Tropical Medicine &International Health, EarlyView.

Abstract Background To address antibiotic overuse, the Japanese government implemented a novel financial incentive policy in 2018. The policy enables eligible healthcare facilities to claim 800 JPY (≈5.7 USD) per case wherein a rationale to not prescribe antibiotics is offered to children aged

Abstract Background Shigella sonnei has caused sexually transmitted enteric infections in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vancouver. We recently observed a high rate of multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. sonnei bacteremia among persons experiencing homelessness (PEH). We aim to describe the wider epidemiology, clinical outcomes, and genomics of S. sonnei infections over time.Methods A retrospective review of 163 patients with S. sonnei infections was undertaken from 2015 –2022. We collected demographic, clinical, and microbiological data over two time periods: historical (2015-2020) and recent (2021-2022). Severe shigellosis definition included hospitalization, bacteremia, or death. Whole genome sequencing was performed to identify genotype, infer relatedness, and predict antimicrobial resistance.Results S. sonnei infections rose from 8.3 (historical-period) to 56.5 cases/year (recent-period). Over time, the primary population characteristics associated with shigellosis shifted from MSM (45, 98%) to PEH (86,77%). The population intersection between MSM and PEH historically and recently was similar and occurred in three (6%) and ten (9%) of patients, respectively. Severe shigellosis was significantly higher in the recent compared to historical period (69 [61%] versus 7 [14%], p

Abstract Background Most individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) have HIV plasma viral loads below the limit of detection. However, episodes of low-level viremia (LLV) are observed in subsets of individuals, risk factors and clinical significance of which remain debated.Methods We included participants enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, starting ART between July 1999 and April 2023, with HIV RNA

Volume 13, Issue 1, December 2024 .

Volume 13, Issue 1, December 2024 .

Abstract Purpose Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Strategies for CMV prevention include universal prophylaxis or preemptive approach. We aimed to evaluate the optimal approach. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing prophylaxis versus preemptive therapy for CMV in SOT. The primary outcome was CMV disease. Subgroup analysis of outcomes in D+ R− patients was performed. Results Nine trials have met inclusion criteria, five of them included kidney transplant recipients, all compared val/ganciclovir universal prophylaxis versus preemptive approach. Universal prophylaxis resulted in lower probability of CMV infection (relative risk [RR] 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33–0.58), yet the impact on CMV disease was insignificant (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.24–1.23), in neither SOT recipients in general nor among D+R− subgroup (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.37–2.32). Late-onset CMV disease rates were lower with preemptive approach. Sensitivity analysis according to allocation concealment and blinding showed similar results for CMV disease. No significant differences were demonstrated for the outcomes of mortality, bacterial or fungal infection or graft related outcomes. Acute kidney injury was significantly more common with prophylaxis (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.12–2.89). Conclusion Preemptive approach is a reasonable approach for CMV prevention in SOT recipients, if feasible. Strategies for combining the preemptive with prophylaxis strategies, as well as immune monitoring, should be investigated. …

Abstract Purpose Early recognition of sepsis is critical to patient outcome, with mortality increasing with every hour of delay in treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of a point-of-care molecular host response assay to differentiate sepsis from inflammation after surgery. Methods Three molecular host response assays (SeptiCyte® RAPID) were performed in 61 patients after major abdominal surgery with admission to the intensive care unit and drawn blood cultures. The first (T0) was taken ± 3 h around the time of obtaining blood cultures, the second 24 h later (T24) and the third at discharge from the intensive care unit (Tex). The primary endpoint was the agreement of SeptiCyte® RAPID results with the diagnosis of sepsis. SeptiScore® indicates sepsis probability (low risk 0 - high risk 15). Patients were retrospectively classified into sepsis and inflammation by three blinded experts. Results 25 (42.4%) patients were categorized as “inflammation” and 34 (57.6%) patients as “sepsis”. At T0 and T24 septic patients showed significantly higher mean SeptiScores® of 8.0 (± 2.2 SD) vs. 6.3 (± 2.1 SD) and 8.5 (± 2.1 SD) vs. 6.2 (± 1.8 SD), respectively. The Receiver Operating Curves (ROC) for the ability to discriminate between sepsis and inflammation had an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.71 (T0) and 0.80 (T24). Conclusion Embedded in a comprehensive diagnostic algorithm molecular host response analysis could broaden the possibilities for infection diagnostics to differentiate between sepsis and inflammatory response after surgery. But validation in larger cohorts is needed. …

