Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-15DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106703
Qing-qing Shan , Meng Luo , YongXian Zhang , Daoyan Tang , Jian-Qing He
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat. ANKRD22 has emerged as a candidate biomarker from transcriptomic studies, but its diagnostic and functional role in TB is unclear.
Methods
We analyzed 23 public transcriptomic datasets and validated results in a clinical cohort. ANKRD22 expression was measured by RT‑qPCR. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using ROC analysis. Immune correlations were investigated via GO, KEGG, GSEA, and immune deconvolution. In vitro studies used H37Ra‑infected THP‑1 macrophages with ANKRD22 knockdown.
Results
ANKRD22 expression was significantly upregulated in TB disease compared to infected individuals and healthy controls, increased progressively along the disease continuum, and declined following effective anti‑TB treatment. It demonstrated strong diagnostic performance across multiple datasets (AUC range: 0.709–0.986) and in clinical samples (AUC = 0.855). High ANKRD22 expression was positively correlated with MLR and associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by increased infiltration of neutrophils, mast cells, regulatory T cells, and myeloid‑derived suppressor cells, alongside decreased NK cells. In vitro, ANKRD22 knockdown attenuated M2 macrophage polarization.
Conclusion
ANKRD22 is a promising diagnostic biomarker for active TB and is linked to an immunosuppressive immune microenvironment, supporting its potential for diagnosis and host‑directed therapy.
{"title":"ANKRD22 as a novel diagnostic biomarker and immunomodulator in tuberculosis disease: A multi-cohort and clinical validation study","authors":"Qing-qing Shan , Meng Luo , YongXian Zhang , Daoyan Tang , Jian-Qing He","doi":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat. <em>ANKRD22</em> has emerged as a candidate biomarker from transcriptomic studies, but its diagnostic and functional role in TB is unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed 23 public transcriptomic datasets and validated results in a clinical cohort. <em>ANKRD22</em> expression was measured by RT‑qPCR. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using ROC analysis. Immune correlations were investigated via GO, KEGG, GSEA, and immune deconvolution. In vitro studies used H37Ra‑infected THP‑1 macrophages with <em>ANKRD22</em> knockdown.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>ANKRD22</em> expression was significantly upregulated in TB disease compared to infected individuals and healthy controls, increased progressively along the disease continuum, and declined following effective anti‑TB treatment. It demonstrated strong diagnostic performance across multiple datasets (AUC range: 0.709–0.986) and in clinical samples (AUC = 0.855). High <em>ANKRD22</em> expression was positively correlated with MLR and associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by increased infiltration of neutrophils, mast cells, regulatory T cells, and myeloid‑derived suppressor cells, alongside decreased NK cells. In vitro, <em>ANKRD22</em> knockdown attenuated M2 macrophage polarization.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>ANKRD22</em> is a promising diagnostic biomarker for active TB and is linked to an immunosuppressive immune microenvironment, supporting its potential for diagnosis and host‑directed therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50180,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection","volume":"92 3","pages":"Article 106703"},"PeriodicalIF":11.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106700
Wei Shi , Siyu Chen , Mengyang Guo, Kaihu Yao
{"title":"Reassessing scarlet fever typing to optimize invasive GAS surveillance in China","authors":"Wei Shi , Siyu Chen , Mengyang Guo, Kaihu Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106700","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50180,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection","volume":"92 3","pages":"Article 106700"},"PeriodicalIF":11.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146167513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106696
Ziyin Wang , Claire Dunican , Pete Dayananda , Suhaylah Ingar , Myrsini Kaforou , Christopher Chiu , John S. Tregoning
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a health threat to young children worldwide. The host immune response plays a key role in disease following infection. Infection models advance our understanding of respiratory viruses, but individual models have gaps, which overlapping complementary systems can fill. We compared disease signatures in mice, adults and children; combining transcriptomic data collected from blood, nasal mucosa and lung biopsy following RSV infection. We identified both shared and species-specific pathways triggered by RSV. While systemic responses in children’s blood were more similar to those in RSV-challenged adults, mucosal responses during primary infection in mice more closely resembled those in children. We identified an association between IL-17 pathways and RSV pathogenesis and with over-expression of the downstream effectors S100A8 and S100A9. Inhibiting these with the anti-inflammatory drug Paquinimod reduced disease. Here we demonstrate that integrating mouse and human transcriptomic data can identify novel targets to treat RSV disease.
