Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ziyaad Dangor, Anna C. Seale, Vuyelwa Baba, Gaurav Kwatra
Summary: Invasive group B streptococcal (GBS) disease is a significant problem in newborns, especially in African countries where preventive strategies are limited. The high mortality and serious neurodevelopmental impairments caused by GBS emphasize the need for a maternal vaccine. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating the safety and efficacy of hexavalent polysaccharide protein conjugate and Alpha family surface protein vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Jun Yi Sim, Lan-Wan Wang, Julie Chi Chow, Wei-Yun Hsu, Yu-Chin Chen, Yi-Hsin Chang, Yun Chou, Wei-Yu Chen, Hung-Jen Tang, Tu-Hsuan Chang
Summary: This study reported 4 cases of neonatal sepsis caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus, with clinical course similar to group B streptococcus disease. None of the mothers had GBS colonization nor received antibiotics. The sporadic distribution of S. gallolyticus sepsis in neonates may be due to its low colonization rate in adults compared to GBS.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Xuelian Wang, Peggy Hiu Ying Chan, Hoi Ying Sharon Lau, Kathleen Tsoi, Hugh Simon Lam
Summary: The pathogen profile of neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) has changed with the implementation of universal maternal group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening. Streptococcus bovis has emerged as a more common pathogen associated with the risk of meningitis. In infants born <34 weeks, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) may not be as effective in reducing EOS rate compared to those born ≥34 weeks, suggesting the need for new strategies.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Konstantinos Karampatsas, Hannah Davies, Maren Mynarek, Nick Andrews, Paul T. Heath, Kirsty Le Doare
Summary: Prematurity/low birth weight and maternal colonization are major risk factors for late-onset Group B streptococcal infection. Future vaccine studies should identify the optimal time for vaccination during pregnancy to protect preterm infants.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Shyra Wilde, Katherine L. Olivares, Victor Nizet, Hal M. Hoffman, Suhas Radhakrishna, Christopher N. LaRock
Summary: In immunocompetent individuals, hypervirulent strains of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) are linked to severe illness. Natural experiment findings suggest that IL-6 signaling deficiencies may increase the risk of invasive GAS infections in certain individuals with congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Yulia Schindler, Galia Rahav, Israel Nissan, Orit Treygerman, George Prajgrod, Bracha Zukerman Attia, Ronit Raz, Gal Zizelski Valenci, Dorit Tekes-Manova, Yasmin Maor
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and expression differences of virulence factors in Group B streptococcus (GBS) in colonization during pregnancy and early-onset disease (EOD) in newborns. The results showed that EOD and colonization have different distributions of virulence factors, especially hvgA gene, rib gene, and PI gene. These findings suggest an association between these virulence factors and the invasive disease of GBS.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mirjam Freudenhammer, Konstantinos Karampatsas, Kirsty Le Doare, Fabian Lander, Jakob Armann, Daniel Acero Moreno, Margaret Boyle, Horst Buxmann, Ruth Campbell, Victoria Chalker, Robert Cunney, Lorraine Doherty, Eleri Davies, Androulla Efstratiou, Roland Elling, Matthias Endmann, Jochen Essers, Roland Hentschel, Christine E. Jones, Steffen Kallsen, Georgia Kapatai, Marcus Kruger, Shamez Ladhani, Theresa Lamagni, Diane Lindsay, Mary Meehan, Catherine P. O'Sullivan, Darshana Patel, Arlene J. Reynolds, Claudia Roll, Sven Schulzke, Andrew Smith, Anja Stein, Axel von der Wense, Egbert Voss, Christian Wieg, Christoph Hartel, Paul T. Heath, Philipp Henneke
Summary: The risk of iGBS is higher among infants from multiple births if one infant has already developed GBS disease. In recurrent cases, the interval of onset of iGBS between siblings is longer. Disturbances of the individual microbiome are suggested to be associated with recurrent GBS infections.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Anna Furuta, Alyssa Brokaw, Gygeria Manuel, Matthew Dacanay, Lauren Marcell, Ravin Seepersaud, Lakshmi Rajagopal, Kristina Adams Waldorf
Summary: Group B streptococci (GBS) are bacteria that can cause serious infections in newborns, leading to significant neurodevelopmental injury and disability.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Stefano Malvolti, Clint Pecenka, Carsten F. Mantel, Melissa Malhame, Philipp Lambach
