Eurosurveillance最新文献

In interim 2025/26 analyses, the Canadian Sentinel Practitioner Surveillance Network estimates influenza vaccine reduced the risk of medically-attended acute respiratory illness due to predominant influenza A(H3N2) viruses, including antigenically distinct subclade K, by about 40% relative to unvaccinated individuals. Vaccine effectiveness was about 30% against A(H1N1)pdm09, with insufficient case numbers for interim influenza B estimation. Meaningful protection against subclade K, despite substantial vaccine mismatch, is interpreted in the context of immuno-epidemiological considerations, including potential viral glycosylation, imprinting, and pre-immunity effects.

BACKGROUNDPublic Health Intelligence (PHI) aims to detect health threats early for a timely and effective response. The PHI team at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) uses the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) system in combination with other sources for detecting signals of international public health threats relevant to Germany. However, while EIOS is increasingly used for PHI worldwide, it is rarely evaluated.AIMWe designed and conducted an attribute-based evaluation to assess EIOS's performance for international PHI in 2023 and to identify areas for improvement.METHODSWe adapted surveillance system attributes and designed attribute-specific data collection methods. We conducted a mixed-method evaluation combining prospective and retrospective operational data collection with feedback from PHI officers.RESULTSDuring 2 weeks in July 2023, the PHI team reported 20 signals: 16 detected using EIOS and four from other sources. Increasing the number of EIOS sources increased timeliness and sensitivity slightly but caused a 35-fold increase in articles to screen (35,546 vs 1,138). The team found EIOS flexible and simple for signal detection but identified challenges in simplicity of signal documenting and reporting and in completeness of EIOS sources screened by the team.CONCLUSIONThe current use of EIOS proved sensitive and timely. However, PHI must balance sensitivity, timeliness and resource requirements. To maintain this balance, we strongly recommend regular evaluations of the use of EIOS for PHI. Our evaluation offers practical guidance for other PHI teams. We recommend integrating EIOS with an event management system to facilitate signal documentation and reporting.

BACKGROUNDAeromonas, Campylobacter and Salmonella species can cause gastrointestinal infections in humans. Information on the performance of detection methods is relevant to assess the impact of changes on surveillance.AIMWe aimed to assess detection of Aeromonas, Campylobacter and Salmonella by culture and Seegene multiplex real-time PCR in faecal samples from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.METHODSIn 2023, all faecal samples submitted to a clinical microbiology laboratory in Sydney, Australia, were tested for Aeromonas, Campylobacter and Salmonella species by culture and Seegene PCR, both detecting at the genus level. The results were analysed descriptively and with binomial generalised linear model, quantile regression, censored regression model and Wald tests.RESULTSOf the 90,291 samples tested, more samples were positive with PCR than with culture for Aeromonas (PCR: 2.9%; culture: 0.5%) and Campylobacter (PCR: 4.2%; culture: 3.1%), but fewer for Salmonella species (PCR: 0.7%; culture: 0.8%). Of the culture-positive samples, 19.2% were negative for Aeromonas by PCR, 3.6% for Campylobacter and 23.0% for Salmonella. Of the PCR-positive samples, 81.9% were negative for Aeromonas by culture, 25.6% for Campylobacter and 14.2% for Salmonella. Quantification cycle (Cq) values were negatively associated with patient age for Aeromonas, indicating higher bacterial loads in older patients and positively associated with age for Campylobacter, indicating lower bacterial loads in older patients (p < 0.001). Also, Cq values were negatively associated with detection by culture and faecal calprotectin levels (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONThese findings highlight the importance of pathogen- and method-specific interpretation of PCR and culture results in diagnostic testing and surveillance.

In August 2025, West Nile virus (WNV) was detected for the first time in Belgium through a monitoring programme in wild birds, with three corvids testing positive by RT-qPCR. In September and October, four additional infected birds were identified. Whole genome sequencing classified the strain as WNV lineage 2, consistent with strains circulating elsewhere in Europe. These detections provide evidence of local WNV circulation with important implications for animal and public health preparedness and surveillance during the 2026 mosquito season.

In October-November 2025, eight autochthonous cases of monkeypox (MPXV) clade Ib virus infection were reported in the Netherlands. All cases were men who have sex with men aged 25-65; none required hospital admission or antiviral treatment. Phylogenetic analysis combined with contact tracing suggest multiple introductions or cryptic circulation with onwards transmission within the community. Highly related international sequences were identified dating back to August 2025, indicating sustained global community transmission of clade Ib outside the African continent.

BACKGROUNDWest Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) outbreaks in Europe pose growing public health concerns. In Austria, human WNV and USUV infections occur nearly every year since 2009 with notable case number variations.AIMWe analysed annual incidences and spatiotemporal distributions of human WNV and USUV infections in Austria in 2009-2024.METHODSAnnual incidence rates of laboratory-confirmed WNV and USUV cases recorded through the national surveillance were calculated, stratified by age, sex, clinical presentation, exposure place and virus sequence.RESULTSDuring 2009-2024, recorded case numbers were highest in 2024, with 37 WNV (19 male/18 female; median age: 62 years, range: 18-88) and 27 USUV infections (18 male/9 female; median age: 59 years, range: 20-69). Nineteen WNV cases developed West Nile neuroinvasive disease, while no USUV cases had neurological disease. Thirty-four of the WNV cases and all USUV cases were locally acquired. In northern Burgenland, an eastern Austrian region with an avian hotspot and only sporadic cases previously reported, WNV and USUV incidences respectively rose from averages of 0.6 and 1.0 per 100,000 in previous years to 6.6 and 4.2 per 100,000 in 2024. All 25 sequences analysed in 2024 from locally acquired WNV cases were of lineage 2. Among 15 USUV sequences, 14 belonged to the Europe-2 and one to the Africa-3 clade.CONCLUSIONHuman WNV and USUV infection increases in a previously low-incidence region underscore their increasing public health impact in Austria. Strengthening surveillance and response measures is essential for early detection, guiding prevention efforts, and ensuring blood donor safety.

BACKGROUNDDual penicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis causing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) have recently emerged in association with sequence type (ST) 3587, harbouring ROB-1 β-lactamase (bla _ROB-1) and a mutated DNA gyrase (gyrA). These strains pose a threat to current antimicrobial treatment and prophylaxis.AIMWe aimed to characterise the first dual-resistant N. meningitidis ST-3587 isolates harbouring bla _ROB-1 and a mutated gyrA identified in Spain.METHODSThree N. meningitidis isolates encoding bla _ROB-1 were identified in 2024. They were characterised by whole genome sequencing to determine capsular genogroups, ST and genetic antimicrobial resistance markers. Dated phylogenetic analysis was performed alongside global ST-3587 strains.RESULTSThe three bla _ROB-1-encoding isolates belonged to ST-3587, genogroup Y, harboured a T91I mutation in gyrA and showed resistance to penicillin and ciprofloxacin. These isolates were obtained from urethral, oropharyngeal and blood samples, each from a different patient. According to the dated phylogenetic analysis of ST-3587 and the presence of bla _ROB-1, two clades were defined: clade I and clade II. Within clade II, subclade II.I was identified, comprising isolates which, in addition to bla _ROB-1, carried the T91I mutation in gyrA. This subclade included the three Spanish isolates, which exhibited close genetic relatedness.CONCLUSIONThis study documents the emergence of N. meningitidis ST-3587 with dual resistance in Europe, including a documented urogenital infection by this lineage. Continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in N. meningitidis, including non-invasive cases, is crucial for timely public health responses and effective IMD prevention strategies.