Article
Infectious Diseases
Susan Meiring, Cheryl Cohen, Linda de Gouveia, Mignon du Plessis, Vanessa Quan, Jackie Kleynhans, Colin Menezes, Gary Reubenson, Halima Dawood, Maphoshane Nchabeleng, Mohamed Said, Nomonde Mvelase, Prasha Mahabeer, Rispah Chomba, Ruth Lekalakala, Trusha Nana, Vindana Chibabhai, Marianne Black, Anne von Gottberg
Summary: Providing country-specific estimates of case fatality and sequelae from bacterial meningitis (BM) is important to evaluate and monitor progress toward the World Health Organization's roadmap to defeating meningitis by 2030. The study conducted enhanced surveillance at 26 hospitals in South Africa from 2016-2020, revealing that BM in South Africa has a high case fatality, and adverse sequelae frequently occur among survivors. Those with comorbidities, including HIV, are at the highest risk.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kaunda Yamba, Evans Mpabalwani, Ruth Nakazwe, Evans Mulendele, Goitom Weldegebriel, Jason M. Mwenda, Reggis Katsande, Linda de Gouveia, Elizabeth Chizema-Kawesha, Raphael Chanda, Belem Matapo, James C. L. Mwansa, Chileshe Lukwesa-Musyani
Summary: In Zambia, the main pathogens causing bacterial meningitis in children under 5 years are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis, with some strains showing resistance to penicillin. The introduction of PCV10 vaccine has led to a decrease in pneumococcal meningitis and the proportion of PVC10 serotypes after vaccination, but there is a concern about serotype replacement and penicillin resistance that require continued surveillance for policy-making.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Emma Carter, Fiona McGill
Summary: This article provides an update on the current evidence and guidelines for managing suspected acute meningitis in adults in the UK, highlighting the importance of early investigation and treatment and the need for clinicians to be vigilant in diagnosing meningitis.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Simone Meini, Emanuela Sozio, Giacomo Bertolino, Francesco Sbrana, Andrea Ripoli, Carlo Pallotto, Bruno Viaggi, Roberto Andreini, Vittorio Attanasio, Carolina Rescigno, Luigi Atripaldi, Silvia Leonardi, Mariano Bernardo, Carlo Tascini
Summary: The study revealed the significant predictive role of D-dimer in prognosis of infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis, with the probability of unfavorable outcomes increasing as D-dimer levels rise.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Marc Rondy, Mamadou Tamboura, Fati Sidikou, Issaka Yameogo, Kambire Dinanibe, Guetwende Sawadogo, Chantal Kambire, Halima Mainassara, Ali Elhaj Mahamane, Baruani Bienvenu, Haladou Moussa, Rasmata Ouedraogo, Katya Fernandez, Muhamed-Kheir Taha, Olivier Ronveaux
Summary: New lateral flow tests for the diagnosis of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) have shown good performance under laboratory conditions, with an independent evaluation conducted in Burkina Faso and Niger showing overall good performance in detecting meningitis outbreaks.
