Review
Immunology
Mark McMillan, Abira Chandrakumar, Hua Lin Rachael Wang, Michelle Clarke, Thomas R. Sullivan, Ross M. Andrews, Mary Ramsay, Helen S. Marshall
Summary: Meningococcal conjugate C, ACWY, and OMV vaccines are effective in reducing invasive meningococcal disease, while monovalent C conjugate vaccines can reduce pharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis. There is no evidence that multivalent MenACWY, OMV, or recombinant MenB vaccines can reduce carriage, which has implications for immunization strategies.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Supriya Sharma, Jyoti Acharya, Dominique A. Caugant, Shreedhar Aryal, Megha Raj Banjara, Prakash Ghimire, Anjana Singh
Summary: This longitudinal study examined the carriage rate of meningococci among household contacts in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, revealing a 15% carriage rate with a duration of approximately 60 days, mainly comprising serogroup A meningococci. The detection of non-serogroupable meningococcal isolates highlights the importance of vigilance and periodic surveillance.
Review
Immunology
Ifechukwu B. Nwogu, Matthew Jones, Tessa Langley
Summary: The cost-effectiveness of MenB vaccination has been reviewed, showing that none of the vaccination strategies are considered cost-effective. Adolescent vaccination strategies offer the best value for money, although routine infant vaccination was found to be the most effective short-term strategy. The lack of substantial value for money is mainly attributed to high vaccine costs and low disease incidence.
Review
Immunology
Camille Barro, Maha Salloum, Suzy Lim, Peter Delputte, Kirsty Le Doare
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review of 18 articles and found that multiple serotype carriage in GBS infection is a minor but definite phenomenon. The prevalence of co-carriage was 10% in positive samples from the same anatomical site and 11% in positive participants with samples from different anatomical sites.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Merel N. van Kassel, Sanne W. C. M. Janssen, Sanne Kofman, Matthijs C. Brouwer, Diederik van de Beek, Merijn W. Bijlsma
Summary: The study evaluated GBS colonization prevalence in healthy non-pregnant individuals after the first week of life, finding significant variations in colonization rates among different studies, with higher prevalence observed with selective culture methods. The rectum was identified as the most common body site colonized by GBS.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Andrea Conti, Gaia Broglia, Chiara Sacchi, Fabrizia Risi, Francesco Barone-Adesi, Massimiliano Panella
Summary: Different quadrivalent antimeningococcal vaccine formulations have been developed, but their availability varies and there is a lack of updated systematic review comparing these formulations. We conducted a meta-analysis of 16 studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the vaccines. MenACWY-TT showed better efficacy than MenACWY-D and MenACWY-CRM for certain serogroups, while there were no significant differences in efficacy between MenC and MenACWY-TT. No significant safety differences were found between MenACWY-TT and MenC, or among different MenACWY formulations. MenACWY-TT may be preferred to improve vaccination programs and inform future immunization policies.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Isabelle Bertrand-Gerentes, Laurent Fanchon, Florence Coste, Richard E. Glover, Tamazoust Guiddir, Muhamed-Kheir Taha
Summary: Clinicians should be aware of the nonspecific symptoms and signs of IMD, as well as the atypical manifestations in regions where MenW is known to circulate, in order to ensure timely diagnoses and treatment.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Ergonomics
Jon Berrick, Konstantina Gkritza
Summary: The study examines the impact of motorcycle helmet laws on adolescent behavior, highlighting that universal laws result in higher compliance rates due to their more convincing message about protection. This suggests broader alternatives should be considered in safety and health policy-making.
JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Ellie K. Pilat, James M. Stuart, Clare E. French
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the association between active and passive smoking and invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 years. The results suggested that both active and passive smoking may be associated with IMD, and smoking cessation should be encouraged to reduce transmission and IMD risk.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Wa Ode Dwi Daningrat, Hafsah Amalia, Ira Marti Ayu, Catherine Satzke, Dodi Safari
Summary: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the prevalence of serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae carried in the nasopharynx of children under 5 years of age in the South East Asia Region (SEAR). The pooled prevalence of S. pneumoniae in healthy children under 5 years of age in SEAR was 36.0% and varied among countries, ranging from 68.0% in Cambodia to 7.6% in Malaysia. Serotypes 6A/B, 23F, and 19F were the most common among children <5 years. These findings highlight the importance of considering regional data when implementing pneumococcal conjugate vaccine programs and the need for more comprehensive and updated information on serotype epidemiology in SEAR.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Mark R. Alderson, Peter D. Arkwright, Xilian Bai, Steve Black, Ray Borrow, Dominique A. Caugant, Ener Cagri Dinleyici, Lee H. Harrison, Jay Lucidarme, Lucy A. McNamara, Susan Meiring, Marco A. P. Safadi, Zhujun Shao, David S. Stephens, Muhamed-Kheir Taha, Julio Vazquez, Bingqing Zhu
Summary: This review article summarizes information regarding global meningococcal infection, including the impact of COVID-19 on its prevalence and vaccine compliance, as well as the antibiotic resistance of Neisseria meningitidis. The article also highlights the progress made in the development of meningococcal vaccines.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Himanshu Dubey, Philipp Oster, Mir Sohail Fazeli, Sandra Guedes, Paul Serafini, Lisa Leung, Amine Amiche
Summary: This study aimed to describe and quantify the risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and associated mortality across all age groups. A systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis (MA) were conducted, and the results showed significant associations between risk factors such as HIV positive status, passive smoke exposure, and crowded living space, and the contraction of IMD. Age and serogroup were also found to be significantly associated with IMD-related mortality risk. These findings provide important evidence for understanding and preventing IMD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Isabelle Bertrand-Gerentes, Laurent Fanchon, Florence Coste, Richard E. Glover, Tamazoust Guiddir, Muhamed-Kheir Taha
Summary: Invasive meningococcal disease caused by MenW often presents with atypical symptoms and manifestations, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, bacteremic pneumonia, and septic arthritis. Clinicians need to be aware of the nonspecific symptoms and signs in regions where MenW circulates to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Donatella Coradduzza, Stefania Sedda, Sara Cruciani, Maria Rosaria De Miglio, Carlo Ventura, Alessandra Nivoli, Margherita Maioli
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the relationship between the gut microbiome and cognitive function in the context of aging. The findings suggest that altered microbial abundance, particularly in specific phyla, is associated with cognitive impairments in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dementia. However, there is substantial heterogeneity among studies, highlighting the complexity of the relationship between the gut microbiome and cognitive function. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and potential implications of this connection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kimberly Davis, Marta Valente Pinto, Nick J. Andrews, David Goldblatt, Ray Borrow, Helen Findlow, Jo Southern, Jo Partington, Emma Plested, Sima Patel, Ann Holland, Mary Matheson, Anna England, Bassam Hallis, Elizabeth Miller, Matthew D. Snape
Summary: The study showed that the reduced-dose schedule of the multicomponent meningococcal vaccine 4CMenB in the UK has proven effective at preventing invasive group B meningococcal disease. Immunogenicity of the PCV13 and 4CMenB vaccines were assessed, with comparable results between the 2 + 1 and 1 + 1 schedules. Ongoing surveillance for vaccine breakthroughs is recommended due to potential suboptimal boost responses against certain meningococcal strains.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Cihan Papan, Alberto Argentiero, Ortwin Adams, Marian Porwoll, Ummaya Hakim, Edoardo Farinelli, Ilaria Testa, Maria B. Pasticci, Daniele Mezzetti, Katia Perruccio, Arne Simon, Johannes G. Liese, Markus Knuf, Michal Stein, Renata Yacobov, Ellen Bamberger, Sven Schneider, Susanna Esposito, Tobias Tenenbaum
Summary: This study found that viral load is associated with biomarkers and may serve as a complementary tool for assessing disease severity.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yun Fan, Chengzhe Tao, Zhi Li, Yuna Huang, Wenkai Yan, Shuangshuang Zhao, Beibei Gao, Qiaoqiao Xu, Yufeng Qin, Xinru Wang, Zhihang Peng, Adrian Covaci, You Li, Yankai Xia, Chuncheng Lu