Introduction: The US state of Florida has the third highest rate of HIV as well as high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) indicating critical HIV and STI prevention needs remain unmet. To address gaps in the STI care continuum in people with HIV (PWH), evidence-based interventions were implemented across three Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) funded clinics in Florida between August 2020–August 2021. Interventions included comprehensive sexual health history (SHH) taking using audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) software, self-collected extragenital gonorrhea and chlamydia testing, and the introduction of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) welcoming environment. Methods: We 1) assessed the acceptability of these interventions and examined if acceptability differed among youth and sexual, racial and ethnic minorities, 2) determined the proportion of appropriate STI testing completed based on the SHH assessment, 3) examined whether STI at-risk individuals underwent STI screening 3-6 months after initial evaluation, and 4) determined the proportion of positive STI test results among priority intervention groups in Florida. Results: Acceptability of all interventions was high. Youth, lesbian, gay, and bisexual, and Hispanic individuals were significantly more likely to notice and like LGTBQ+ welcoming measures. The proportion of recommended tests completed was high, although only a subset of at-risk individuals completed re-screening. 11.9% of rectal samples were positive for chlamydia and 6.5% of pharyngeal samples were positive for gonorrhea. Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of incorporating comprehensive sexual health care protocols, including extragenital STI testing, into the overall care of PWH. Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Background: In the United States, young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and young transgender women (YTGW) are disproportionately affected by HIV infection. Adequate HIV knowledge is critical for protecting adolescents and young adults at risk for HIV. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the mLab App intervention in enhancing HIV knowledge among YMSM and YTGW. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of data collected from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effect of the mLab App on HIV knowledge. We calculated interactions between groups (mLab App intervention, standard of care, at-home testing) over time (6 and 12 months) following the baseline observation, indicating a difference in the outcome scores from baseline to each time across groups. Results: While the mLab App group initially had lower HIV knowledge compared to those in other groups, access to the App demonstrated a progressive impact on HIV knowledge over time. Despite the absence of a statistically significant effect at the 6-month, the long-term evaluation suggests improvements in HIV knowledge during the 12-month intervention follow-up. Conclusion: Our study suggests the potential of the mLab App as a valuable tool for long-term HIV education and awareness for YMSM and YTGW. Further research is needed to understand the factors influencing the short-term effect on HIV knowledge. The mLab App may be a useful intervention for improving HIV knowledge. Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Background This study aims to develop and examine the performance of machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting viral suppression among statewide people living with HIV (PWH) in South Carolina (SC). Methods Extracted through the electronic reporting system in SC, the study population was adult PWH who were diagnosed between 2005-2021. Viral suppression was defined as viral load…

People with HIV (PWH) appear to be at an elevated risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Several studies have shown that PWH with pronounced immunodeficiency (e.g., lower CD4 count) have a higher risk for worse clinical outcomes, including COVID-19-related hospitalization and death.[1, 2] Severe COVID-19 outcomes among PWH might be partially due to the exacerbating syndemic effects of COVID-19, HIV, and other risk factors (e.g., low socio-economic status, more chronic comorbidities) on health inequalities.[3, 4] Yet, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in this high-risk group remains sparse.[5, 6] Despite several large population-based studies that have evaluated COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) in this population, more evidence is warranted to confirm the robustness of previous findings and inform COVID-19 vaccine strategies for PWH.

Semi-automated surveillance systems save time compared to traditional manual methods, particularly for non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (nvHAP), a nosocomial infection which can affect all non-intubated patients. In semi-automated surveillance, a computerized algorithm selects patients with high probability (i.e. ‘at risk’) for subsequent manual confirmation. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of several single indicators and algorithms to preselect patients at risk for nvHAP.

Post-hoc analyses of the MERINO trial highlight the uncertainty associated with establishing piperacillin tazobactam (PTZ) susceptibility in extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacterales. Herein, we compare the concordance of susceptibility for PTZ between the VITEK 2, disk diffusion, and Etest with broth microdilution (BMD) as the reference standard.