{"title":"Comparative cross-species transcriptomics during RSV infection identifies targets to treat RSV disease","authors":"Ziyin Wang , Claire Dunican , Pete Dayananda , Suhaylah Ingar , Myrsini Kaforou , Christopher Chiu , John S. Tregoning","doi":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a health threat to young children worldwide. The host immune response plays a key role in disease following infection. Infection models advance our understanding of respiratory viruses, but individual models have gaps, which overlapping complementary systems can fill. We compared disease signatures in mice, adults and children; combining transcriptomic data collected from blood, nasal mucosa and lung biopsy following RSV infection. We identified both shared and species-specific pathways triggered by RSV. While systemic responses in children’s blood were more similar to those in RSV-challenged adults, mucosal responses during primary infection in mice more closely resembled those in children. We identified an association between IL-17 pathways and RSV pathogenesis and with over-expression of the downstream effectors S100A8 and S100A9. Inhibiting these with the anti-inflammatory drug Paquinimod reduced disease. Here we demonstrate that integrating mouse and human transcriptomic data can identify novel targets to treat RSV disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50180,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection","volume":"92 3","pages":"Article 106696"},"PeriodicalIF":11.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146108220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106702
Ting Zhou , Bingyu Zhang , Dazheng Zhang , Ravi Jhaveri , Jiajie Chen , Michael J. Becich , Leah Castro , Yu Chen , Nymisha Chilukuri , Sharon J. Herring , Yuqing Lei , Lu Li , Yiwen Lu , Maxwell Hornig , Amrik Singh Khalsa , David Liebovitz , Abu Saleh Mohammad Mosa , Bradley W. Taylor , Yacob G. Tedla , Drew Thodeson , Yong Chen
Objectives
Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) can affect multiple organ systems, but the role of preinfectional body mass index (BMI) in these outcomes among children and young adults remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between pre-COVID-19 BMI status and post-acute cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric outcomes in children and young adults.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 139,320 individuals aged 5 to 20 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 and September 2023 across 20 U.S. pediatric health systems participating in the RECOVER Initiative. Pre-infection BMI was defined using measurements obtained within 18 months before the index date and categorized as healthy weight, overweight, obesity, or severe obesity; when multiple values were available, the most recent measurement was selected. We assessed incident post-acute cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric symptoms and conditions occurring 28 to 179 days post-infection. Adjusted relative risks (RRs) were estimated using modified Poisson regression models, comparing elevated BMI categories to the healthy weight.
Findings
Among 139,320 participants (mean [SD] age, 13.0 [4.3] years; 51.6% female), severe obesity was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disorders (adjusted RR 2.56; 95% CI 1.93–3.41), particularly hypertension (adjusted RR 3.68; 95% CI 2.65–5.11). Severe obesity was also linked with increased risks of diarrhea (adjusted RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.10–1.64) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (adjusted RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.06–1.58). Associations between BMI and neuropsychiatric outcomes were heterogeneous, with inverse associations observed for some conditions, including anxiety and major depression.
Interpretation
In this cohort study, pre-COVID-19 BMI status was associated with the risk and pattern of post-acute cardiovascular and gastrointestinal outcomes among children and young adults. Association between pre-infection BMI and neuropsychiatric outcomes was more variable and should be interpreted with caution. These findings suggest BMI-stratified post-COVID-19 monitoring strategies may help inform long-term care in youth.
