Journal of Infection and Public Health最新文献

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had several phases with varying characteristics. We aimed to compare severity outcomes in different phases in a population with limited bias from risk factors.

Methods

In a nationwide observational study of all unvaccinated first-time COVID-19 test positive individuals in Sweden aged 18–64 years without comorbidity, from week 45 of 2020 to week 5 of 2022, variant periods with certain variants constituting ≥ 92 % of all whole genome-sequenced cases nationwide, were compared regarding hospitalisation (with main discharge code of COVID-19), severe illness (use of high-flow nasal oxygen or admission to intensive care unit), and death due to COVID-19. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for comparison of these outcomes between variant periods, using adjustments for variant period, age, sex, country of birth, place of residence, income, and education.

Findings

The study included 789,133 individuals, including 15,145 hospitalised individuals. Among all individuals, the adjusted ORs for hospitalisation were 1.7 for the Alpha period vs the Pre-variant period (week 45–52 2020), 1.8 for the Delta period vs the Alpha period, and 0.1 for the Omicron period vs the Delta period (all comparisons significant). Among hospitalised individuals, the adjusted ORs for severe illness were 1.4 for the Alpha period vs the Pre-variant period, 1.7 for the Delta period vs the Alpha period, and 0.5 for the Omicron period vs the Delta period (all comparisons significant), and the adjusted ORs for death were 1.1 for the Alpha period vs the Pre-variant period (non-significant), 1.8 for the Delta period vs the Alpha period (significant), and 0.1 for the Omicron period vs the Delta period (non-significant).

Interpretation

In this population with limited bias from risk factors, vaccination, and previous infection, disease severity increased from the pre-variant to the Delta period and then decreased with the Omicron period, among all individuals and among hospitalised individuals. These severity outcome differences should be considered when the pandemic is evaluated.

Background

Nonspecific acute tropical febrile illnesses (NEATFI) are common in the Latin American tropics. Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, Mayaro, and Usutu, among others, can coexist in the American tropics. This study aimed to surveil the arboviruses that cause| acute febrile syndrome in patients in the Meta department, Colombia.

Methods

Between June 2021 and February 2023, an epidemiological surveillance study was conducted in the Llanos of the Meta department in Eastern Colombia.

Results

One hundred patients in the acute phase with typical prodromal symptoms of NEATFI infection who attended the emergency department of the Villavicencio Departmental Hospital were included. ELISA tests were performed for Dengue, Usutu, Chikungunya, and Mayaro. RT-qPCR was performed to detect the arboviruses Usutu, Dengue, Zika, Mayaro, and Oropouche. The seroprevalence for the Chikungunya, Mayaro, and Usutu viruses was 41 % (28/68), 40 % (27/67), and 62 % (47/75), respectively. Seroconversion for Chikungunya was observed in one patient; two seroconverted to Mayaro and one to Usutu. The NS5 gene fragment of the Usutu virus was detected in nine febrile patients. RT-qPCR of the remaining arboviruses was negative. The clinical symptoms of the nine Usutu-positive patients were very similar to those of Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and Mayaro infections.

Conclusions

The pervasive detection of unexpected viruses such as Usutu and Mayaro demonstrated the importance of searching for other viruses different from Dengue. Because Usutu infection and Mayaro fever have clinical features like Dengue, a new algorithm should be proposed to improve the accuracy of acute tropical fevers.

Background

Monitoring adherence presents a challenge in adolescents and it is prudent to explore several options for determining their level of adherence. This study sought to determine ART adherence levels in adolescents and young adults (on a tenofovir-containing regimen) failing ART as measured by self-reports, pill counts and DBS tenofovir concentrations and to compare levels of agreement among the methods and determine the ability of each method to predict virological suppression.

Methods

This was a cohort study involving 107 adolescents and young adults between 10 and 24 years failing ART with viral load > 400copies/ml at enrolment. Pill count (PC) records, self-reports (SR) and DBS tenofovir concentrations (done by liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)) were used to determine adherence in adolescent participants failing ART in Harare. The latter was used as the reference method with a cut-off of 64 ng/ml. Determination of DBS tenofovir concentrations was also performed to rule out inadequate viral response due to low cumulative drug exposure despite high adherence (≥90 %). Longitudinal analysis was performed to determine the correlation of viral loads (VL) with adherence. The Kappa (k) coefficient was used to evaluate the level of agreement among the 3 methods.