We read with interest the article by Webb and colleges suggesting that Nesisseria elongata should be considered as a “HACEK-bacterium” and that the “HACEK” mnemonic should be revised to “HANCEK” (1). The role of the HACEK mnemonic is to remind the clinician that a blood culture result with any of the HACEK-bacteria might represent infective endocarditis (IE). The expression HACEK-bacteria is very well known and is well established (2). We agree with several arguments about N. elongata put forward by the authors but we do not agree with the conclusion to add N.

A post hoc analysis used pooled STRIVE/ReSTORE trial data to determine outcomes with rezafungin versus caspofungin by Candida species and antifungal susceptibility.

Up from September 2024 (with the first notification of cases to WHO on September 28), an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) emerged in Rwanda, East Africa, and at the time of writing (14 November 2024), it is drawing to a close. This is due to a robust and well-coordinated public health response by Rwandan authorities, bolstered by strong South-South collaboration with partner countries across sub-Saharan Africa, and a central role played by female healthcare workers [1]. As of 14 November 2024, 66 confirmed cases of MVD have been reported, rendering it the third-largest MVD outbreak ever recorded.

Diagnosing infectious encephalitis can be challenging as it can be caused by a wide range of pathogens, with viruses being the most common cause. In a substantial number of patients, no pathogen is identified despite a clinical diagnosis of infectious encephalitis. Recent advancements in diagnostic testing have introduced new methods to address this diagnostic challenge and improve pathogen detection.

Streptococcus pneumoniae infection can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening illness, referred to as invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). This includes bloodstream infection, bacteraemic pneumonia, empyema, and meningitis. The impact is greatest amongst young children, patients with immunosuppression and chronic diseases, and in older adults [1].

Human campylobacteriosis, is a leading bacterial foodborne infection, primarily caused by contaminated food, especially poultry. In Denmark, notified domestic Campylobacter cases have annually ranged from 3,740 to 5,389 over the past five years, with chicken often identified as the primary infection source. The Danish authorities and the food industry have been actively working together to control Campylobacter and to reduce the risk of human infection from chicken meat. Since 2019, Denmark has routinely used Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to detect clusters of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli infections and link potential outbreaks to food sources, enhancing outbreak detection and targeted interventions [1].

To evaluate the effectiveness of ceftaroline vs. vancomycin or daptomycin in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (MRSA-BSIs).

Abstract Our group previously demonstrated that NETs were involved in interstitial lung diseases (ILD) among patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and the experimental autoimmune myositis (EAM) mouse model, and that NETs activated lung fibroblasts through the TLR9-miR7-Smad2 axis. This study aimed to establish a novel mouse model of myositis-associated interstitial lung disease (MAILD) by using a TLR9 agonist (ODN2395). ODN2395 and muscle homogenate were used to induce MAILD in BALB/c mice. MAILD was evaluated using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, serum NETs determination, and myositis-specific antibody profile. Furthermore, TLR9 and IRF3 were examined in a lung biopsy tissue from a dermatomyositis patient with ILD. MAILD mice developed inflammatory myopathy with positive expression of myositis specific antibodies. ILD occurred in all mice of MAILD group. ODN2395 at doses of 5μg, 10μg or 20μg induced ILD, with increasing severity as the dose increased, but 20μg ODN2395 was not recommended due to non-specific damage to lungs. ILD could occur as early as one week after immunization and was most pronounced by the fourth/fifth week. MAILD process was accompanied by NETs infiltration and TLR9 activation. TLR9 activation was demonstrated in the patient with DM-ILD. Serum levels of Cit-H3 were elevated in the MAILD group. Skeletal muscle homogenate and ODN2395 induced neutrophils to form NETs in vitro. Combined with muscle homogenate, ODN2395 induced a novel MAILD mouse model with NETs infiltration and TLR9 activation, which are similar to pathogenesis of IIM-ILD, suggesting that MAILD model could replace EAM model in IIM-ILD research.