Summary: Wide exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) poses a great risk on human health. This study aimed to comprehensively estimate the association between EDCs exposure and mortality risk. By investigating a large cohort, the study found that certain EDCs were positively associated with all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cardiovascular disease mortality. Additionally, it was determined that EDCs exposure may cause a significant number of total deaths and high economic costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serafina Perrone, Sara Manti, Luca Buttarelli, Chiara Petrolini, Giovanni Boscarino, Laura Filonzi, Eloisa Gitto, Susanna Maria Roberta Esposito, Francesco Nonnis Marzano
Summary: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is still a significant burden in neonatal care, and its definition is currently based on treatment rather than diagnostic criteria. BPD is associated with various prenatal and postnatal risk factors, causing distorted lung development and function. Inflammation and oxidative stress play key roles in BPD development, with vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) being an important candidate. This educational review discusses the inflammatory pathways in BPD and highlights the role of VEGFA, providing an overview of current evidence.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sarwat Mahmud, Ranju Baral, Colin Sanderson, Clint Pecenka, Mark Jit, You Li, Andrew Clark
Summary: The study examines the cost-effectiveness of using a single-dose maternal vaccine and a single-dose long-lasting monoclonal antibody for RSV prevention using the UNIVAC decision-support model. The results show that both interventions are cost-saving in most low-income and middle-income countries. However, the effectiveness of the interventions is influenced by the price, efficacy, and duration of protection.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nicola Principi, Giovanni Autore, Serafina Perrone, Susanna Esposito
Summary: RSV is a common respiratory virus that has a significant impact on patients, healthcare systems, and society worldwide. This paper discusses the characteristics of RSV and the current development of new pharmacological measures against this virus.
EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Danilo Buonsenso, Giovanni Autore, Francesca Cusenza, Lucrezia Passadore, Francesca Bonanno, Susanna Esposito
Summary: The spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) has led to the development of new drugs and the reappraisal of old drugs. Ensuring access to child-friendly medicines for drug-resistant TB is crucial for reducing the global burden of TB. This perspective highlights the need for child-friendly formulations of second-line drugs to improve adherence to treatment regimens and prevent the development of additional drug resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Neelam Dave, Raed S. Albiheyri, Joseph J. Wanford, Luke R. Green, Neil J. Oldfield, David P. J. Turner, Luisa Martinez-Pomares, Christopher D. Bayliss
Summary: Colonization and invasion of mucosal tissues by Neisseria meningitidis rely on adhesion mediated by the type IV pilus and multiple outermembrane proteins. Disruption of epithelial monolayers occurs in multiple meningococcal lineages and is intimately linked to pilus-mediated adhesion. Inactivation of the main pilus sub-unit gene abolishes both adhesive capacity and ability to disrupt epithelial monolayers, while inactivation of opa or nadA genes reduces adhesion and invasion but not monolayer disruption.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mengling Qiao, Gary Moyes, Fuyu Zhu, You Li, Xin Wang
Summary: Background: Influenza bacterial co-infection is associated with severe diseases. This study found that the prevalence of influenza bacterial co-infection was 20.3%, and it increased the risk of death, ICU admission, and need for mechanical ventilation compared to influenza single-infection. Approximately 23.8% of influenza deaths were attributable to bacterial co-infection.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mohammod Jobayer Chisti, Trevor Duke, Ahmed Ehnasur Rahman, Tahmeed Ahmed, Shams El Arifeen, John D. Clemens, Md F. Uddin, Abu S. M. M. H. Rahman, Md M. Rahman, Tapash K. Sarker, S. M. N. Uddin, K. M. Shahunja, Abu S. M. S. B. Shahid, A. S. G. Faruque, Supriya Sarkar, Md Jahurul Islam, Muhammad Shariful Islam, Md Farhad Kabir, Kathrin M. Cresswell, John Norrie, Aziz Sheikh, Harry Campbell, Harish Nair, Steve Cunningham
Summary: A study conducted in Bangladesh found that the use of bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) oxygen therapy in non-tertiary/district hospitals can effectively reduce pneumonia deaths in children. However, additional training and resources are needed to implement this low-cost therapy.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jessica A. Fleming, Ranju Baral, Deborah Higgins, Sadaf Khan, Sonali Kochar, You Li, Justin R. Ortiz, Thomas Cherian, Daniel Feikin, Mark Jit, Ruth A. Karron, Rupali J. Limaye, Caroline Marshall, Patrick K. Munywoki, Harish Nair, Lauren C. Newhouse, Bryan O. Nyawanda, Clint Pecenka, Katie Regan, Padmini Srikantiah, Rachel Wittenauer, Heather J. Zar, Erin Sparrow
Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children worldwide, and no licensed vaccine exists to prevent its spread. Two passive immunization approaches, maternal RSV vaccines and long-acting infant mAbs, show promise for low-income areas. Economic models suggest that both approaches are cost-effective, but effective coordination between maternal and child health programs is crucial.