Summary: This study analyzes the potential demand for a GBS vaccine and its financial viability for a vaccine developer. It suggests that significant demand can be achieved if countries adopt policy recommendations and provide funding. However, there are risks related to clinical trial design and costs, competition, countries' payment ability, vaccination schedule, and policies encouraging vaccine use.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Katie Stephens, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones, Gordon C. S. Smith
Summary: Approximately 20% of pregnant women are colonized by group B Streptococcus, leading to a 1% risk of infection in newborns. Many countries have implemented screening and intervention measures such as intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. However, lack of supportive evidence, high number needed to treat, and concerns about antimicrobial resistance have hindered the introduction of screening in some countries. There is potential for personalized medicine to target prophylaxis to high-risk cases, but the factors determining risk are not well understood.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ying Tze Viola Chan, Steven Yuk Fai Lau, Shuk Yi Annie Hui, Teresa Ma, Choi Wah Kong, Lee Ting Kwong, Diana Chan, Diana Lee, Sau Lan Mok, Vinci Ma, Yim Chong Lo, Kwok Yin Leung, Wing Cheong Leung
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the incidences of early and late-onset neonatal sepsis, including group B streptococcus (GBS) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), before and after the implementation of universal screening and intrapartum antibiotics prophylaxis (IAP). The study found that the implementation of GBS screening and IAP was associated with a reduction in early-onset neonatal sepsis, including GBS disease. There was no significant evidence of an increase in the incidence of late-onset neonatal sepsis, including those caused by GBS.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Daniela Menichini, Giuseppe Chiossi, Francesca Monari, Francesco De Seta, Fabio Facchinetti
Summary: The study found that probiotic supplementation during pregnancy can reduce maternal Group B streptococcus (GBS) recto-vaginal colonization in pregnant women at 35-37 weeks, especially when treatment starts after 30 weeks of gestation. Probiotic supplementation may help improve maternal and neonatal health during pregnancy.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Cheong-Jun Moon, Tae Hee Kwon, Kyung Sang Lee, Hyun-Seung Lee
Summary: This case highlights the association of WMI with GBS bacteremia without central nervous system invasion and suggests that intrauterine GBS infection in premature infants without interventions may lead to extensive and persistent GBS colonization, early-onset and recurrent GBS disease, and WMI. Controlling postnatal as well as intrauterine infection/inflammation with maternal prophylaxis may be crucial for preventing and limiting neurological injury.
Article
Microbiology
Dorota Jamrozy, Guduru Gopal Rao, Theresa Feltwell, Theresa Lamagni, Priya Khanna, Androulla Efstratiou, Julian Parkhill, Stephen D. D. Bentley
Summary: This study characterized the population structure of GBS isolates from pregnant women in London and found that the majority of isolates belonged to five main lineages. The study also identified nine serotypes, with III, V, II, and Ia being the most common. Moreover, it revealed associations between maternal ethnicity and GBS population structure.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Elena HogenEsch, Bremen De Mucio, Lisa B. Haddad, Alba Vilajeliu, Alba Maria Ropero, Inci Yildirim, Saad B. Omer
Summary: The study found that maternal GBS screening rates are generally low in Latin American countries, with only Uruguay having high screening rates. Countries with low screening rates have higher risks of neonatal sepsis and pneumonia. In Uruguay, the GBS prevalence was 18.5%, with higher rates among black women, older women, and women with no primary education.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eijiro Hayata, Masahiko Nakata, Mineto Morita
Summary: This study analyzed the mortality rates and adverse perinatal outcomes of multiple pregnancies using big data analysis, finding that the mortality rate of multiple pregnancies was lowest at 37 weeks of gestation. Additionally, it was discovered that the second twin had a higher stillbirth rate compared to the first twin during delivery, but the early neonatal mortality rate remained similar for both twins.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Reiko Suzuki, Natsumi Furuya, Junichi Hasegawa, Chika Homma, Yuriko Iwahata, Nao Suzuki
Summary: This article presents a case report of ultrasound pathological findings of placental abruption (PA) detected using superb microvascular imaging (SMI). SMI can contribute to a more accurate PA diagnosis that may lead to timely administration of obstetric intervention.