Abstract Vaccines are crucial for protecting health globally; however, their widespread use relies on rigorous clinical development programmes. This includes Phase 3 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to confirm their safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. Traditionally, such trials used fixed designs with predetermined assumptions, lacking the flexibility to change during the trial or stop early due to overwhelming evidence of either efficacy or futility. Modern vaccine trials benefit from innovative approaches like adaptive designs, allowing for planned trial adaptations based on accumulating data. Here, we provide an overview of the evolution of Phase 3 vaccine trial design and statistical analysis methods from traditional to more innovative contemporary methods. This includes adaptive trial designs, which offer ethical advantages and enable early termination if indicated; Bayesian methods, which combine prior knowledge and observed trial data to increase efficiency and enhance result interpretation; modern statistical analysis methods, which enable more accurate and precise inferences; the estimand framework, which ensures the primary question of interest is addressed in a trial; novel approaches using machine learning methods to assess heterogeneity of treatment effects; and statistical advances in safety analysis to evaluate reactogenicity and clinical adverse events. We conclude with insights into the future direction of vaccine trials, aiming to inform clinicians and researchers about conventional and novel RCT design and analysis approaches to facilitate the conduct of efficient, timely trials.

ObjectivesIdentifying the barriers and facilitators for Chadian youth (aged 15–24 years) along the pathway of access to HIV information and health services. Study designQualitative descriptive study. Study settingThe study was conducted in N’Djamena, Chad, with 20 high schools purposefully selected based on participation in a Blue Cross Chad (BCC) peer-to-peer education programme. ParticipantsA total of four focus groups, each consisting of 12 participants, stratified by gender and BCC programme participation (two each among participating and non-participating high schools), were conducted. MethodsA descriptive qualitative study using thematic analysis of content was conducted. The qualitative software ATLAS.ti V.22 was used to organise and code the data. ResultsFive main categories of barriers and facilitators for HIV information and health services were identified, including (1) societal expectations and norms; (2) power dynamics; (3) social networks; (4) peer-education programmes; and (5) bypassing the system. Barriers and facilitators to information information-seeking and access to health services were observed at individual, community and system levels. High school students expressed that access to information and health services were important when it comes to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment. Societal expectations and power dynamics were identified as key barriers, while trust through social networks and peer-education programmes were key facilitators to accessing information and health services. ConclusionThis study allowed for the identification of both barriers and facilitators of HIV information and health-seeking in the context of N’Djamena, Chad. Our findings highlight the importance of comprehensive community- and youth-led approaches that are youth-friendly and youth-centric and are needed to effectively communicate HIV information. …

IntroductionAmid the COVID-19 pandemic, outpatients’ concerns about infection risk have increased. It is crucial to understand the factors that contribute to this fear of infection to promote patient safety and encourage outpatients to seek proper follow-up treatment without fear. This study aims to understand the relationship between outpatients’ experiences of patient safety and their fear of infection. DesignThis was a secondary analysis of national data from the Healthcare Service Experience Survey in 2020. Setting and participantsA total of 4416 patients with experience using outpatient services in the past year were included in South Korea. Primary and secondary outcome measuresDemographic characteristics, fear of infection and safety experiences were assessed in the original survey. Fear of infection served as the dependent variable, with safety experiences—specifically, patient identification, preinjection explanations, hand hygiene, proper use of injection supplies, skin disinfection and adverse drug reactions—as the independent variables. ResultsApproximately 14% of outpatients had a fear of infection when receiving medical care. The unadjusted model showed that all patient safety categories were determinants of fear of infection, and the multivariate logistic model identified hand hygiene and medication safety experiences as significant factors associated with fear of infection. ConclusionsThis study revealed that patient safety experiences are associated with fear of infection in outpatient settings. Improving healthcare professionals’ hand hygiene and managing adverse drug reactions are crucial for enhancing patient safety. …