Article
Immunology
Meagan C. Fitzpatrick, Rachel S. Laufer, Ranju Baral, Amanda J. Driscoll, Daniel R. Feikin, Jessica A. Fleming, Mark Jit, Sonnie Kim, Mihaly Koltai, You Li, Xiao Li, Harish Nair, Kathleen M. Neuzil, Clint Pecenka, Erin Sparrow, Padmini Srikantiah, Justin R. Ortiz
Summary: Policymakers often rely on impact and cost-effectiveness evaluations to inform decisions about the introduction of health interventions in LMICs; however, cost-effectiveness results for the same health intervention can differ by the choice of parameter inputs, modelling assumptions, and geography. This report summarizes a two-day virtual consultation convened by WHO to review and discuss existing cost-effectiveness analyses for RSV prevention in LMICs, in order to identify influential inputs and data limitations, and recommend future research priorities to improve RSV prevention impact estimates in LMICs.
Article
Demography
George Palattiyil, Md. Tariqul Islam Limon, Md. Fahad Jubayer, Habibur Rahman, Irin Sultana, Mesbha Uddin Ahmed, Dina Sidhva, Harish Nair
Summary: While the COVID-19 pandemic affects people globally, the Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable due to poor healthcare, hygiene, and overcrowding. Superstitions and lack of trust in the healthcare system exacerbate the risks. A multi-sectoral approach is needed to implement an action plan that includes surveillance, testing, infection control measures, sufficient food supply, and improved healthcare services to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on this refugee population.
ASIAN AND PACIFIC MIGRATION JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Elena Mariotti Zani, Roberto Grandinetti, Daniela Cunico, Lisa Torelli, Valentina Fainardi, Giovanna Pisi, Susanna Esposito
Summary: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are prone to malnutrition and growth failure due to malabsorption caused by chloride transport derangement. Optimal nutritional care and support are crucial for improving clinical outcomes and life expectancy. This report analyzes the nutrition support in CF patients of different ages, focusing on the relationship with growth, nutritional status, disease outcomes, and the use of CFTR modulators. Early nutrition support in CF should aim at achieving optimal nutritional status to support growth and development in children and maintain it in adulthood. This involves a high calorie, high-fat diet, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, and adequate supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins. Supplemental enteral feeding may be needed when oral intake is insufficient. CFTR modulators have positive effects on nutritional status, including weight gain, BMI improvement, pulmonary function, and reduction of exacerbations. Challenges remain in developing new drugs to transform CF into a treatable chronic disease with specialized multidisciplinary care.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicole Mussi, Roberta Forestiero, Giulia Zambelli, Letizia Rossi, Maria Rosaria Caramia, Valentina Fainardi, Susanna Esposito
Summary: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is the main manifestation of sleep-disordered breathing in children. Adenoid and/or tonsil hypertrophy are the most common causes of upper airway lumen reduction in children aged 2 years or older. Both surgical and non-surgical options are effective treatments for OSA in children.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jonathan Holmes, Lickson Munjoma, Christopher D. Bayliss
Summary: A parsimonious approach combining both single colony and sweep data was developed to determine the combinatorial phase variation states of bacterial genes. This method improves the accuracy and resolution of gene expression state combinations compared to conventional single colony sampling, reduces the cost of phasotype analysis, and allows for an increased capacity to collect samples and replicate experiments.