Article
Immunology
Hannah Chung, Sarah A. Buchan, Aaron Campigotto, Michael A. Campitelli, Natasha S. Crowcroft, Vinita Dubey, Jonathan B. Gubbay, Timothy Karnauchow, Kevin Katz, Allison J. McGeer, J. Dayre McNally, Samira Mubareka, Michelle Murti, David C. Richardson, Laura C. Rosella, Kevin L. Schwartz, Marek Smieja, George Zahariadis, Jeffrey C. Kwong
Summary: This study estimated the effectiveness of influenza vaccine against mortality in older adults following laboratory-confirmed influenza in Ontario, Canada. The results showed that the vaccine had a significant impact on reducing all-cause mortality, especially during the 2014-2015 influenza season. Factors such as influenza subtype and COPD also played a role in mortality outcomes.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shinya Tsuzuki, Fumiko Murata, Megumi Maeda, Yusuke Asai, Ryuji Koizumi, Norio Ohmagari, Haruhisa Fukuda
Summary: The study aimed to examine the association between seasonal influenza vaccination and antimicrobial use in Japan, as well as the impact of influenza vaccination on the frequency of unnecessary antimicrobial prescription for upper respiratory infection. The results showed that seasonal influenza vaccination was associated with lower frequencies of unnecessary antibiotic prescription and healthcare facility consultation.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Cristina Andres, Margarita del Cuerpo, Nuria Rabella, Maria Pinana, Manuel Jesus Iglesias-Cabezas, Alejandra Gonzalez-Sanchez, Juliana Esperalba, Ariadna Rando, Maria Carmen Martin, Francisco Fuentes, Susana Rubio, Narcis Saubi, Tomas Pumarola, Andres Anton
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate reassortment events in FLUBV strains detected in patients from two hospitals in Barcelona, Spain. A total of 118 FLUBV strains were studied, and intra- and inter-lineage reassortment episodes were identified in several segments of the viral genome. This highlights the importance of whole genome sequencing for accurate detection and characterization of reassortment events.
Article
Immunology
Monika Kuliese, Aukse Mickiene, Ligita Jancoriene, Birute Zablockiene, Giedre Gefenaite
Summary: Age-specific SIVE evaluation showed high vaccine effectiveness against different influenza subtypes in 18-64-year-old individuals, and also in those aged 65 years and older.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abdulhakeem Althaqafi, Fayssal Farahat, Asim Alsaedi, Majid Alshamrani, Moneerah S. Alsaeed, Baraa AlhajHussein, Sherif A. El-Kafrawy, Esam Azhar
Summary: The study assessed the molecular and seasonal patterns of influenza virus subtypes in western Saudi Arabia. It found that the burden due to influenza B infections may be underestimated and recommended the use of quadrivalent influenza vaccine to reduce the health impact associated with influenza B infections. Enhanced molecular surveillance of influenza viruses is necessary for a better understanding of influenza activity and assessment of vaccine effectiveness.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Loreto Arias-Fernandez, Jesus San-Roman Montero, Ruth Gil-Prieto, Stefan Walter, Angel Gil de Miguel
Summary: The study investigated hospitalization and mortality rates of pneumonia and influenza in patients over 60 years old in Spain over six consecutive influenza seasons. The results showed that influenza was the main diagnosis, with high rates of mortality and in-hospital case fatality, calling for enhanced prevention strategies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
E. Rothman, O. Olsson, C. B. Christiansen, M. Roost, M. Inghammar, U. Karlsson
Summary: The impact of different influenza subtypes on hospital-acquired influenza (HAI) has not been systematically evaluated. This study found that HAI caused by H3N2 influenza is more likely to lead to hospital dissemination and higher mortality compared to HAI caused by H1N1 and B influenza, which are usually solitary cases with similar mortality rates.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Virology
Yafen Liu, Yue Wang, Huan Mai, YuanYuan Chen, Baiyi Liu, YiSi Liu, Ying Ji, Xu Cong, Yan Gao
Summary: Compared to immunocompetent patients, immunosuppressed patients have higher morbidity and mortality, longer duration of viral shedding, more frequent complications, and more antiviral resistance during influenza infections. However, there is a lack of data on this population in China. This study analyzed the clinical characteristics, effects of antiviral therapy, and risk factors for admission to the ICU and death in immunosuppressed inpatients infected with influenza virus. The study also explored the influenza vaccination situation for this population.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lerato Shikwambana, Mahlatse Kganyago
