Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aisha F. Badr, Raneyah A. Humedi, Nada A. Alfarsi, Haifa A. Alghamdi
Summary: The study aimed to assess the public’s acceptance and potential use of Rapid Antigen Detection Test at community pharmacies in the diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis in children. The majority of participants support the use of RADT in community pharmacies to reduce antibiotic misuse and increase specificity.
SAUDI PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Amanda Taylor, Susan Morpeth, Rachel Webb, Susan Taylor
Summary: This study compared different diagnostic methods for GAS pharyngitis, and found that the Xpert Xpress Strep A molecular test showed excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value, making it a safe and effective first-line test for throat swabs in high-risk ARF populations.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sahar Mohajeri, Saeed Moayedi, Leila Azimi, Mohammad Akrami, Mazda Rad-Malekshahi, Mohammad Reza Fazeli, Fatemeh Fallah, Ismaeil Haririan
Summary: Streptococcal pharyngitis, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, is a common disease that can lead to heart problems if untreated. Accurate diagnosis is challenging due to the similarity in symptoms with viral pharyngitis. Researchers have developed a nanobiosensor based on the sugar code-lectin interaction, which can rapidly and accurately detect streptococcal pharyngitis.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Abdullah Khan, Drew Davis, Lance Brown
Summary: The study compared the performance of a rapid antigen detection test using lateral flow immunoassay technique in children and adolescents with throat pain and signs of inflammation. Results showed that the RADT had comparable sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in both age groups, indicating its reliability for diagnosing GAS pharyngitis in pediatric patients.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zaili Zaki, Asrul Abdul Wahab, Ramliza Ramli, Afaaf Esa, Ezura Madiana Md Monoto
Summary: This study evaluated the agreement between RADT and throat culture in diagnosing GAS pharyngitis in children with sore throat. Results showed a higher incidence of GAS pharyngitis in school-aged children, with RADT demonstrating a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98%. Mclsaac scoring was found to be a useful screening tool for bacterial pharyngitis.
Article
Virology
Irini Eleftheriou, Foteini Dasoula, Dimitra Dimopoulou, Evangelia Lebessi, Eftihia Serafi, Nikos Spyridis, Maria Tsolia
Summary: The study demonstrates that the PANBIO COVID-19 Ag RAD test is useful in screening for COVID-19 in children with symptoms suggestive of the disease, especially in the early stages of illness, with a sensitivity of over 95% in symptomatic children but poor performance in asymptomatically infected children.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rainer Thell, Verena Kallab, Wolfgang Weinhappel, Wolfgang Mueckstein, Lukas Heschl, Martina Heschl, Stefan Korsatko, Franz Toedling, Amelie Blaschke, Theresa Herzog, Anna Klicpera, Clara Koeller, Moritz Haugk, Anna Kreil, Alexander Spiel, Philipp Kreuzer, Robert Krause, Christian Sebesta, Stefan Winkler, Brenda Laky, Marton Szell
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of a point-of-care antigen rapid test compared to laboratory-based rt-PCR in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic patients, and found that the rapid test showed good sensitivity when viral load was high.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Silvia Sanchez-Diez, Maria-Jesus Cruz, Daniel Alvarez-Simon, Tomas Montalvo, Xavier Munoz, Peter M. Hoet, Jeroen A. Vanoirbeek, Susana Gomez-Olles
Summary: The study developed a rapid and simple immunochromatographic test (ICT) for detecting pigeon antigens in environmental samples, which showed a good correlation with the traditional ELISA method. The strip density values from ICT and the concentrations of pigeon antigens determined by ELISA exhibited a highly significant correlation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ali J. Alhaddad, Salma Aljaroodi, Omar M. Alkhasawneh, Randa Dibo, Shams A. Alturki, Khalid A. Aljamaan, Nahid H. Wanni, Amani M. Alnimr, Reem A. Aldossary, Reem Y. Aljindan, Khaled R. Alkharsah
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of fluorescent immunoassay (FIA)-RADTs for diagnosing group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis in children and its potential impact as a point of care test (POCT). The results showed that the FIA-RADT had high sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. If implemented as a POCT, it could significantly reduce the antibiotic prescription rate.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Molla Tadesse, Yohanes Hailu, Sirak Biset, Getachew Ferede, Baye Gelaw
