Article
Virology
Keita Wagatsuma, Iain S. Koolhof, Reiko Saito
Summary: This study characterizes the nonlinear and multidelayed effects of meteorological drivers on HRSV infection epidemics in Japan. It found that higher ambient temperatures and relative humidity were associated with higher HRSV infection incidence, while precipitation showed a positive association trend and wind speed had a negative association.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Genta Ito, Takahiro Takazono, Naoki Hosogaya, Naoki Iwanaga, Shogo Miyazawa, Satoki Fujita, Hideaki Watanabe, Hiroshi Mukae
Summary: This retrospective observational study evaluated the factors influencing the start date of the influenza epidemic season and the total number of infected persons per 1,000,000 population in 47 prefectures of Japan. Using a Japanese health insurance claims database, single and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between the start time of the epidemic and various factors such as absolute humidity, total visitors, and total population. The study found that the earlier the climate became suitable for virus transmission and the higher the human mobility, the earlier the epidemic season tended to begin.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Guohong Zhu, Dan Xu, Yuanyuan Zhang, Tianlin Wang, Lingyan Zhang, Weizhong Gu, Meiping Shen
Summary: The study found that the rates of viral infection in children vary by different ages and seasons, with the highest positivity rate of adenovirus appearing in the preschool period, respiratory syncytial virus being highest in infants, and influenza virus increasing with age. The total positive rate of viral infection in different seasons is highest in winter, with influenza positivity rate also being highest in winter.
Review
Immunology
Ting Shi, Sophie Vennard, Francis Jasiewicz, Rory Brogden, Harish Nair
Summary: RSV-ARI in adults with comorbidities is a significant burden, with limited data available. This study estimated the incidence, hospitalization rate, and in-hospital case fatality ratio of RSV-ARI in this population, and found an association between the disease and any comorbidity.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Maria K. Borszewska-Kornacka, Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas, Aneta Nitsch-Osuch, Teresa Jackowska, Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz, Ernest Kuchar, Jan Mazela, Ewa Helwich, Marcin Czech, Ryszard Lauterbach, Jaroslaw Pinkas, Miroslaw Wielgos, Jacek Wysocki
Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common pathogen causing respiratory tract infections in infants, with a significant healthcare burden in Poland. However, data on RSV disease in Poland is scarce and may be underestimated. In recent years, the infection seasonality has changed due to preventive measures for coronavirus disease. The surveillance system in Poland has limitations but may be improved.
Article
Virology
Chantal J. Snoeck, Konstantin Evdokimov, Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Sodaly Mongkhoune, Aurelie Sausy, Keoudomphone Vilivong, Maude Pauly, Judith M. Hubschen, Somxay Billamay, Claude P. Muller, Antony P. Black
Summary: Respiratory infections are a common reason for medical consultations in children, with human rhinoviruses being the most frequently detected pathogen in Lao children. Influenza A and B viruses combined infection is also common. The study provides recommendations for vaccination and further research.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Letter
Immunology
Mugen Ujiie, Shinya Tsuzuki, Takato Nakamoto, Noriko Iwamoto
Summary: Despite effective infection control measures in Tokyo, a high number of respiratory syncytial virus infections were reported, possibly due to the resumption of social activities for children.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hangjie Zhang, Aiqing Zhu, George F. Gao, Zhongjie Li
Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes acute respiratory tract infections in children. A study analyzing data from 2014 to 2018 in China found an overall infection rate of 17.3% among children under 5 years old, with the majority being hospitalized. Infants under 6 months old were at higher risk of infection, especially during the winter season. Cough was the most common symptom of RSV infection, and infants under 6 months old were more likely to develop bronchopneumonia.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bing Xu, Jinfeng Wang, Zhongjie Li, Chengdong Xu, Yilan Liao, Maogui Hu, Jing Yang, Shengjie Lai, Liping Wang, Weizhong Yang
Summary: This study analyzed respiratory virus data from 81 hospitals in 22 provinces in China from 2009 to 2013 and found that different meteorological factors have varying impacts on the seasonality of respiratory viruses. Temperature, atmospheric pressure, vapour pressure, and rainfall were identified as the main factors affecting respiratory viruses, while relative humidity and wind speed showed different explanatory power for different regions and viruses.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sheila F. Lumley, Nicholas Richens, Emily Lees, Jack Cregan, Elizabeth Kalimeris, Sarah Oakley, Marcus Morgan, Shelley Segal, Moya Dawson, A. Sarah Walker, David W. Eyre, Derrick W. Crook, Sally Beer, Alex Novak, Nicole E. Stoesser, Philippa C. Matthews
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a significant impact on the incidence of paediatric viral respiratory tract infection in Oxfordshire, UK. The findings have implications for clinical service demand, testing strategies, timing of palivizumab RSV prophylaxis, and the effectiveness of public health interventions in preventing respiratory virus infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Pediatrics
Xian-Li Zhang, Xi Zhang, Wang Hua, Zheng-De Xie, Han-Min Liu, Hai-Lin Zhang, Bi-Quan Chen, Yuan Chen, Xin Sun, Yi Xu, Sai-Nan Shu, Shun-Ying Zhao, Yun-Xiao Shang, Ling Cao, Yan-Hui Jia, Luo-Na Lin, Jiong Li, Chuang-Li Hao, Xiao-Yan Dong, Dao-Jiong Lin, Hong-Mei Xu, De-Yu Zhao, Mei Zeng, Zhi-Min Chen, Li-Su Huang
Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory infections globally, resulting in a significant healthcare burden. This study aims to develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of RSV infections in children. The consensus, based on international and national scientific evidence, integrates recent advances and reinforces current recommendations for optimal care and prevention of RSV infections.
