeks.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
AbstractBackgroundThe US has experienced a resurgence of pertussis following introduction of acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines. This is likely due to the failure of aP vaccines to induce durable immunity and prevent infection, carriage, and transmission.MethodsTo evaluate the impact of aP-vaccination on the host immune response to infection and test the ability of infection to reprogram aP-imprinted immune responses, we challenged unvaccinated and aP-vaccinated baboons with B. pertussis multiple times and accessed the immune responses, and outcomes of infections, in both groups following each exposure.ResultsMultiple infections were required to elicit Th17 responses and protection in aP-vaccinated animals comparable to responses seen in unvaccinated animals following a single challenge. Even following three challenges, Th1 responses were not observed in aP-vaccinated animals. IgG responses to vaccine and non-vaccine antigens were not negatively impacted in aP-vaccinated animals.ConclusionOur results indicate that it is possible to retrain aP-primed immune responses but it will likely require an optimal booster and multiple doses. Our results in the baboon model suggest circulation of B. pertussis in aP-vaccinated populations is concentrated in the younger age-bands of the population providing information that can guide improved modeling of B. pertussis epidemiology in aP-vaccinated populations.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
AbstractTo assess the prevalence and exacerbating factors of intimate partner violence in people living with HIV in China, we conducted a cross-sectional study, involving 2792 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in four provinces in China from Sep 1, 2020, to Jun 1, 2021. The category of Intimate partner violence (IPV) included physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse and controlling behavior. The severity of a violent act was divided into mild, moderate and severe. Among PLHIV, the prevalence of IPV was 15.4% (95% CI: 14.1-16.8%). The severity of physical violence was mainly moderate, and the severity of sexual violence, emotional abuse and controlling behavior was mainly mild. The prevalence of IPV in men was higher than that in women. Results from the multivariable logistic regression showed that age, ethnic, registered residence, education, and duration of HIV ART were factors related to IPV in PLHIV (P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in highly vulnerable SARS-CoV-2 patients using a retrospective cohort study design.MethodsThe impact of each drug was determined via comparisons with age-matched control groups of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients who did not receive oral antiviral therapy.ResultsAdministration of molnupiravir significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.40, p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Introduction The Scalp Eschar and Neck Lymph Adenopathy After a Tick Bite (SENLAT) syndrome is frequently caused by Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii. Only six microbiologically confirmed SENLAT cases have been reported in Italy between 1996 and 2021. We report ten cases of SENLAT seen between 2015 and 2022 in a tertiary care center in Tuscany, Italy. Cases presentation All patients were women; most common symptoms were scalp eschar on the site of tick bite (100%) and cervical lymphadenopathy (90%). No microbiological identification was obtained. Persistent alopecia, for several months to years, was observed in four patients. The known difficulty of microbiological diagnosis in SENLAT was worsened, in our cases, by factors as the absence of ticks available for identification and microbiological study, and antibiotic treatment administration previous to microbiological tests. Conclusion The report highlights the presence of SENLAT in Italy, aiming to raise the awareness toward the emergence of this clinical entity.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Infection, 12.08.2023
Tilføjet 12.08.2023
Abstract Purpose Despite the need to generate valid and reliable estimates of protection levels against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe course of COVID-19 for the German population in summer 2022, there was a lack of systematically collected population-based data allowing for the assessment of the protection level in real time. Methods In the IMMUNEBRIDGE project, we harmonised data and biosamples for nine population-/hospital-based studies (total number of participants n = 33,637) to provide estimates for protection levels against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 between June and November 2022. Based on evidence synthesis, we formed a combined endpoint of protection levels based on the number of self-reported infections/vaccinations in combination with nucleocapsid/spike antibody responses (“confirmed exposures”). Four confirmed exposures represented the highest protection level, and no exposure represented the lowest. Results Most participants were seropositive against the spike antigen; 37% of the participants ≥ 79 years had less than four confirmed exposures (highest level of protection) and 5% less than three. In the subgroup of participants with comorbidities, 46–56% had less than four confirmed exposures. We found major heterogeneity across federal states, with 4–28% of participants having less than three confirmed exposures. Conclusion Using serological analyses, literature synthesis and infection dynamics during the survey period, we observed moderate to high levels of protection against severe COVID-19, whereas the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection was low across all age groups. We found relevant protection gaps in the oldest age group and amongst individuals with comorbidities, indicating a need for additional protective measures in these groups.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNicholas D. WalterJackie P. ErnestChristian Dide-AgossouAllison A. BaumanMichelle E. RameyKaren RossmasslerLisa M. MassoudiSamantha PaulyReem Al MubarakMartin I. VoskuilFirat KayaJansy P. SarathyMatthew D. ZimmermanVéronique DartoisBrendan K. PodellRadojka M. SavicGregory T. Robertson 1 Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA 2 Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA 3 Consortium for Applied Microbial Metrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA 4 Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA 5 Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA 6 Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA 7 Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, New Jersey, USA , Kelly E. Dooley
Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy, 11.08.2023
Tilføjet 11.08.2023
John Jairo Aguilera-CorreaYves-Marie BoudehenLaurent Kremer 1 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 9004, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France 2 INSERM, IRIM, Montpellier, France , Kelly E. Dooley
Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy, 11.08.2023
Tilføjet 11.08.2023
Christophe Van Dijck, Nicole A. Hoff, Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, Nicola Low, Muge Cevik, Anne W. Rimoin, Jason Kindrachuk, Laurens Liesenborghs
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 11.08.2023
Tilføjet 11.08.2023
The 2022 mpox outbreak drew global attention to this neglected pathogen. While most of the world was taken by surprise, some countries have seen this pathogen emerge and become endemic several decades prior to this epidemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical & Experimental Immunology, 11.08.2023
Tilføjet 11.08.2023
AbstractSARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has caused havoc around the world. While several COVID-19 vaccines and drugs have been authorised for use, these antiviral drugs remain beyond the reach of most low- and middle-income countries. Rapid viral evolution is reducing the efficacy of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies and contributing to deaths of some fully vaccinated persons. Others with normal immunity may have chosen not be vaccinated and remain at risk if they contract the infection. Vaccines may not protect some immunodeficient patients from SARS-CoV-2, who are also at increased risk of chronic COVID-19 infection, a dangerous stalemate between the virus and a suboptimal immune response. Intra-host viral evolution could rapidly lead to the selection and dominance of vaccine and monoclonal antibody resistant clades of SARS-CoV-2.There is thus an urgent need to develop new treatments for COVID-19. The NZACE2-Pātari project, comprising modified soluble ACE2 molecules, seeks to intercept and block SARS-CoV-2 infection of the respiratory mucosa. In vitro data presented here shows that soluble wild-type ACE2 molecules retain the ability to effectively block the Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 variants including the ancestral Wuhan, delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) strains. This therapeutic strategy may prove effective if implemented early during the nasal phase of the infection and may act synergistically with other antiviral drugs such as Paxlovid to further mitigate disease severity.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfectious Disease Modelling, 11.08.2023
Tilføjet 11.08.2023
Publication date: Available online 11 August 2023 Source: Infectious Disease Modelling Author(s): Yong Sul Won, Woo-Sik Son, Sunhwa Choi, Jong-Hoon Kim
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLívia A. Alves, Hassan Naveed, Eduardo M. Franco, Maíra Terra Garcia, Victor A. Freitas, Juliana C. Junqueira, Débora C. Bastos, Thaís L. S. Araujo, Tsute Chen, Renata O. Mattos-Graner
Virulence, 11.08.2023
Tilføjet 11.08.2023
Malaria Journal, 11.08.2023
Tilføjet 11.08.2023
Abstract Background The nuclear ribosomal RNA genes of Plasmodium parasites are assumed to evolve according to a birth-and-death model with new variants originating by duplication and others becoming deleted. For some Plasmodium species, it has been shown that distinct variants of the 18S rRNA genes are expressed differentially in vertebrate hosts and mosquito vectors. The central aim was to evaluate whether avian haemosporidian parasites of the genus Haemoproteus also have substantially distinct 18S variants, focusing on lineages belonging to the Haemoproteus majoris and Haemoproteus belopolskyi species groups. Methods The almost complete 18S rRNA genes of 19 Haemoproteus lineages of the subgenus Parahaemoproteus, which are common in passeriform birds from the Palaearctic, were sequenced. The PCR products of 20 blood and tissue samples containing 19 parasite lineages were subjected to molecular cloning, and ten clones in mean were sequenced each. The sequence features were analysed and phylogenetic trees were calculated, including sequence data published previously from eight additional Parahaemoproteus lineages. The geographic and host distribution of all 27 lineages was visualised as CytB haplotype networks and pie charts. Based on the 18S sequence data, species-specific oligonucleotide probes were designed to target the parasites in host tissue by in situ hybridization assays. Results Most Haemoproteus lineages had two or more variants of the 18S gene like many Plasmodium species, but the maximum distances between variants were generally lower. Moreover, unlike in most mammalian and avian Plasmodium species, the 18S sequences of all but one parasite lineage clustered into reciprocally monophyletic clades. Considerably distinct 18S clusters were only found in Haemoproteus tartakovskyi hSISKIN1 and Haemoproteus sp. hROFI1. The presence of chimeric 18S variants in some Haemoproteus lineages indicates that their ribosomal units rather evolve in a semi-concerted fashion than according to a strict model of birth-and-death evolution. Conclusions Parasites of the subgenus Parahaemoproteus contain distinct 18S variants, but the intraspecific variability is lower than in most mammalian and avian Plasmodium species. The new 18S data provides a basis for more thorough investigations on the development of Haemoproteus parasites in host tissue using in situ hybridization techniques targeting specific parasite lineages.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedShanshan Lu, Shengdong Luo, Bingke Bai, Zhenping Fan, Bixia Hong, Wen Xu, Hongbin Ma, Weiwei Chen, Huahao Fan, Yigang Tong, Lihua Song
Journal of Medical Virology, 11.08.2023
Tilføjet 11.08.2023
Willem A. Mak, Wendy Visser, Marijke Vliet, Hilde Y. Markus, Johannes G. M. Koeleman, David S. Y. Ong
Journal of Medical Virology, 11.08.2023
Tilføjet 11.08.2023