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Streptococcus pyogenes in pediatric patients with acute pharyngitis. The study found that S. pyogenes accounted for 10.7% of acute pharyngitis cases in the study area. While all isolates remained sensitive to penicillin, many showed reduced susceptibility to tetracycline and macrolides. Therefore, screening children with acute pharyngitis for S. pyogenes and testing the antibiotic susceptibility of isolates is recommended prior to antibiotic prescription.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Dan Liu, Chenhui Ju, Chao Han, Rui Shi, Xuehui Chen, Demin Duan, Jinghua Yan, Xiyun Yan
Summary: The nanozyme-based chemiluminescence paper assay offers a new method for rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen. The test is specific to the SARS-CoV-2 antigen and can be completed within 16 minutes.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jidapa Szekely, Jenureeyah Mongkolprasert, Nitikorn Jeayodae, Chadarat Senorit, Panuttha Chaimuti, Piyawut Swangphon, Natthaphon Nanakorn, Teerapat Nualnoi, Paweena Wongwitwichot, Theerakamol Pengsakul
Summary: The study developed and evaluated an antigen rapid diagnostic test (the Kestrel(TM) COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test) for professional use. The test showed high sensitivity, low limit of detection, and high accuracy in detecting and managing COVID-19, making it a potential tool for screening, surveillance, and infection control in global SARS-CoV-2 variant outbreaks.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nuno Mendes, Carmo Migueis, Jorge Lindo, Teresa Goncalves, Antonio Migueis
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the incidence of Group A Streptococcus oropharyngeal infection in a pediatric population in central Portugal. The results showed a higher prevalence of GAS infection in preschool children, especially in those under 3 years old, suggesting a need for cautious management in this age group when presenting with acute pharyngitis. The study also highlighted the potential benefits of rapid antigen detection tests in reducing unnoticed cases in young children.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Julie Bennett, Nicole J. Moreland, Deborah A. Williamson, Jonathan Carapetis, Julian Crane, Alana L. Whitcombe, Susan Jack, Matire Harwood, Michael G. Baker
Summary: This study described the Streptococcal antibody titres in healthy children of different ethnicities in New Zealand and investigated the variations in titres among cases of pharyngitis and skin infections. The results showed that Maori and Pacific children had higher antibody titres, suggesting a higher exposure to Streptococcal infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kelly De Schuyter, Jerina Boelens, Anne-Sophie Messiaen, Petra Schelstraete, Bruno Verhasselt, Diana Huis In't Veld, Steven Callens, Erica Sermijn, Yannick Vande Weygaerde, Stien Vandendriesche
Summary: This study assessed the reliability of rapid antigen detection tests for Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and found that RADT can improve the accuracy of pathogen identification.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Evgnosia Effraimidou, Dimitrios C. Cassimos, Snezana Medic, Maria Topalidou, Maria Theodoridou, Helena C. Maltezou
Summary: Although all European countries have vaccination policies for children, there are no comprehensive studies of pediatric vaccination programs in Europe. The study found variations in vaccination programs and policies among European countries, indicating the need for a consensus-based vaccination program.
JOURNAL OF CHILD HEALTH CARE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dimitra Tsakona, Anargyros Kapetanakis, Dimitrios Kyrou, Nikolaos Vrontaras, Aliki Xochelli, Simeon Metallidis, Olga Tsachouridou, Maria Chini, Maria Meliou, Mina Psichogiou, Dimitrios Basoulis, Anastasia Antoniadou, Konstantinos Protopapas, Periklis Panagopoulos, Vasilis Petrakis, Charalambos Gogos, Leonidia Leonidou, Christina Karamanidou
Summary: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of frailty in people living with HIV in Greece and found strong associations between frailty criteria and factors such as CD4 cell count, history of AIDS diagnosis, CNS disorders, psychiatric diagnoses, and polypharmacy.