目的:SARS-CoV-2感染急性后后遗症(PASC)可影响多个器官系统,但儿童和年轻人感染前体重指数(BMI)在这些结局中的作用尚不清楚。我们旨在评估儿童和年轻人covid -19前BMI状态与急性后心血管、胃肠道和神经精神结局之间的关系。方法:我们进行了一项回顾性队列研究,使用了2020年3月至2023年9月期间参与RECOVER计划的20个美国儿科卫生系统中139320名5至20岁确诊的SARS-CoV-2感染患者的数据。感染前BMI是根据指数日期前18个月内获得的测量值来定义的,并分为健康体重、超重、肥胖或严重肥胖;当有多个可用值时,将选择最近的测量值。我们评估了感染后28至179天发生的急性心血管、胃肠道和神经精神症状和状况。校正相对危险度(rr)使用修正泊松回归模型进行估计,比较BMI升高类别和健康体重。结果:在139320名参与者(平均[SD]年龄,13.0[4.3]岁;51.6%为女性)中,严重肥胖与心血管疾病的高风险相关(调整后的RR为2.56;95% CI为1.93-3.41),尤其是高血压(调整后的RR为3.68;95% CI为2.65-5.11)。严重肥胖还与腹泻(校正RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.10-1.64)和胃食管反流病(校正RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.06-1.58)的风险增加有关。BMI和神经精神预后之间的关联是不均匀的,在某些情况下观察到负相关,包括焦虑和重度抑郁。在这项队列研究中,covid -19前的BMI状态与儿童和年轻人急性后心血管和胃肠道结局的风险和模式相关。感染前BMI与神经精神预后之间的关系变化较大,应谨慎解释。这些发现表明,bmi分层后covid -19监测策略可能有助于为青年的长期护理提供信息。
{"title":"Pre-COVID-19 body mass index and post-acute cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric outcomes among children and young adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection: An EHR-based cohort study from the RECOVER Initiative","authors":"Ting Zhou , Bingyu Zhang , Dazheng Zhang , Ravi Jhaveri , Jiajie Chen , Michael J. Becich , Leah Castro , Yu Chen , Nymisha Chilukuri , Sharon J. Herring , Yuqing Lei , Lu Li , Yiwen Lu , Maxwell Hornig , Amrik Singh Khalsa , David Liebovitz , Abu Saleh Mohammad Mosa , Bradley W. Taylor , Yacob G. Tedla , Drew Thodeson , Yong Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106702","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) can affect multiple organ systems, but the role of preinfectional body mass index (BMI) in these outcomes among children and young adults remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between pre-COVID-19 BMI status and post-acute cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric outcomes in children and young adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 139,320 individuals aged 5 to 20 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 and September 2023 across 20 U.S. pediatric health systems participating in the RECOVER Initiative. Pre-infection BMI was defined using measurements obtained within 18 months before the index date and categorized as healthy weight, overweight, obesity, or severe obesity; when multiple values were available, the most recent measurement was selected. We assessed incident post-acute cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric symptoms and conditions occurring 28 to 179 days post-infection. Adjusted relative risks (RRs) were estimated using modified Poisson regression models, comparing elevated BMI categories to the healthy weight.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Among 139,320 participants (mean [SD] age, 13.0 [4.3] years; 51.6% female), severe obesity was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disorders (adjusted RR 2.56; 95% CI 1.93–3.41), particularly hypertension (adjusted RR 3.68; 95% CI 2.65–5.11). Severe obesity was also linked with increased risks of diarrhea (adjusted RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.10–1.64) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (adjusted RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.06–1.58). Associations between BMI and neuropsychiatric outcomes were heterogeneous, with inverse associations observed for some conditions, including anxiety and major depression.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>In this cohort study, pre-COVID-19 BMI status was associated with the risk and pattern of post-acute cardiovascular and gastrointestinal outcomes among children and young adults. Association between pre-infection BMI and neuropsychiatric outcomes was more variable and should be interpreted with caution. These findings suggest BMI-stratified post-COVID-19 monitoring strategies may help inform long-term care in youth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50180,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection","volume":"92 3","pages":"Article 106702"},"PeriodicalIF":11.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146195987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106713
Hongxia Yang , Hui Wang , Jiting Han , Yang Wang , Suxia Yao , Ming Guang , Yue Jiang , Panpan Lv , Meng Song , Mingliang Chen
Objectives
Neisseria meningitidis is a major pathogen of septicemia and meningitis, with a fatality rate of 10%–15%. Cefotaxime resistance in N. meningitidis remains rare, and has not yet been reported in internationally disseminated serogroup Y (MenY) ST-23 clonal complex (cc23) strains. This study aimed to characterize the molecular epidemiology of a novel cefotaxime- and ciprofloxacin-resistant MenY cc23 clone.