Summary: This study investigates the levels of wildfire biomass-burning emissions during strong El Nino-southern oscillation (ENSO) events in southern Africa. The study focuses on black carbon (BC), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) parameters. The results show higher emissions of SO2, CO, and BC during the June-July-August (JJA) season compared to the September-October-November (SON) season. The study also highlights the potential effects of future ENSO events on wildfire emissions.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Michaela J. J. Gibson, Fernando J. J. Roca Fraga, Charlotte F. F. Bolwell, Erica K. K. Gee, Chris W. W. Rogers
Summary: This study analyzed the incident reporting in harness racing in New Zealand based on retrospective stewards' reports. The primary reason for post-race veterinary examination was poor performance of horses. The low incidence of significant injuries and the high incidence of poor performance reports highlight the relatively lower risk and the importance of maintaining animal welfare in harness racing.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nicki L. Boddington, Punam Mangtani, Hongxin Zhao, Neville Q. Verlander, Joanna Ellis, Nick Andrews, Richard G. Pebody
Summary: The LAIV vaccination program for children in England provided moderate annual protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza-related hospitalization during the first three seasons.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nieves Derqui, Joshua Nealon, Ainara Mira-Iglesias, Javier Diez-Domingo, Cedric Mahe, Sandra S. Chaves
Summary: The presence of comorbidities and aging are closely associated with severe clinical outcomes in adults hospitalized with influenza. Only 26% of influenza patients in hospitals had their primary discharge diagnosis coded as influenza. Comorbidities were found to be associated with severity among adults aged 50-79 years, with the highest odds ratio in patients aged 50-64 years with three or more comorbidities (OR = 6.7; 95% CI: 1.0-44.6). Morbid obesity and functional dependencies were also identified as risk factors (with odds ratios ranging from 3 to 5 depending on age). The presence of increasing numbers of comorbidities was associated with prolonged hospital stay.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Talia M. Quandelacy, Shanta Zimmer, Justin Lessler, Charles Vukotich, Rachel Bieltz, Kyra H. Grantz, David Galloway, Jonathan M. Read, Yenlik Zheteyeva, Hongjiang Gao, Amra Uzicanin, Derek A. T. Cummings
Summary: The study suggests that school absenteeism data can help predict influenza transmission, especially among K-5 students. ILI-specific absences performed better than all-cause absences in some years. These seasonal models can serve as a useful tool for influenza surveillance.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Michaela J. Gibson, Charlotte F. Bolwell, Erica K. Gee, Kylie A. Legg, Chris W. Rogers
Summary: This study examined retrospective reports of veterinary examinations during the Thoroughbred flat racing season in New Zealand to describe the reasons and outcomes for these examinations. The majority of reports were non-incidents, with examinations requested due to poor performance. The lower incidence of fatalities and injuries compared to overseas racing indicates a lower risk profile for New Zealand Thoroughbred racing.
Article
Immunology
Shekhar Ghamande, Courtney Shaver, Kempapura Murthy, Chandni Raiyani, Heath D. White, Tasnim Lat, Alejandro C. Arroliga, Dayna Wyatt, H. Keipp Talbot, Emily T. Martin, Arnold S. Monto, Richard K. Zimmerman, Donald B. Middleton, Fernanda P. Silveira, Jill M. Ferdinands, Manish M. Patel, Manjusha Gaglani
Summary: The study found that the vaccine effectiveness against adult acute respiratory illness hospitalization for radiographically identified laboratory confirmed influenza-associated pneumonia was 38% during the 2015-2016 to 2017-2018 seasons in the US Hospitalized Adult Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network (HAIVEN). The effectiveness was highest against influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 and lowest against influenza B.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Antonia Agusti, Elena Guillen, Alfonso Ayora, Andres Anton, Cristina Aguilera, Xavier Vidal, Cristina Andres, Manuel Alonso, Meritxell Espuga, Juliana Esperalba, Ma Queralt Gorgas, Benito Almirante, Esteban Ribera
Summary: A study on healthcare workers with mild COVID-19 infection showed that hydroxychloroquine did not demonstrate significant benefits in viral dynamics and resolution of clinical symptoms.
ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
(2022)
Review
Transplantation
Julia Sellares-Nadal, Juliana Esperalba, Ester Marquez-Algaba, Ibai Los-Arcos, Andres Anton, Xavier Nuvials, Lluis Castells, Oscar Len
Summary: This article reports a case of liver transplantation in a patient with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on the day of transplantation. The transplantation procedure was performed without complications, and the patient remained asymptomatic after the initiation of immunosuppression. Although caution is needed for immunocompromised patients, a positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 in a recipient may not always prevent a liver transplant.
EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Virology
Nuria Soldevila, Luca Basile, Ana Martinez, Nuria Torner, M. Angeles Marcos, Maria del Mar Mosquera, Andres Anton, Cristina Andres, Cristina Rius, Tomas Pumarola, Angela Dominguez
Summary: This study investigated the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of severe hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza B virus when there was a mismatch between the circulating virus and the strain included in the influenza vaccine. The findings showed an increased hospitalization rate among older adults with comorbidities in seasons with discordant circulating influenza B viruses, and a decrease in vaccine effectiveness for preventing intensive care unit admissions. This highlights the importance of administering the quadrivalent influenza vaccine regardless of the previous season's predominant circulation.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Josep Quer, Sergi Colomer-Castell, Carolina Campos, Cristina Andres, Maria Pinana, Maria Francesca Cortese, Alejandra Gonzalez-Sanchez, Damir Garcia-Cehic, Marta Ibanez, Tomas Pumarola, Francisco Rodriguez-Frias, Andres Anton, David Tabernero
Summary: Virus pandemics are inevitable and have been accelerated by human activities. To effectively control and prevent pandemics, it is crucial to develop barriers based on knowledge rather than physical walls. Next-generation sequencing has proven to be a powerful tool in detecting and identifying infectious agents, developing vaccines and antiviral drugs, and understanding viral transmission dynamics and variants.
Article
Microbiology
Ferran Tarres-Freixas, Benjamin Trinite, Anna Pons-Grifols, Miguel Romero-Durana, Eva Riveira-Munoz, Carlos avila-Nieto, Monica Perez, Edurne Garcia-Vidal, Daniel Perez-Zsolt, Jordana Munoz-Basagoiti, Dalia Raich-Regue, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros, Cristina Andres, Andres Anton, Tomas Pumarola, Ignacio Blanco, Marc Noguera-Julian, Victor Guallar, Rosalba Lepore, Alfonso Valencia, Victor Urrea, Julia Vergara-Alert, Bonaventura Clotet, Ester Ballana, Jorge Carrillo, Joaquim Segales, Julia Blanco
Summary: The study found that the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants show heterogeneous infectivity and pathogenesis in mice models, with B.1.351/Beta variant being the most pathogenic and BA.1.1/Omicron leading to lower viral RNA levels.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Blanca Borras-Bermejo, Maria Pinana, Cristina Andres, Ricardo Zules, Alejandra Gonzalez-Sanchez, Juliana Esperalba, Oleguer Pares-Badell, Damir Garcia-Cehic, Ariadna Rando, Carolina Campos, Maria Gema Codina, Maria Carmen Martin, Carla Castillo, Karen Garcia-Comunas, Rodrigo Vasquez-Mercado, Reginald Martins-Martins, Sergi Colomer-Castell, Tomas Pumarola, Magda Campins, Josep Quer, Andres Anton
Summary: This study describes the clinical and molecular characteristics of 24 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in Barcelona over a one-year period. The study finds that reinfections can occur in a relatively short time and mainly affect immunocompetent patients. Reinfection episodes are often asymptomatic and less severe than primary infections.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Cristina Andres, Alejandra Gonzalez-Sanchez, Moraima Jimenez, Ester Marquez-Algaba, Maria Pinana, Candela Fernandez-Naval, Juliana Esperalba, Narcis Saubi, Josep Quer, Ariadna Rando-Segura, Marta Miarons, Maria Gema Codina, Isabel Ruiz-Camps, Tomas Pumarola, Pau Abrisqueta, Andres Anton
Summary: This study aimed to monitor the early emergence of genetic mutations related to reduced susceptibility to monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based treatment in immunocompromised patients with long-term viral excretion. The results showed that most cases were infected with the Omicron variant, and mutations associated with mAb therapy resistance were detected in some patients. This highlights the importance of monitoring for drug resistance mutations in immunocompromised patients and the community.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Nuria Torner, Sara Mercader, Angela Dominguez, Ana Martinez, Josep Costa, Sun B. Sowers, Emily S. Abernathy, William J. Bellini, Carol J. Hickman
Summary: A study on discarded measles cases during an outbreak among highly immunized population showed that 11.2% of the samples tested positive for virus infection, including rubella, human herpes virus 6, and measles. Among the confirmed cases, 10% had received the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, compared to 54% of the discarded measles cases.
PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Despina Pampaka, Noemi Lopez-Perea, Aurora Fernandez-Garcia, Isabel Huertas-Zarco, Maite Castellanos-Martinez, Katja Villatoro-Bongiorno, Javier Roig-Sena, Nuria Torner, Maria Mar Mosquera, Juan Emilio Echevarria, Joaquim Ferras Prats, Josefa Masa-Calles
Summary: This article describes an outbreak of measles in Spain in 2017, which occurred due to an imported case. The outbreak involved 154 cases, with the majority being adults aged 30-39. A significant number of cases were unvaccinated, including infants who were not yet eligible for vaccination. The main mode of transmission was through healthcare facilities, affecting multiple hospitals and healthcare workers.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Miriam Oros, Julia Siscart, Daniel Perejon, Maria Catalina Serna, Pere Godoy, Blanca Salinas-Roca
Summary: This study examines the prevalence of overweight and obesity in pregnant women from different ethnic groups and investigates the associated comorbidities. The results show an increasing trend in obesity among pregnant women, with a higher incidence of overweight and obesity in certain ethnic groups. High body mass index (BMI) is found to be associated with hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, and depression.
Article
Oncology
Didac Florensa, Jordi Mateo-Fornes, Sergi Lopez Sorribes, Anna Torres Tuca, Francesc Solsona, Pere Godoy
Summary: This study presents the design and implementation of an R Shiny application to assist cancer registries in conducting rapid descriptive and predictive analytics. The application can generate descriptive analysis using population variables, geographical heat maps, temporal trends, and risk factor plots. The results provide a successful case study in the Lleida region, highlighting the analytics related to risk factors, second tumors, and cancer mortality. A customization guide is also included to inspire other similar records to develop similar tools.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Agnes Huguet-Feixa, Eva Artigues-Barbera, Joaquim Sol, Pere Godoy, Marta Ortega Bravo
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the vaccination attitudes of the population in Catalonia. While a majority still support vaccination, a significant percentage refuse the COVID-19 vaccine and have doubts about routine vaccines. This skepticism could potentially affect vaccination coverage.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Letter
Pediatrics
Antoni Soriano-Arandes, Andreu Colom-Cadena, Anna Bordas, Fabiana Ganem, Lucia Alonso, Marcos Montoro, Mireia Gascon, Maria Subirana, Ariadna Mas, Jordi Sunyer, Pere Soler-Palacin, Jordi Casabona, Sentinel Sch Network Catalonia
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mar Fornaguera, Oleguer Pares-Badell, Ingrid Carbones-Fargas, Cristina Andres, Jose Angel Rodrigo-Pendas, Blanca Borras-Bermejo, Lluis Armadans-Gil, Gabriela Tejada, David Guananga, Marti Vivet-Escale, Arnau Penalver-Pinol, Irene Torrecilla-Martinez, Arnau del Oso, Xavier Martinez-Gomez, Andres Anton, Susana Otero-Romero
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the influenza vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization and its determinants in a Spanish tertiary hospital in the 2021/22 season. The results showed non-significant vaccine effectiveness for this season.
Article
Immunology
Berta Suarez Rodriguez, Bernardo R. Guzman Herrador, Asuncion Diaz Franco, Maria Paz Sanchez-Seco Farinas, Julia del Amo Valero, Adrian Hugo Aginagalde Llorente, Juan Pablo Alonso Perez de Agreda, Rosa Carbo Malonda, Daniel Castrillejo, Maria Dolores Chirlaque Lopez, Eduardo Javier Chong Chong, Sonia Fernandez Balbuena, Virtudes Gallardo Garcia, Manuel Garcia-Cenoz, Laura Garcia Hernandez, Elisa Gil Montalban, Fernando Gonzalez Carril, Teresa Gonzalez Cortijo, Susana Jimenez Bueno, Aurora Limia Sanchez, Juan Antonio Linares Dopido, Nicola Lorusso, Mario Margolles Martins, Eva Maria Martinez Ochoa, Ana Martinez Mateo, Jacobo Mendioroz Pena, Ana Isabel Negredo Anton, Maria Teresa Otero Barros, Maria del Carmen Pacheco Martinez, Pilar Peces Jimenez, Oscar-Guillermo Perez Martin, Ana Isabel Rivas Perez, Maria Sastre Garcia, Fernando Simon Soria, Maria Jose Sierra Moros
Summary: This article presents the epidemiological features of the monkeypox outbreak in Spain during June 2022, with transmission chains not linked to endemic countries, and describes the coordinated measures taken to respond to the outbreak.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)