Review
Pediatrics
Christos Kogias, Spyridon Prountzos, Efthymia Alexopoulou, Konstantinos Douros
Summary: This study reviewed the literature on the role of LUS scores in the diagnosis and prognosis of bronchiolitis in children aged 0-2 years. The findings showed that LUS scores were correlated to the clinical course of the disease and could help predict the need for treatment and duration of hospitalization.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
H. C. Maltezou, M. N. Gamaletsou, T. V. Giannouchos, D-M. Koukou, A. Karapanou, F. Sourri, N. Syrimi, N. Lemonakis, E. Peskelidou, K. Papanastasiou, K. Souliotis, A. Lourida, P. Panagopoulos, D. Hatzigeorgiou, N. V. Sipsas
Summary: The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence, timing, and severity of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated healthcare personnel. The results showed that breakthrough infections were common among fully vaccinated healthcare personnel, but provided considerable protection against hospitalization. These findings may contribute to defining the optimal timing for booster vaccinations.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Dafni Moriki, Despoina Koumpagioti, Michalis Kalogiannis, Olympia Sardeli, Angeliki Galani, Kostas N. Priftis, Konstantinos Douros
Summary: There are gaps in terminology and recognition of lung sounds among a wide population of Greek physicians. Less experienced physicians perform better on lung auscultation.
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Helena C. Maltezou, Dimitrios Basoulis, Konstantinos Bonelis, Maria N. Gamaletsou, Theodoros Giannouchos, Eleni Karantoni, Amalia Karapanou, Konstantinos Kounouklas, Maria Effrosyni Livanou, Maria Zotou, Vasiliki Rapti, Panagiota Stamou, Dimitrios Loulakis, Kyriakos Souliotis, Maria Chini, Periklis Panagopoulos, Garyfalia Poulakou, Konstantinos N. Syrigos, Dimitrios Hatzigeorgiou, Nikolaos V. Sipsas
Summary: The study indicates that full (booster) vaccination against COVID-19 is effective in preventing severe outcomes in hospitalized patients during the Delta and Omicron waves. Fully vaccinated patients had lower risks of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death, as well as shorter hospital stays. The overall vaccine effectiveness varied based on the severity and comorbidities of the patients.
Article
Immunology
Helena C. Maltezou, Sophia Hatziantoniou, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Konstantinos Vasileiou, Cleo Anastassopoulou, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: The aim of this study was to estimate the rates of anaphylaxis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents in Europe. The results showed that the rate of anaphylaxis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents is low, and continuous monitoring is needed to guide vaccination policies.
Review
Virology
Helena C. Maltezou, Amalia Papanikolopoulou, Sofia Vassiliu, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Georgia Nikolopoulou, Nikolaos V. Sipsas
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the circulation, seasonality, and morbidity of respiratory viruses. Co-infections of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza were mainly reported during the first wave of the pandemic. However, the overall incidence of co-infections may be higher due to limited testing during that period. While animal models indicate severe lung pathology and high fatality, the clinical course and prognosis of co-infected patients remain inconclusive in human cases. It is important to consider the timing of each respiratory virus infection, but such information is lacking in reported cases. With the evolving epidemiology and availability of vaccines and treatments, early findings should not be extrapolated to the present times. Multiplex real-time PCR-based assays can improve diagnosis, infection control, and surveillance. Vaccination against both COVID-19 and influenza is crucial for high-risk groups. Further studies are needed to understand the impact and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory virus co-infections in the coming years.