Methods
During the period of 2023–2025, 10 MenY isolates were collected from patient (n=1), close contact (n=8), and carrier (n=1) in Shanxi, China. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 12 antibiotics were determined by MIC test strip. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to analyze molecular types, resistance mechanisms, and phylogenetic relationships with other cc23 isolates globally.
Results
Among the 10 MenY isolates, seven were resistant to both cefotaxime (MIC range, 0.75–1 μg/ml) and ciprofloxacin (0.125 μg/ml), intermediate to penicillin (0.19–0.38 μg/ml), and susceptible to ceftriaxone (0.125 μg/ml). These seven isolates shared the fine type Y: P1.5–1,10–1: F4–1: ST-18108 (cc23). WGS analysis revealed that the ST-18108 isolates harbored NEIS1753 allele 5058 (with PBP2 mutations A311V, I312M, V316P, T483S, N512Y, and G545S) and gyrA92 allele (GyrA mutation T91I). NEIS1753_5058 allele phylogenetically clustered with alleles found in N. meningitidis, N. lactamica, and N. cinerea isolates. The nine ST-18108 genomes from this study (n=7) and a previous report from Hebei province (n=2) formed a closely related cluster within the sublineage L23.1, sharing 175 unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Conclusions
A novel cefotaxime- and ciprofloxacin-resistant MenY cc23 clone has emerged in China, with an enhanced transmissibility and a higher level of cefotaxime-resistance, potentially challenging the current IMD treatment and chemoprophylaxis strategies across broader geographic regions. Continuous surveillance for this dual-resistant clone is warranted, utilizing molecular markers including ST-18108, NEIS1753_5058 allele, and the 175 SNPs identified in this study.
{"title":"Emergence of a novel cefotaxime- and ciprofloxacin-resistant strain of serogroup Y Neisseria meningitidis sequence type 23 clonal complex in China","authors":"Hongxia Yang , Hui Wang , Jiting Han , Yang Wang , Suxia Yao , Ming Guang , Yue Jiang , Panpan Lv , Meng Song , Mingliang Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106713","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106713","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div><em>Neisseria meningitidis</em> is a major pathogen of septicemia and meningitis, with a fatality rate of 10%–15%. Cefotaxime resistance in <em>N. meningitidis</em> remains rare, and has not yet been reported in internationally disseminated serogroup Y (MenY) ST-23 clonal complex (cc23) strains. This study aimed to characterize the molecular epidemiology of a novel cefotaxime- and ciprofloxacin-resistant MenY cc23 clone.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>During the period of 2023–2025, 10 MenY isolates were collected from patient (n=1), close contact (n=8), and carrier (n=1) in Shanxi, China. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 12 antibiotics were determined by MIC test strip. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to analyze molecular types, resistance mechanisms, and phylogenetic relationships with other cc23 isolates globally.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 10 MenY isolates, seven were resistant to both cefotaxime (MIC range, 0.75–1 μg/ml) and ciprofloxacin (0.125 μg/ml), intermediate to penicillin (0.19–0.38 μg/ml), and susceptible to ceftriaxone (0.125 μg/ml). These seven isolates shared the fine type Y: P1.5–1,10–1: F4–1: ST-18108 (cc23). WGS analysis revealed that the ST-18108 isolates harbored NEIS1753 allele 5058 (with PBP2 mutations A311V, I312M, V316P, T483S, N512Y, and G545S) and <em>gyrA</em>92 allele (GyrA mutation T91I). NEIS1753_5058 allele phylogenetically clustered with alleles found in <em>N. meningitidis</em>, <em>N. lactamica</em>, and <em>N. cinerea</em> isolates. The nine ST-18108 genomes from this study (n=7) and a previous report from Hebei province (n=2) formed a closely related cluster within the sublineage L23.1, sharing 175 unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A novel cefotaxime- and ciprofloxacin-resistant MenY cc23 clone has emerged in China, with an enhanced transmissibility and a higher level of cefotaxime-resistance, potentially challenging the current IMD treatment and chemoprophylaxis strategies across broader geographic regions. Continuous surveillance for this dual-resistant clone is warranted, utilizing molecular markers including ST-18108, NEIS1753_5058 allele, and the 175 SNPs identified in this study.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50180,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection","volume":"92 3","pages":"Article 106713"},"PeriodicalIF":11.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147272608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106706
Roberto Benoni , Arianna Bellini , Luigina Ferrigno , Simonetta Crateri , Maria Elena Tosti , the SEIEVA Collaborating Group
Objectives
Despite the decline in HBV and HCV incidence in Italy, identifying at-risk populations remains a priority. We aimed to identify risk profiles for acute HBV and HCV infections and possible signals of reporting disproportionality.