Results

Poor level of agreement was found between PC records and DBS tenofovir concentrations (k = −0.115). Moderate agreement was found between DBS and SR methods (k = 0.0557). Slight agreement was found between PC and SR methods (k = 0.0078). Adherence was dependent on age at HIV diagnosis (p = 0.0184) and ART initiation (p = 0.0265). Participants who were adherent were six times more likely to be suppressed at end point than their non-adherent counterparts (OR=5.7 CI 2.1 – 16.5, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Self-reported measure of adherence and pill counts exhibited poor agreement with the reference method used i.e. DBS tenofovir concentrations and are thus not effective methods of predicting virological suppression.

Trial identification

Participants in the present study were a subset of those in the PESU intervention ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02833441

Background

the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci have been widely characterized to be associated with viral infectious diseases. Several studies including various ethnic groups and populations suggested associations between certain HLA alleles and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite the numerous associations identified, the role of HLA polymorphisms in determining the individual response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial among different Saudi populations.

Method

Here, we performed HLA typing by next-generation sequencing to investigate if variations in polymorphic HLA genes are linked to COVID-19 severity in the Saudi population. Namely, we analyzed HLA loci at allele level in 575 Saudi patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. HLA class I and class II frequencies in patients were compared with allele frequency data from healthy Saudi population.

Results

in our cohort HLA-A* 02:01:01 G was associated with mild disease but was not associated with moderate and severe disease. HLA-B* 51:01:01 G was protective from severe disease while HLA-B* 50:01:01 G, HLA-C* 06:02:01 G and HLA-DRB1 * 07:01:01 G were associated with risk to severe disease as well as the total COVID-19 cohort. HLA-DRB1 * 15:01:01 G was associated with risk to all severity groups.

Conclusion

in conclusion, we found significant associations between HLA alleles and COVID-19 disease severity in Saudis. Further studies are warranted to include HLA typing in the workup for any new COVID-19 patients.

Background

Norovirus is the predominant pathogen causing foodborne illnesses and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks worldwide, imposing a significant disease burden. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and genotypic diversity of norovirus outbreaks in Hongshan District, Wuhan City.

Methods

A total of 463 AGE cases from 39 AGE-related outbreaks in Hongshan District between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023, were included in the study. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to identify norovirus types GI and GII in anal swab samples from all cases. Norovirus-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed for the open reading frame (ORF) 1/ORF2 hinge region.

Results

26 norovirus infectious outbreaks were reported among 39 acute diarrheal outbreaks, including 14 outbreaks in kindergartens, 8 in elementary schools, and 4 in universities. Based on clinical symptoms and epidemiological investigations, a total of 1295 individuals were identified as having been exposed to norovirus, yielding an attack rate of 35.75 %. A higher proportion of outbreaks was observed during the winter and spring seasons (38.46 %). Additionally, norovirus-positive samples were subjected to sequencing and analysis of the open reading frame (ORF) 1/ORF2 hinge region. Genotypic data for norovirus was successfully obtained from 18 (69.23 %) of the infectious outbreaks, revealing 10 distinct recombinant genotypes. GII.4 Sydney 2012 [P31] and GII.17[P17] were the predominant strains in 2021 and 2022, GII.3 [P12] emerged as the dominant strain in 2023.

Conclusion

Norovirus outbreaks in Hongshan District predominantly occurred in crowded educational institutions, with peaks in the cold season and a high attack rate in universities. GII.3 [P12] has become the locally predominant strain.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a devastating consequence of dengue infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the incidence of ALF in dengue infection and its associated mortality. We systematically searched the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception to December 2023 for observational studies reporting ALF incidence and mortality in dengue patients. Twenty-one studies encompassing 26,839 dengue-infected patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed a pooled incidence of ALF in cases of general dengue infection of 2.0 % (95 % CI, 1.2–3.0 %), with 1.2 % (95 % CI, 0.6–2.1 %) in adults and 5.0 % (95 % CI, 1.5–10.2 %) in children. ALF incidence was 17.3 % (95 % CI, 6.5 %−31.5 %) in severe dengue and 7.4 % (95 % CI, 0.8–18.5 %) in dengue shock syndrome. The pooled mortality rate of dengue-associated ALF was 47.0 % (95 % CI, 32.9–61.2 %). These findings underscore the detrimental impact of dengue infection on the development of the relatively uncommon, albeit life-threatening, condition of ALF.

Background

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been linked to several conditions, including infections, immune system changes, or emotional stress. Our study aimed to assess the risk of CFS after a pneumonia diagnosis using data from National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan.

Methods

In this nested case-control study, we identified 2,000,000 adult patients from a nationwide population-based health insurance claims database spanning from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2017. Each case diagnosed with a pathogenic infection was matched with a corresponding control using propensity scores. We excluded individuals under 20 years of age, those with a history of pathogenic infections before the index date, or those with more than one potential pathogen. To estimate hazard ratios (HR) and the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with their respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI), we applied univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. The multivariable analysis incorporated adjustments for age, sex, and comorbidity-related confounders.