ObjectivesTo evaluate the cost of delivering childhood respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prevention interventions to the health system in Kenya. DesignA prospective (cost projection) activity-based costing study. SettingKenya, national introduction of interventions. ParticipantsNot applicable. InterventionsA single-dose RSV maternal vaccine and a single-dose, long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAb). Primary and secondary outcome measuresCost per eligible target population; cost per dose administered; non-commodity cost of delivery. Costs are reported in 2023 USD. ResultsRSV interventions are expected to be delivered using existing systems: maternal vaccine using the antenatal care platform and the mAb delivered similar to existing birth dose vaccines. Assuming a price of US$3 per dose (for both interventions) and baseline coverage rates averaging 50% for the maternal vaccine and 86% for the mAb, the estimated cost of delivering maternal vaccine was US$1.74 (financial) and US$6.60 (economic) per vaccinated woman, and the cost of delivering mAbs was US$1.56 (financial) and US$6.27 (economic) per vaccinated child. Excluding commodity cost, the cost of delivering maternal vaccine was US$1.32 (financial) and US$2.72 (economic) and that for mAb was US$1.23 (financial) and US$2.48 (economic). Cost differences between the two interventions are driven by the anticipated baseline coverage. Health worker training, service delivery and programme planning and coordination were major cost drivers. ConclusionThis study presents the prospective cost of new RSV intervention introduction and delivery in low-income and middle-income country settings, which is largely unknown. Cost estimates incorporate anticipated health system strengthening activities needed to deliver the future RSV interventions. These cost estimates support country-level and global-level decision-makers evaluating implementation feasibility and intervention affordability. …

IntroductionThe gut microbiome plays an important role in maintaining both cognitive and physical functions in older adults, and gut dysbiosis is an important pathophysiological mechanism of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults. As a typical traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, regular Baduanjin training has been shown to improve cognitive function and modulate the gut microbiome in community-dwelling older adults. However, the potential role of the gut microbiome in the benefits of Baduanjin on cognitive function remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the mediating effect of gut microbiome between regular Baduanjin training and improvement in cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults with MCI. Methods and analysisThis is a two-arm, randomised, parallel-controlled, single-blinded trial. Four residential communities (clusters) with a total of 64 eligible participants (16 participants in each residential community) will be randomised 1:1 to either the 24-week Baduanjin exercise intervention group (60 min per session, four sessions per week) or the no specific exercise intervention control group. Global cognitive function and the subdimensions of cognition including executive function, visuospatial function, language function and memory function will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, Trail Making Test, Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Boston Naming Test-30 and Clock-Drawing Test, while the gut microbiome and its metabolomics will be detected using 16S rRNA and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry at baseline and at the end of 24-week intervention. The intervention effect of Baduanjin exercise and mediating role of gut microbiota will be analysed using linear mixed models and the bootstrapping method in the Hayes process. Ethics and disseminationThis study conforms to Declaration of Helsinki principles and relevant ethical guidelines. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences (approval number: 2023-GZR-011). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results will be disseminated to relevant groups in peer-reviewed journal(s), and at relevant international or national scientific conferences. Key findings will also be shared with social media, healthcare providers, participants or community-dwelling older adults to support access for non-research audiences. Trial registration numberChiCTR2300078147. …

ObjectivesOur primary objective was to assess the association between symptoms at the time of surgery and postoperative pulmonary complications and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Our secondary objective was to compare postoperative outcomes between patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and asymptomatic patients and explore the effect of the time elapsed between infection and surgery in the former. Our hypotheses were that symptomatic patients had a higher risk of pulmonary complications, whereas patients who had recovered from the infection would exhibit outcomes similar to those of asymptomatic patients. BackgroundManaging COVID-19-positive patients requiring surgery is complex due to perceived heightened perioperative risks. However, Canadian data in this context remains scarce. DesignTo address this gap, we conducted a multicentre observational cohort study. SettingAcross seven hospitals in the province of Québec, the Canadian province was most affected during the initial waves of the pandemic. ParticipantsWe included adult surgical patients with either active COVID-19 at the time of surgery or those who had recovered from the disease, from March 22, 2020 to April 30, 2021. OutcomesWe evaluated the association between symptoms or recovery time and postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital mortality using multivariable logistic regression and Cox models. The primary outcome was a composite of any postoperative pulmonary complication (atelectasis, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumothorax). Our secondary outcome was hospital mortality, assessed from the date of surgery up to hospital discharge. ResultsWe included 105 patients with an active infection (47 were symptomatic and 58 were asymptomatic) at the time of surgery and 206 who had recovered from COVID-19 prior to surgery in seven hospitals. Among patients with an active infection, those who were symptomatic had a higher risk of pulmonary complications (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.12 to 9.68, p=0.03) and hospital mortality (HR 3.67, 95% CI 1.19 to 11.32, p=0.02). We did not observe any significant effect of the duration of recovery prior to surgery on patients who had recovered from their infection. Their postoperative outcomes were also similar to those observed in asymptomatic patients. InterpretationSymptomatic status should be considered in the decision to proceed with surgery in COVID-19-positive patients. Our results may help optimise surgical care in this patient population. Study registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04458337 registration date: 7 July 2020. …