Methods
The study used data from the Integrated Epidemiological System of Acute Viral Hepatitis from 2004 to 2024. K-medoids clustering was applied to identify acute hepatitis profiles, considering demographic characteristics and major risk factors (drug use, nosocomial risk, men who have sex with men - MSM, risky sexual behaviour, living with HBsAg+ person). Disproportionality signals were assessed using reporting odds ratio (ROR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).
Results
The 3339 HBV cases were divided into 9 profiles. The most common profiles included Italian males: without reported risk factors (n=940, 28.2%), with heterosexual (n=719, 21.5%), or MSM (n=315, 9.4%) risk sexual behaviour. Six signals for HBV were identified, the most recent for females living with HBsAg+ person (2023 ROR=2.8, 95%CI=1.4–5.6) or without reported risk factors (2021 ROR=2.4, 95%CI=1.5–8.1). The 975 HCV cases were divided into 8 profiles, the most frequent consisting of predominantly Italian females with no reported risk factors (n=181, 18.6%) and young Italian males with a history of drug use (n=135, 13.8%). There were 11 signals identified for HCV of which 5 related to the MSM profile with risky sexual behaviour (most recent in 2024: ROR=4.0, 95%CI=1.5–10.3).
Conclusions
Acute HBV and HCV infections are frequently reported in individuals lacking commonly known risk factors. Awareness and screening campaigns aimed also at low-prevalence populations are needed to reach the elimination target of viral hepatitis as a public health problem.
{"title":"Risk profiles for acute hepatitis B and C from 2004 to 2024 in Italy: A cluster and disproportionality analysis from the SEIEVA registry","authors":"Roberto Benoni , Arianna Bellini , Luigina Ferrigno , Simonetta Crateri , Maria Elena Tosti , the SEIEVA Collaborating Group","doi":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Despite the decline in HBV and HCV incidence in Italy, identifying at-risk populations remains a priority. We aimed to identify risk profiles for acute HBV and HCV infections and possible signals of reporting disproportionality.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study used data from the Integrated Epidemiological System of Acute Viral Hepatitis from 2004 to 2024. K-medoids clustering was applied to identify acute hepatitis profiles, considering demographic characteristics and major risk factors (drug use, nosocomial risk, men who have sex with men - MSM, risky sexual behaviour, living with HBsAg+ person). Disproportionality signals were assessed using reporting odds ratio (ROR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The 3339 HBV cases were divided into 9 profiles. The most common profiles included Italian males: without reported risk factors (n=940, 28.2%), with heterosexual (n=719, 21.5%), or MSM (n=315, 9.4%) risk sexual behaviour. Six signals for HBV were identified, the most recent for females living with HBsAg+ person (2023 ROR=2.8, 95%CI=1.4–5.6) or without reported risk factors (2021 ROR=2.4, 95%CI=1.5–8.1). The 975 HCV cases were divided into 8 profiles, the most frequent consisting of predominantly Italian females with no reported risk factors (n=181, 18.6%) and young Italian males with a history of drug use (n=135, 13.8%). There were 11 signals identified for HCV of which 5 related to the MSM profile with risky sexual behaviour (most recent in 2024: ROR=4.0, 95%CI=1.5–10.3).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Acute HBV and HCV infections are frequently reported in individuals lacking commonly known risk factors. Awareness and screening campaigns aimed also at low-prevalence populations are needed to reach the elimination target of viral hepatitis as a public health problem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50180,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection","volume":"92 3","pages":"Article 106706"},"PeriodicalIF":11.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146229616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-21DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106714
José M. Ordóñez-Mena , Jennifer M. Radin , Uy Hoang , Andre B. Araujo , Orsolya Balogh , Ahreej Eltayeb , Gavin Jamie , William H. Elson , Tianyi Lu , Xinchun Gu , Fatima Batool , Joan Madia , Xuejuan Fan , Rachel Byford , Ellya Enesca , Elizabeth Button , David Martin , Filipa Ferreira , Katja Hoschler , Beatrix Kele , Simon de Lusignan
Objectives
To describe the positivity, clinical presentation and predictors of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adult primary care patients compared to influenza and SARS-CoV-2, prior to the introduction of RSV vaccines.