Results

The relationship between infection and the subsequent risk of CFS was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. The incidence density rates were 6.13 and 8.70 per 1000 person‐years among the non‐pulmonary infection and pulmonary infection populations, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.4, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.32–1.5). Patients infected with Pseudomonas, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and influenza virus exhibited a significantly higher risk of CFS than those without these pathogens (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients with pneumonia had a significantly increased risk of thromboembolism compare with control group (p < 0.05).

Background

In Latin America, Peru has the second highest number of cases of monkeypox (Mpox), of which more than 50 % are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive. Here, we compared the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Mpox between people with and without HIV in Peru.

Methods

We conducted a national retrospective study using data on confirmed cases of Mpox reported by the Peruvian National Surveillance System from 15 June 2022 to 31 December 2023.

Results

A total of 3561 confirmed cases of Mpox were included. Of these, 2123 (60 %) patients were people living with HIV (PLWH), with increased odds for those aged 30 years or older, homosexual (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.58 [6.95–10.59], p<0.0001), bisexual (aOR=4.44 [3.46–5.69], p<0.0001), sex workers (aOR=2.24 [1.07–4.68], p=0.032), people with a history of syphilis (aOR=2.07 [1.66–2.58], p<0.001), and hospitalized (aOR=3.08 [2.03–4.68], p<0.001). PLWH were more likely to have proctitis (aOR=1.73 [1.26–2.37], p=0.001). The overall mortality was 20 of 3561 (0.56 %). Among PLWH and Mpox, more deaths occurred in hospitalized (p<0.001) and non-ART (p<0.001) individuals.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight that HIV infection among Mpox cases in Peru is associated with high-risk sexual behaviour and a high likelihood of hospitalization.

Background

A new monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab; Beyfortus®) and a bivalent prefusion RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) for maternal immunization have been approved recently. This is a modelling study to estimate the potential impact of different immunization programs with these products on RSV-bronchiolitis.

Methods

Population-based real-world data from primary care and hospitalizations were considered. RSV bronchiolitis dynamics in absence of these immunization scenarios were explained by a multivariate age-structured Bayesian model. Then, the potential impact was simulated under different assumptions including the most recent clinical trial data. Differences in endpoints, populations, and timeframes between trials make the two products’ efficacy difficult to compare.

Results

A seasonal with catch-up program, assuming a constant effectiveness of 79.5 % during the first 5 months followed by a linear decay to 0 by month 10 with nirsevimab, would prevent between 5121 and 8,846RSV bronchiolitis per 100,000 infants-years. Assuming 77.3 % effectiveness with the same decay, between 976and 16,86RSV-hospitalizations per 100,000 infants-years could be prevented depending on the uptake. A year-round maternal immunization program, with 51 % of effectiveness during the first 6 months followed by a linear decay to 0 by month 10 would prevent between 3,246and 5,606RSV bronchiolitis cases per 100,000 infants-years. Assuming 56.9 % effectiveness with the same decay, between 713 and 1231 RSV-hospitalizations per 100,000 infants-years could be prevented.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that each strategy would effectively reduce RSV-bronchiolitis.

Background

In the Balkans, rising concerns about invasive fungal infections over the past decade stem from various factors. Primarily, there has been a notable uptick in immunocompromised individuals, including those with chronic illnesses like immunological and hematological diseases. Thus, it is essential to assess the region's laboratory capabilities and the availability of antifungals. This evaluation is vital for gauging the preparedness to diagnose and treat fungal infections effectively, thus minimizing their public health impact.

Methods

Data were collected via an online questionnaire targeting healthcare professionals specializing in relevant fields across diverse healthcare settings in Balkan countries. The survey covered various aspects, including diagnostic methods, imaging techniques, and available antifungal armamentarium.

Results

Responses were obtained from 50 institutions across the Balkans. While conventional diagnostic methods like microscopy (96 %) and culture (100 %) diagnostics were widely available, access to newer diagnostic tools such as molecular assays (61 %) were limited, often relying on outsourced services. Imaging modalities like ultrasound (100 %) and CT scans (93 %) were universally accessible. A variety of antifungal drugs were available, including amphotericin B formulations (80 %), echinocandins (79 %), and triazoles (100 %). However, access to newer agents like posaconazole (62 %) and isavuconazole (45 %) was inconsistent. Therapeutic drug monitoring (53 %) services were also limited.

Conclusion

The study underscores the need for equitable access to diagnostic facilities and antifungal treatments across healthcare settings in the Balkan geographic region. Improving access to molecular diagnostic tools and essential antifungal drugs, as well as implementing therapeutic drug monitoring, would optimize the management of fungal infections in the region.