Article
Immunology
Fotini Boufidou, Sophia Hatziantoniou, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Helena C. C. Maltezou, Konstantinos Vasileiou, Cleo Anastassopoulou, Snezana Medic, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study provides an updated assessment of anaphylaxis incidence associated with COVID-19 vaccines based on pharmacovigilance data. The latest analysis shows a lower incidence of anaphylactic reaction and anaphylactic shock compared to previous estimates. The study also highlights the importance of continuous monitoring through specialized pharmacovigilance databases for ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
Article
Microbiology
Amalia Papanikolopoulou, Panagiotis Gargalianos-Kakolyris, Athina Stoupis, Nikos Moussas, Anastasia Pangalis, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Genovefa Chronopoulou, Nikos Pantazis, Maria Kantzanou, Helena C. Maltezou, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study investigated the association between the incidence of CRPA bacteremia, antibiotic consumption, and infection control measures in a hospital from 2013 to 2018. The findings showed a significant decrease in the consumption of certain antibiotics and a decrease in the incidence of CRPA in most clinics and departments. Increased isolation rates of MDR carrier patients were correlated with a decreased incidence of CRPA bacteremia in the adults ICU. Interestingly, an increase in the use of hand-hygiene solutions was associated with a decrease in antibiotic consumption. In conclusion, multimodal infection control interventions resulted in a significant reduction of CRPA bacteremia.
Article
Immunology
Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda, Helena C. Maltezou
Summary: Despite evidence of the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine hesitancy and refusal among healthcare personnel have become a major concern. A survey among Italian healthcare personnel who refused COVID-19 vaccination and were suspended from work revealed that they had good knowledge of occupational vaccinations but strong anti-vaccination beliefs. They were against mandatory vaccination policies and expressed doubts about the expected benefits and safety of vaccines.
Review
Pediatrics
Ioanna Loukou, Maria Moustaki, Konstantinos Douros
Summary: The aim of this study was to familiarize clinicians with the terms cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator related metabolic syndrome (CRMS) and cystic fibrosis screen positive inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID), and to highlight the monitoring and outcomes of children with these designations. A literature review was performed to gather relevant articles, and the results showed that despite newborn screening programs for cystic fibrosis, the diagnosis remains uncertain for some infants. CRMS/CFSPID was established as a unified definition in 2016, but longer longitudinal studies are needed to determine the appropriate follow-up for these children. It is important for pediatricians to be knowledgeable about this condition and for children to be in contact with their local CF center.
Article
Virology
Paraskevi C. Fragkou, Ignatios Ikonomidis, Dimitrios Benas, Dimitra Kavatha, Charalampos D. Moschopoulos, Konstantinos Protopapas, Gavriella Kostelli, John Thymis, Dionysia Mpirmpa, Irene Galani, Maria Tsakona, Chrysanthi Oikonomopoulou, George Theocharous, Vassilis G. Gorgoulis, Parisis Gallos, Sotirios Tsiodras, Anastasia Antoniadou, Antonios Papadopoulos, Helen Triantafyllidi
Summary: This study conducted a prospective cohort study on treatment-naive people living with HIV and found that the integrity of endothelial glycocalyx (EG) improved with antiretroviral treatment. This has important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Georgios Tsioulos, Dimitris Kounatidis, Natalia G. Vallianou, Nektarios Koufopoulos, Pelagia Katsimbri, Anastasia Antoniadou
Summary: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a multisystem antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positive vasculitis, characterized by chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and eosinophilia. This article presents the complex case of an 18-year-old male patient with severe and life-threatening EGPA, involving the central nervous system, heart, and gastrointestinal tract, which did not respond to initial glucocorticoid and cyclophosphamide treatment. The addition of rituximab and mepolizumab to the treatment regimen led to a good response and complete remission.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Helena C. Maltezou, Caterina Ledda, Nikolaos V. Sipsas
Summary: This systematic review assessed the impact of COVID-19 on absenteeism among healthcare personnel. The findings showed that COVID-19 was a major driver of absenteeism among healthcare personnel, with the duration of absence varying based on different factors. COVID-19 vaccination, routine testing, and the use of personal protective equipment were found to significantly improve absenteeism. The study highlights the need for ongoing research and the establishment of networks to monitor morbidity and absenteeism among healthcare personnel in real-time and inform vaccination policies.