Methods
We analyzed data from primary care patients aged ≥40 years with an acute respiratory infection. Between 02/10/2023 and 10/04/2024 virology swabs were tested by the UK Health Security Agency for RSV, influenza A and B, and SARS-CoV-2. Percent positivity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of infection. Clinical presentations were described and compared.
Results
Among 6,161 individuals tested, influenza A had the highest positivity (3.25%, 95% CI: 2.83–3.72), followed by SARS-CoV-2 (2.30%, 95% CI: 1.96–2.71), RSV (2.26%, 95% CI: 1.91–2.66), and influenza B (0.28%, 95% CI: 0.17–0.44). RSV positivity was higher in people aged 60-74 compared to those aged 40-49. RSV cases presented with ILI less often than COVID or influenza A cases.
Conclusions
During the 2023/24 winter season in England, medically-attended RSV presented a significant disease burden, with a positivity comparable to SARS-CoV-2 and approximately 70% of influenza. Given well-established vaccination programmes for influenza and COVID-19, these findings demonstrate an opportunity to introduce an RSV vaccination programme for adults.
{"title":"Epidemiology of virologically confirmed RSV, influenza and COVID-19 in adults in England, 2023–2024: Primary Care Observational Study of Acute Respiratory Infection (ObservatARI)","authors":"José M. Ordóñez-Mena , Jennifer M. Radin , Uy Hoang , Andre B. Araujo , Orsolya Balogh , Ahreej Eltayeb , Gavin Jamie , William H. Elson , Tianyi Lu , Xinchun Gu , Fatima Batool , Joan Madia , Xuejuan Fan , Rachel Byford , Ellya Enesca , Elizabeth Button , David Martin , Filipa Ferreira , Katja Hoschler , Beatrix Kele , Simon de Lusignan","doi":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To describe the positivity, clinical presentation and predictors of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adult primary care patients compared to influenza and SARS-CoV-2, prior to the introduction of RSV vaccines.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed data from primary care patients aged ≥40 years with an acute respiratory infection. Between 02/10/2023 and 10/04/2024 virology swabs were tested by the UK Health Security Agency for RSV, influenza A and B, and SARS-CoV-2. Percent positivity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of infection. Clinical presentations were described and compared.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 6,161 individuals tested, influenza A had the highest positivity (3.25%, 95% CI: 2.83–3.72), followed by SARS-CoV-2 (2.30%, 95% CI: 1.96–2.71), RSV (2.26%, 95% CI: 1.91–2.66), and influenza B (0.28%, 95% CI: 0.17–0.44). RSV positivity was higher in people aged 60-74 compared to those aged 40-49. RSV cases presented with ILI less often than COVID or influenza A cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>During the 2023/24 winter season in England, medically-attended RSV presented a significant disease burden, with a positivity comparable to SARS-CoV-2 and approximately 70% of influenza. Given well-established vaccination programmes for influenza and COVID-19, these findings demonstrate an opportunity to introduce an RSV vaccination programme for adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50180,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection","volume":"92 3","pages":"Article 106714"},"PeriodicalIF":11.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147277535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-18DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106707
Alessandra D’Abramo , Francesca Colavita , Laura Ponzetta , Patrizia De Marco , Serena Vita , Luigi Rosa , Silvia Cammisa , Eleonora Tartaglia , Laura Scorzolini , Eleonora Lalle , Eleonora Cimini , Stefania Notari , Marta Tiberi , Alba Grifoni , Daniela Weiskopf , Alessandro Sette , Linda Petrone , Fabrizio Maggi , Delia Goletti , Emanuele Nicastri
Objectives
This study was designed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the first dose of the TAK-003 dengue vaccine. The immune response profiles of vaccinated participants were compared among individuals who experienced or did not experience natural dengue infection in the past or as an acute infection.