Article
Microbiology
Mogens Kilian, Steffen Husby, Jesper Andersen, Zina Moldoveanu, Uffe B. Skov Sorensen, Jesper Reinholdt, Herve Tettelin
Summary: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b are the main bacteria causing bacterial meningitis. This study suggests that patients may be primed for infection by acquiring different bacteria, an immunogenic commensal followed by the pathogen, both expressing the same capsular polysaccharide. The IgA1 protease common to the three pathogens cleaves preexisting IgA1 antibodies induced by the commensal, releasing capsule-binding monomeric Fab fragments that enhance bacterial adherence and block other isotypes of antibody molecules.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Youssef Ikken, Reda Charof, Mostafa Elouennass, Yassine Sekhsokh
Summary: The study developed a novel biphasic medium for the transport, culture, and conservation of N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae at ambient temperature. The biphasic medium provided more nutrients and promoted growth of the bacteria for at least 40 days. It showed higher sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value compared to traditional media, making it a cost-effective solution for managing meningitis in laboratories.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sara Siris, Camilla A. Gladstone, Yanping Guo, Radhika Patel, Christopher L. Pinder, Robin J. Shattock, Paul F. McKay, Paul R. Langford, Fadil A. Bidmos
Summary: The expression cloning of fully human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs) is useful for studying vaccine-induced B-cell responses and discovering novel vaccine candidates. A modified immunoglobulin-capture assay (ICA) using formalin-treated whole cell suspensions of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis was developed to isolate pathogen-specific hmAbs. This method increased the precision of hmAb cloning, resulting in a higher percentage of cloned hmAbs compared to the standard method.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Snezana Delic, Vera Mijac, Ina Gajic, Dusan Kekic, Lazar Ranin, Boris Jegorovic, Davor Culic, Valentina Cirkovic, Marina Siljic, Maja Stanojevic, Metka Paragi, Milos Markovic, Natasa Opavski
Summary: This study presented the epidemiology of invasive diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae in a pediatric population from Serbia before and after vaccine introduction, highlighting the dominance of serogroup B meningococci and specific serotypes within pneumococci. The study also emphasized the importance of monitoring antibiotic susceptibility and potential benefits of future Men-B vaccine implementations.
Article
Immunology
Estera Jachowicz, Magdalena Gebicka, Daria Plakhtyr, Myroslav Shynkarenko, Juri Urbanowicz, Maciej Mach, Jacek Czepiel, Jakub Marchewka, Jadwiga Wojkowska-Mach
Summary: The study compared the annual incidence of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases in EU and EFTA countries over the past 5 years, showing variations in vaccine schedules and disease epidemiology. The increasing incidence of diseases like measles, potentially influenced by anti-vaccine movements and misinformation, highlights the need for standardization of vaccine schedules and documentation in EU countries.
Article
Immunology
Brenda Anna Kwambana-Adams, Adam L. Cohen, Lee Hampton, Aquino Albino Nhantumbo, Robert S. Heyderman, Martin Antonio, Andre Bita, Jason Mathiu Mwenda
Summary: African countries need to strengthen their weak meningitis surveillance systems and implement comprehensive and sustainable monitoring systems, with greater synergies and coordination between different surveillance systems. These systems should be more closely linked with other surveillance systems and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance systems to achieve more effective disease control.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Maria Noemi Carnalla-Barajas, Araceli Soto-Nogueron, Lucila Martinez-Medina, Maria Elizabeth Olvera-Herrera, Juan Luis Mosqueda-Gomez, Patricia Rodriguez-Cortez, Rayo Morfin-Otero, Eduardo Rodriguez-Noriega, Antonio Luevanos-Velazquez, Mariana Merlo-Palomera, Sergio Esparza-Ahumada, Francisco Marquez-Diaz, Celia Mercedes Alpuche-Aranda, Gabriela Echaniz-Aviles