TAIWANESE JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Junichi Hasegawa, Hiroaki Tanaka, Shinji Katsuragi, Masafumi Nii, Akihiko Sekizawa, Isamu Ishiwata, Tomoaki Ikeda
Summary: This study found that there have been no maternal deaths due to GAS-TSS reported in Japan after the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be attributed to the widespread use of facemasks and frequent disinfection among the Japanese population. It is recommended to continue wearing facemasks and practicing frequent disinfection during pregnancy to prevent various infectious diseases, including serious GAS infections.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hiroaki Tanaka, Shigetaka Matsunaga, Marie Furuta, Rie Kato, Shinji Takahashi, Jun Takeda, Masahiro Nakao, Eishin Nakamura, Masafumi Nii, Tomoyuki Yamashita, Yoshihiro Yamahata, Naosuke Enomoto, Makoto Tsuji, Shiniji Baba, Yuki Hosokawa, Takahide Maenaka, Atsushi Sakurai
Summary: The perinatal resuscitation history in Japan is short, and there is a lack of standardization and dissemination of maternal resuscitation. Efforts have been made to reduce maternal deaths through projects and committees, leading to a decrease in maternal mortality rate. However, there are currently no standardized guidelines for maternal resuscitation. The creation of the Guidelines for Maternal Resuscitation 2020 is expected to promote the use of high-quality resuscitation methods.
JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Toshiaki Yasuoka, Noriyuki Iwama, Kuniaki Ota, Junichi Hasegawa, Hirohito Metoki, Masatoshi Saito, Takashi Sugiyama, Nao Suzuki
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the pregnancy outcomes of female cancer survivors in Japan and found that cancer survivors had poorer pregnancy outcomes compared to women without a history of malignant tumors.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tatsuya Arakaki, Junichi Hasegawa, Akihiko Sekizawa, Tomoaki Ikeda, Isamu Ishiwata, Katsuyuki Kinoshita
Summary: This study found that severe COVID-19 in pregnant women is associated with gestational age and maternal age, and the rate of preterm birth due to infection is significantly higher in severe cases.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chika Homma, Junichi Hasegawa, Yoko Nishimura, Natsumi Furuya, Masamitsu Nakamura, Nao Suzuki
Summary: This study investigated whether the declaration of an emergency state in Japan due to COVID-19 affected maternal transports and preterm birth rates. The findings showed that the declaration of emergency state led to a decrease in maternal transport due to preterm labor, but did not affect the actual rate of preterm delivery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tomomi Matsushita, Tatsuya Arakaki, Akihiko Sekizawa, Junichi Hasegawa, Hiroaki Tanaka, Shinji Katsuragi, Masahiko Nakata, Takeshi Murakoshi, Tomoaki Ikeda, Isamu Ishiwata
Summary: This study examined the characteristics of maternal deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the quality of care provided to patients in Japan. The findings revealed that aortic dissection was the leading cause of death, followed by peripartum cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension. Early symptoms often occurred during the prenatal period, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment, patient awareness, and a multidisciplinary team approach to improve maternal care.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Masafumi Nii, Naosuke Enomoto, Sho Takakura, Shintaro Maki, Hiroaki Tanaka, Tomoaki Ikeda
Summary: The placenta accreta spectrum without previa is difficult to diagnose before delivery and sometimes requires hysterectomy. A fertility preservation procedure, known as TURIP, was performed on a 38-year-old woman who was not diagnosed with placenta accreta spectrum until delivery. The TURIP procedure successfully detached the placenta and ensured hemostasis, allowing the patient to recover uneventfully and achieve a second pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Masahiro Nakao, Yukiko Nanba, Asumi Okumura, Junichi Hasegawa, Satoshi Toyokawa, Kiyotake Ichizuka, Naohiro Kanayama, Shoji Satoh, Nanako Tamiya, Akihito Nakai, Keiya Fujimori, Tsugio Maeda, Hideaki Suzuki, Mitsutoshi Iwashita, Akira Oka, Tomoaki Ikeda
OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hiroaki Tanaka, Junichi Hasegawa, Shinji Katsuragi, Kayo Tanaka, Tatsuya Arakaki, Masamitsu Nakamura, Eijiro Hayata, Masahiko Nakata, Akihiko Sekizawa, Isamu Ishiwata, Tomoaki Ikeda
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed HDP-related maternal deaths from hemorrhagic stroke in Japan and found that some deaths could have been prevented through blood pressure control during pregnancy. Among 34 cases, 4 patients without proteinuria had blood pressures exceeding 140/90 mmHg between weeks 14+0 and 33+6 of gestation. However, these patients did not receive antihypertensive treatment, and their blood pressures were managed leniently. Therefore, new preventive strategies during pregnancy should be established to prevent HDP-related hemorrhagic stroke in Japan.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Junichi Hasegawa, Yoko Nishimura, Shota Saji
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ULTRASONICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Koji Hashii, Junichi Hasegawa, Tomoyuki Yamashita, Hiroaki Tanaka, Atsushi Sakurai, Osamu Samura, Akihiko Sekizawa, Tomoaki Ikeda, Isamu Ishiwata
Summary: This article provides an overview of J-CIMELS and its simulation program, which has successfully reduced maternal mortality in Japan. The project analyzed the tendency for obstetricians to delay their response to maternal deterioration and emphasized the importance of monitoring vital signs to predict deterioration. The J-MELS simulation program has significantly improved obstetric care providers' practices and reduced the incidence of obstetric hemorrhage in Japan.
JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Natsumi Furuya, Junichi Hasegawa, Shota Saji, Chika Homma, Yoko Nishimura, Nao Suzuki
Summary: This study investigated the predictive value of obstetric findings in using PGE2 vaginal inserts for cervical ripening, and compared the optimal method of cervical ripening between PGE2 vaginal inserts and/or cervical dilators. The results showed that PGE2 vaginal inserts were effective when the uterine cervical os was at least 2 cm in diameter. In cases of extremely immature cervical ripening, it was feasible to use PGE2 vaginal inserts before mechanical cervical dilatation.
JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Shota Saji, Junichi Hasegawa, Junki Koike, Misato Takatsuki, Natsumi Furuya, Nao Suzuki
Summary: Fetal Vascular Malperfusion is a pathological condition that affects the fetal circulation, leading to microthrombi formation and organ damage, resulting in cerebral palsy. This condition also has adverse effects on the placenta, causing fetal growth restriction and hypoxia.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hitoshi Yonezawa, Shingo Tanaka, Makito Tanaka, Ryo Kobayashi, Satoshi Takahashi
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for false positives in high-sensitivity HBsAg quantitative tests and reduce the need for neutralization tests. The results showed that younger age, female sex, lower HBsAg values, and reagent improvement were independent risk factors for false positives. The false-positive rate was highest in the range of 0.005-0.049 IU/mL.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nobuaki Kobayashi, Katsushi Tanaka, Suguru Muraoka, Kohei Somekawa, Ayami Kaneko, Sousuke Kubo, Hiromi Matsumoto, Hiroaki Fujii, Keisuke Watanabe, Nobuyuki Horita, Yu Hara, Takeshi Kaneko
Summary: This study identified age, a negative T-SPOT.TB result, elevated CRP levels, and a high NLR as significant independent risk factors for death in hospitalized TB patients. These findings underscore the importance of these parameters in the risk stratification and management of hospitalized TB patients.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Naokuni Hishiya, Kenji Uno, Akiyo Nakano, Mitsuru Konishi, Seiya Higashi, Shuhei Eguchi, Tadashi Ariyoshi, Asami Matsumoto, Kentaro Oka, Motomichi Takahashi, Yuki Suzuki, Saori Horiuchi, Nobuyasu Hirai, Yoshihiko Ogawa, Taku Ogawa, Ryuichi Nakano, Keiichi Mikasa, Kei Kasahara, Hisakazu Yano
Summary: This study revealed intestinal dysbiosis near a CD4 count of 350 in HIV-infected patients undergoing cART. These findings contribute to the understanding of intestinal damage and systemic inflammation in HIV infection.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2024)