Methods
In this single-centre prospective observational study, subjects were stratified into three groups: Group1—dengue seronegative; Group2—dengue seropositive; Group3—acute dengue infection. The assessments of vaccine-induced immunogenicity included: DENV-2 neutralizing antibodies, monocyte and dendritic cell (DC) phenotyping and T-cell response at baseline (T0) and 3 months (T3) post-vaccination (Group1 and 2) or post-infection (Group3).
Results
One hundred fifty subjects were enrolled at T0, and among them 80 subjects (median age 38 years, 50% male) were also evaluated at T3. Anti-DENV-2 neutralizing antibodies increased 26.9- and 9.19-fold in Group1 and 2, and 3.06-fold in Group3. Group1 showed increased monocytes and Group3 had reduced myeloid-DC and higher plasmacytoid-DC. Group1 and 2 exhibited DENV CD4 MP-induced T-cell responses similar to those observed in Group3. Notably, Group1 demonstrated a significantly greater T-cell response to the DENV CD8 MP than Group3.
Conclusions
Preliminary data showed that TAK-003 vaccine is safe and immunogenic. The first vaccine dose elicits a functional antibody and a robust T-cell response. Further analyses on the current cohort are ongoing.
{"title":"The DENGVAC study: Preliminary findings on the immunogenicity of the TAK-003 dengue vaccine","authors":"Alessandra D’Abramo , Francesca Colavita , Laura Ponzetta , Patrizia De Marco , Serena Vita , Luigi Rosa , Silvia Cammisa , Eleonora Tartaglia , Laura Scorzolini , Eleonora Lalle , Eleonora Cimini , Stefania Notari , Marta Tiberi , Alba Grifoni , Daniela Weiskopf , Alessandro Sette , Linda Petrone , Fabrizio Maggi , Delia Goletti , Emanuele Nicastri","doi":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106707","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106707","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study was designed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the first dose of the TAK-003 dengue vaccine. The immune response profiles of vaccinated participants were compared among individuals who experienced or did not experience natural dengue infection in the past or as an acute infection.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this single-centre prospective observational study, subjects were stratified into three groups: Group1—dengue seronegative; Group2—dengue seropositive; Group3—acute dengue infection. The assessments of vaccine-induced immunogenicity included: DENV-2 neutralizing antibodies, monocyte and dendritic cell (DC) phenotyping and T-cell response at baseline (T0) and 3 months (T3) post-vaccination (Group1 and 2) or post-infection (Group3).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>One hundred fifty subjects were enrolled at T0, and among them 80 subjects (median age 38 years, 50% male) were also evaluated at T3. Anti-DENV-2 neutralizing antibodies increased 26.9- and 9.19-fold in Group1 and 2, and 3.06-fold in Group3. Group1 showed increased monocytes and Group3 had reduced myeloid-DC and higher plasmacytoid-DC. Group1 and 2 exhibited DENV CD4 MP-induced T-cell responses similar to those observed in Group3. Notably, Group1 demonstrated a significantly greater T-cell response to the DENV CD8 MP than Group3.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Preliminary data showed that TAK-003 vaccine is safe and immunogenic. The first vaccine dose elicits a functional antibody and a robust T-cell response. Further analyses on the current cohort are ongoing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50180,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection","volume":"92 3","pages":"Article 106707"},"PeriodicalIF":11.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146259802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106712
Philippe Pérot, Alexandre Leclercq, Marc Lecuit
{"title":"Increased immunosuppression and susceptibility to listeriosis in the aging population, France","authors":"Philippe Pérot, Alexandre Leclercq, Marc Lecuit","doi":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106712","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106712","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50180,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection","volume":"92 3","pages":"Article 106712"},"PeriodicalIF":11.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147272686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}