Summary: Bacterial meningitis remains a serious public health concern despite the introduction of several vaccines. Rapid, sensitive, and specific laboratory assays are critical for effective diagnosis and treatment, especially in countries with low culture positivity rates. This study evaluated the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a rapid diagnostic test for bacterial meningitis in Mexico.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Ala-Eddine Deghmane, Muhamed-Kheir Taha
Summary: The WHO endorsed a plan to control/eradicate invasive bacterial infection epidemics by 2030, with vaccination as a key pillar. Host risk factors impact susceptibility to Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus agalactiae. Detecting and exploring these risk factors is important for tailored vaccination strategies and preventive measures to reduce cases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sergio Arredondo-Alonso, George Blundell-Hunter, Zuyi Fu, Rebecca A. Gladstone, Alfred Fillol-Salom, Jessica Loraine, Elaine Cloutman-Green, Pal J. Johnsen, Orjan Samuelsen, Anna K. Poentinen, Francois Cleon, Susana Chavez-Bueno, Miguel A. De la Cruz, Miguel A. Ares, Manivanh Vongsouvath, Agnieszka Chmielarczyk, Carolyne Horner, Nigel Klein, Alan McNally, Joice N. Reis, Jose R. Penades, Nicholas R. Thomson, Jukka Corander, Peter W. Taylor, Alex J. McCarthy
Summary: Escherichia coli is a leading cause of invasive bacterial infections in humans. The study reveals the distribution, evolution, and functions of the K1 capsule, a potent capsule type, in E. coli. The findings emphasize the importance of assessing virulence factors in population levels to predict and control bacterial infections.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Inacio Mandomando, Jason M. Mwenda, Tomoka Nakamura, Linda de Gouveia, Anne von Gottberg, Brenda A. Kwambana-Adams, Martin Antonio, Augusto Messa Jr, David Litt, Shila Seaton, Goitom Gebremedhin Weldegebriel, Joseph Nsiari-Muzeyi Biey, Fatima Serhan
Summary: This study analyzed the challenges faced by laboratories participating in the WHO-coordinated external quality assessment in identifying pathogens causing pediatric bacterial meningitis. The results showed a need for implementing a robust quality management system and continuous training in order to improve the identification of these pathogens.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Erich S. Tusch, Lene Ryom, Olga Fursa, Lars Peters, Lars Ostergaard, Eric Florence, Simon Edwards, Christian Hoffmann, Helen Sambatakou, Peter Reiss, Eduardo Shahar, Dag Henrik Reikvam, Brigitte Schmied, Dzmitry Paduta, Alexei Yakovlev, Janos Szlavik, Jovan Ranin, Kai Zilmer, Vilma Uzdaviniene, Annegret Pelchen-Matthews, Amanda Mocroft, Joanne Reekie
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of mortality among people with HIV due to suicide, substance use, and violence/accident. The results showed that a recent AIDS diagnosis and HIV infection acquired through injection drug use were associated with an increased risk of death due to substance use and violent/accidental deaths.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mohammed R. Khalil, Camilla M. Hartvigsen, Poul B. Thorsen, Jens K. Moller, Niels Uldbjerg
Summary: Maternal age and BMI may be included as additional risk factors in risk-based programs for identifying GBS-positive laboring women to receive prophylactic intrapartum antibiotics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Stine Yde Nielsen, Lars Henning Petersen, May Murra, Lone Hvidman, Rikke Bek Helmig, Jens Kjolseth Moller, Mohammed Rohi Khalil, Maria Kirkeby, Tine Brink Henriksen
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the transfer rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in pregnant women and newborns. The majority of seropositive mother-infant dyads had transfer ratios of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies greater than 1.0. Additionally, the transfer rate was positively correlated with the time from infection to delivery.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Maarten van Wijhe, Kamille Fogh, Steen Ethelberg, Kasper Karmark Iversen, Henrik Nielsen, Lars Ostergaard, Berit Andersen, Henning Bundgaard, Charlotte S. Jorgensen, Bibi F. Ss Scharff, Svend Ellermann-Eriksen, Isik S. Johansen, Anders Fomsgaard, Tyra Grove Krause, Lothar Wiese, Thea K. Fischer, Kare Molbak, Thomas Benfield, Fredrik Folke, Freddy Lippert, Sisse R. Ostrowski, Anders Koch, Christian Erikstrup, Anne-Marie Vangsted, Anna Irene Vedel Sorensen, Henrik Ullum, Robert Leo Skov, Lone Simonsen, Susanne Dam Nielsen