IntroductionAnti-retroviral therapy (ART) simplification strategies are needed for treatment-experienced people with HIV (PWH) and multidrug-resistant viruses. These individuals are commonly treated with boosted ART regimens and are thereby at risk for harmful drug-drug interactions (DDI). In this trial, we aim to assess the efficacy of the combination doravirine, dolutegravir and lamivudine (DOR/DTG/3TC) among people with a history of virological failure who receive boosted ART. Methods and analysisB-Free is a multistage, randomised, multicentre, open-label, non-inferiority trial, embedded within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and conducted in collaboration with cohorts of PWH in the Netherlands and France. Cohort participants with a history of ART change due to virologic failure and who maintain HIV virologic suppression with an ART regimen consisting of a pharmacological booster and at least two drugs from classes other than nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are included. Patients with major drug resistance mutations against DTG or DOR and individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infection are not eligible for the study. Individuals are randomised 1:1 to either receiving co-formulated DTG/3TC and DOR once daily or continuing their boosted ART regimen. The primary outcome is the proportion of individuals lacking virologic control (HIV-RNA ≥50 cp/mL) at 48 weeks, according to the Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm. Changes in DDI burden (assessed using a DDI score), treatment satisfaction (assessed using the HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire), quality of life and mental health represent key secondary outcomes. Additional secondary outcomes include the proportion of individuals developing new resistance-associated mutations and changes in quality of life and mental health. In a qualitative substudy, we will conduct semistructured interviews with a subset of participants to assess their expectations and experiences towards HIV treatment and clinical research in general. Enrolling 210 individuals will provide 80% power to demonstrate non-inferiority, defined as less than 8% absolute increase in loss of viral suppression in individuals randomised to DOR/DTG/3TC (one-sided type I error rate of 0.025). Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the competent ethics committees (reference number BASEC 2023–01060) and the regulatory authority Swissmedic (reference number 701655) in Switzerland before the enrolment of the first participant. Approval by the European Medicines Agency and local ethical committees in the Netherlands and France will be obtained prior to including participants in these countries. Participant’s written informed consent is obtained by the investigators before enrolment. The results of all major B-Free study outcomes will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals that enable Open Access publication. Trial registration numberSwiss National Clinical Trials Portal (SNCTP000005686, registered on 06 November 2023) and Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06037564, registered on 07 September 2023). …

Abstract Background Piauí is located in Northeastern Brazil, an endemic area for Chagas disease, with the Brazilian semiarid representing the second region in number of people infected by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The state of Piauí is one of the most socially vulnerable territories with direct impact on the access to diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease for the population living in rural communities. Triatoma brasiliensis is the vector species of greatest epidemiological importance in Northeastern Brazil. We investigated the triatomine fauna and risk factors associated to T. cruzi transmission in two municipalities, Pedro II and Oeiras, located in different mesoregions of Piauí. Methods Twenty-three rural areas were selected for triatomines search and serological survey of the population. The analysis of triatomines consisted on identifying T. cruzi infection index by microscopy and kDNA-PCR followed by parasite genotyping through the use of multilocus PCR to characterize the discrete typing units (DTUS), and the identification of food sources using PCR directed to the 12S rRNA gene of vertebrates and sequencing. Results A total of 1,043 triatomines identified as T. brasiliensis, Triatoma pseudomaculata, Rhodnius nasutus, Rhodnius sp. and Panstrongylus lutzi were collected. The overall positivity for T. cruzi was 4.6% and 11.4% by microscopy and kDNA-PCR, respectively. The DTUs TcV (∼ 44%) and TcI (∼ 43%) were the most prevalent in either single or mixed infections. This is the first report of TcV and TcVI infections in vectors of Piauí. The most frequent blood source was Homo sapiens (46.5%), of which ∼ 42% individuals (28/67) were collected indoors and four of them (14.3%) tested positive for T. cruzi kDNA in Pedro II. Chicken (∼ 19%), domestic cat (∼ 17%) and others were also identified as feeding sources for triatomines. Serological survey revealed 2% seroprevalence. Variables as age over 60 years (p = 0.01), Black race (p = 0.002) and occupation as retired (p = 0.004) significantly influenced the seropositivity. Conclusion Despite the reduced seroprevalence of the population, the epidemiological scenario of Chagas disease in both municipalities highlights the risk of the re-emergence of domestic vector-borne transmission. Ensuring continued entomological surveillance and vector control programs and providing access to diagnosis and treatment for the susceptible population are still needed. …