Summary: This study assessed the burden of long COVID among nonhospitalized adults with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that 25 out of 100 cases reported at least one long-COVID symptom. Infected individuals had worse general health, higher odds of various symptoms, particularly loss of taste and smell, and significantly reduced physical and mental health. Female sex and severity of infection were identified as major risk factors for long COVID.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kamille Fogh, Alexandra R. R. Eriksen, Tine Graakjaer Larsen, Rasmus B. Hasselbalch, Henning Bundgaard, Bibi F. S. S. Scharff, Susanne D. Nielsen, Charlotte S. Jorgensen, Christian Erikstrup, Lars ostergaard, Svend Ellermann-Eriksen, Berit Andersen, Henrik Nielsen, Isik S. Johansen, Lothar Wiese, Lotte Hindhede, Susan Mikkelsen, Susanne G. Saekmose, Bitten Aagaard, Dorte K. Holm, Lene Harritshoj, Lone Simonsen, Thea K. Fischer, Fredrik Folke, Freddy Lippert, Sisse R. Ostrowski, Thomas Benfield, Kare Molbak, Steen Ethelberg, Anders Koch, Anne-Marie Vangsted, Tyra Grove Krause, Anders Fomsgaard, Henrik Ullum, Robert Skov, Kasper Iversen
Summary: This study investigated the immunity against COVID-19, risk factors, and behavior among employees in day care facilities and preschools (DCS) in Denmark. The study found that DCS staff had a higher risk of exposure within their own household than at their workplace. The study also found that most employees expressed fear of contracting COVID-19 and there was limited use of personal protective equipment at work.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Maria Lange Pedersen, Dennis Vestergaard Pedersen, Mikael Becher Lykkegaard Winkler, Heidi Gytz Olesen, Ole Schmeltz Sogaard, Lars Ostergaard, Nick Stub Laursen, Anna Halling Folkmar Rahimic, Martin Tolstrup
Summary: The complement system, an important part of the innate immune response, can be utilized to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells. Researchers developed a new therapeutic approach, a bispecific complement engager (BiCE), which can direct complement activity to the surface of HIV-1-infected cells. This BiCE has shown the ability to increase complement deposition and mediate complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) of HIV-1-infected cells.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mette Assenholm Kristensen, Julia Skov Abrantes, Hanne Irene Jensen, Christian Backer Mogensen, Jens Sondergaard, Jens Kjolseth Moller
Summary: This study examined the associations between socioeconomic factors and adherence to MRSA follow-up sampling and successful decolonization treatment. The results indicated that education level, area of residence, and employment status were associated with treatment success and follow-up sampling adherence.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
A. Rosenfeldt Knudsen, M. Bo Hansen, J. Kjolseth Moller
Summary: This study investigated the effect of feedback interventions provided by an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system on sustained hand hygiene compliance improvement, individual responsiveness, and prevention of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections and urinary tract infections. The study found that all healthcare workers increased their hand hygiene compliance, with the low-performance groups showing the greatest improvement through group feedback. The interventions successfully reduced the number of cases of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections, but had no significant effect on urinary tract infections.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anne Tvilum, Mikkel Johansen, Laerke N. Glud, Diana M. Ivarsen, Amanda B. Khamas, Sheiliza Carmali, Snehit Satish Mhatre, Ane B. Sogaard, Emma Faddy, Lisanne de Vor, Suzan H. M. Rooijakkers, Lars Ostergaard, Nis P. Jorgensen, Rikke L. Meyer, Alexander N. Zelikin
Summary: In this study, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) containing mitomycin C, an anti-neoplastic drug with antimicrobial properties, were engineered to target bacteria in biofilms. The ADCs released the drug without entering the bacterial cells, likely through interaction with thiols on the bacterial cell surface. The targeted ADCs showed superior antimicrobial effects compared to non-specific counterparts in vitro, in biofilms, and in an in vivo osteomyelitis model. These findings have significant translational potential for the development of ADCs as a treatment for bacterial biofilm infections.
Article
Immunology
Wendy P. Bannister, Dorthe Raben, Palle Valentiner-Branth, Martin Tolstrup, Lykke Larsen, Britta Tarp, Mette Brouw Iversen, Ole Schmeltz Sogaard, Sisse Rye Ostrowski, Nina Breinholt Staerke, Marie Louise Jakobsen, Susan Olaf Lindvig, Maria Ruwald Juhl, Isik Somuncu Johansen, Ahmed B. Mustafa, Lars Ostergaard, Fredrikke Dam Larsen, Lene Surland Knudsen, Vibeke Klastrup, Lothar Wiese, Thomas Benfield, Kristine Toft Petersen, Kasper K. Iversen, Henrik Nielsen, Joanne Reekie, Jens Lundgren
Summary: Concerns about side effects may contribute to vaccine hesitancy, but knowing that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines can lead to a stronger immune response may encourage more individuals to get vaccinated. Severe adverse reactions were associated with a stronger antibody response after the second vaccine dose, but not after the first. Regardless of side effects, most people experienced an effective immune response following vaccination.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Kristoffer Skaalum Hansen, Sofie Eg Jorgensen, Morten Kelder Skouboe, Jane Agergaard, Berit Schiottz-Christensen, Line Khalidan Vibholm, Martin Tolstrup, Lars Ostergaard, Steffen Leth, Trine H. Mogensen
Summary: Long COVID is an emerging global health concern, and its underlying mechanism and pathophysiology are still unclear. This study found that autoantibodies against type 1 interferons in patients with Long COVID do not contribute to the symptoms.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christina V. Konrad, Emma F. Iversen, Jesper D. Gunst, Ida Monrad, Andreas Holleufer, Rune Hartmann, Lars J. Ostergaard, Ole S. Sogaard, Mariane H. Schleimann, Martin Tolstrup
Summary: In this study, we have developed an immunotherapy technology that utilizes vaccination-induced CTLs to be redirected and kill antigen-expressing target cells through RoVER. This technology is highly specific and eliminates the need for adoptive transfer of CTLs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eva A. M. Baerends, Astrid K. Hvidt, Joanne Reekie, Ole S. Sogaard, Nina B. Staerke, Dorthe Raben, Henrik Nielsen, Kristine T. Petersen, Maria R. Juhl, Isik S. Johansen, Susan O. Lindvig, Lone W. Madsen, Lothar Wiese, Lene S. Knudsen, Mette B. Iversen, Thomas Benfield, Kasper K. Iversen, Sidsel D. Andersen, Anna K. Juhl, Lisa L. Dietz, Signe R. Andreasen, Thea K. Fischer, Christian Erikstrup, Palle Valentiner-Branth, Jens Lundgren, Lars Ostergaard, Martin Tolstrup
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 Omicron is rapidly spreading globally, even in regions with high vaccination coverage. A study found that high levels of vaccine-induced antibodies provide partial protection against Omicron breakthrough infections. This is important knowledge to further understand the threshold for protection against new variants and to determine the necessity and timing of booster vaccination.
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Trieu Nguyen, Aaydha Chidambara Vinayaka, Van Ngoc Huynh, Quyen Than Linh, Sune Zoega Andreasen, Mohsen Golabi, Dang Duong Bang, Jens Kjolseth Moller, Anders Wolff
Summary: Sensitive and rapid on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 using the PATHPOD device, which employs real-time reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-rLAMP) reaction on a polymer cartridge, has been achieved. The PATHPOD PoC system, consisting of a standalone device and a cartridge, can identify 10 distinct samples and 2 controls in less than 50 minutes. This work presents the fabrication and clinical validation of the PATHPOD PoC system for the first time.
2023 IEEE 36TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MICRO ELECTRO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS, MEMS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Olav Sivertsen Garvik, Pedro Povoa, Pernille Just Vinholt, Stig Lonberg Nielsen, Thoger Gorm Jensen, Henrik Frederiksen, Ming Chen, Ram Benny Dessau, John Eugenio Coia, Jens Kjolseth Moller, Kim Oren Gradel
Summary: The study developed four algorithms for automatic capture of C-reactive protein peaks in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, which detected CRP peaks for BSI episodes and negative blood cultures with high accuracy. The automatic capture of CRP peaks can serve as a tool for monitoring BSI episodes and other infections in these patients.
BIOMARKERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)