Abstract Background Globally, Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be one of the world’s most significant public health issues. At the end of 2022, 39.0 million people were living with HIV (PLHIV) worldwide with 9% resident in Nigeria. Viral suppression is associated with a reduction in HIV disease progression. However, Nigeria is yet to achieve the UNAIDS 2020 third 95, community wide viral suppression for elimination of global HIV epidemic. This study assessed the clinical predictors and correlates of viral suppression among adults accessing care at HIV clinic in Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods The study design was a facility-based retrospective cohort study that was conducted among adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at HIV clinic from May 2016 to October 22, 2021, Federal Medical Center of Abeokuta (FMCA), Ogun State Nigeria. Two thousand one hundred and seventy-six (2176) case records were explored within the study period, but only one thousand five hundred and twenty (1520) met the inclusion criteria. Variables in the participants’ hospital record (secondary data) were extracted into Microsoft Excel which were exported into Stata MP 17 for data cleaning and recoding, and analysis. Stepwise model selection was done for factors associated with viral suppression and binary logistic regression was used to investigate the predictors of viral suppression among participants at p-value 

Abstract Gemella morbillorum is a gram-positive coccus that is part of the normal microbiota of the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. It is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause invasive infections, including septic arthritis. Septic arthritis caused by Gemella morbillorum is relatively rare, but when it occurs, it can lead to severe joint damage and other complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Here, we report a case of recurrent septic arthritis caused by Gemella morbillorum. …

Abstract Background In recent years, clinical cases of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia have gradually increased. Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia can quickly progress to severe pneumonia, leading to respiratory failure. Chlamydia psittaci cannot be detected by commonly used detection methods, leading to difficulties in clinical diagnosis and treatment, which may eventually develop into severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. Therefore, we should improve our diagnostic and treatment capabilities for this disease. Methods This article retrospectively studied 61 cases of pneumonia from 12 different provinces in China, and classified them into severe pneumonia and non-severe pneumonia. Divided into two groups, with 23 cases of severe pneumonia and 38 cases of non-severe pneumonia. We compared the two groups in terms of imaging, laboratory testing, treatment, prognosis, etc., hoping to provide better explanations and help clinical physicians better diagnose the disease. Results There is no difference in age, gender, contact history, smoking history, or basic disease between severe and non-severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. The most prominent symptom is fever, with a median body temperature of 39.7 ℃, and other symptoms similar to common respiratory infections. White blood cells and neutrophils may not show significant elevation, but C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) will both show significant elevation, often accompanied by a decrease in arterial oxygen pressure. Some patients may experience liver and kidney dysfunction, but there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Doxycycline remains the preferred drug for severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. The imaging mainly shows consolidation and bronchial inflation sign, and may also present with pleural effusion. Conclusions The imaging of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia usually shows consolidation with bronchial inflation sign, which can also be manifested as ground glass changes or solid masses. Atypical images are prone to misdiagnosis in the early stages. There are some differences in laboratory examination and imaging between severe pneumonia and non-severe pneumonia, which can help identify severe patients in the early stage. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) played an important role in the diagnosis of all cases in this article. Timely treatment has a good prognosis for the disease, and imaging lesions can be completely absorbed. …