WORLD JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shimon Amar, Yonat Shemer Avni, Norm O'Rourke, Tal Michael
Summary: The study examines the incidence rates of infectious diseases after a successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign and the lifting of social restrictions in Israel. The results suggest that the rates of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections have increased, indicating that similar trends could occur in other countries.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andre Almeida, Matteo Boattini, Eirini Christaki, Torcato Moreira Marques, Ines Moreira, Lourenco Cruz, Valentina Tosatto, Diogo Antao, Gabriele Bianco, Marco Iannaccone, Cristina Costa, Georgios Tsiolakkis, Elina Khattab, Diamanto Kasapi, Ana Teresa Ferreira, Rossana Cavallo, Rita Corte-Real
Summary: The study found that Influenza A H1N1 was independently associated with a higher risk of death and IMV, while RSV was associated with older age and more comorbidities.
Review
Virology
Justine Oliva, Olivier Terrier
Summary: Respiratory tract infections pose a significant public health problem, with viral-bacterial co-infections playing a key role in the severity of these infections. Understanding the mechanisms of these co-infections at physiological and immunological levels is crucial, as well as exploring the importance of the microbiome and pathological context in the evolution of co-infections.
Article
Immunology
Zaid Haddadin, Stockton Beveridge, Kailee Fernandez, Danielle A. Rankin, Varvara Probst, Andrew J. Spieker, Tiffanie M. Markus, Laura S. Stewart, William Schaffner, Mary Lou Lindegren, Natasha Halasa
Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in hospitalized children. RSV-positive children were more likely to be hospitalized, require intensive care unit admission, and receive oxygen compared with children positive for other viruses. Higher viral load, White race, younger age, and higher severity score were independently associated with hospitalization in RSV-positive children.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Benjamin J. Cowling, Samuel M. S. Cheng, Mario Martin-Sanchez, Niki Y. M. Au, Karl C. K. Chan, John K. C. Li, Lison W. C. Fung, Leo L. H. Luk, Leo C. H. Tsang, Dennis K. M. Ip, Leo L. M. Poon, Gabriel M. Leung, J. S. Malik Peiris, Nancy H. L. Leung
Summary: We administered a third dose of BNT162b2 to 314 adults aged >= 30 years who had previously received 2 doses of inactivated vaccine. Blood samples were collected before the third dose, after 1 month, and after 6 months. The study found robust antibody responses to the ancestral strain at 6 months after receiving BNT162b2, but weaker and declining antibody responses to Omicron BA.2 after the third dose.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Critical Care Medicine
Benjamin J. Cowling, Shuyi Zhong
LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Faith Ho, Kris V. Parag, Dillon C. Adam, Eric H. Y. Lau, Benjamin J. Cowling, Tim K. Tsang
Summary: This study developed a negative binomial framework to estimate R-t and a time-varying dispersion parameter (k(t)), and applied it to COVID-19 incidence data in Hong Kong in 2020 and 2021. The results showed that our approach estimated an R-t peaking around 4, similar to the conventional method but with a better model fit. Our approach also identified significant heterogeneity in transmission and a sharp decrease in the dispersion parameter (k(t)) when large clusters of infections occurred.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jiehu Yuan, Wendy Wing Tak Lam, Jingyi Xiao, Michael Yuxuan Ni, Benjamin John Cowling, Qiuyan Liao
Summary: This qualitative study aimed to explore the reasons behind COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Chinese older adults in Hong Kong. The study found that older adults' hesitancy was influenced by factors such as lack of decisional support, negative perception of aging, fatalistic risk attitudes, present-oriented time perspectives, and negative values on western biomedicine.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nicole Ngai Yung Tsang, Hau Chi So, Benjamin J. Cowling, Gabriel M. Leung, Dennis Kai Ming Ip
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 and CoronaVac vaccines against Omicron variant infections. The results showed that the use of booster doses of these vaccines significantly reduced the risk of Omicron variant infections.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simon Cauchemez, Paolo Bosetti, Benjamin J. Cowling
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dongxuan Chen, Yiu-Chung Lau, Xiao-Ke Xu, Lin Wang, Zhanwei Du, Tim K. Tsang, Peng Wu, Eric H. Y. Lau, Jacco Wallinga, Benjamin J. Cowling, Sheikh Taslim Ali
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Can Wang, Xiaotong Huang, Eric H. Y. Lau, Benjamin J. Cowling, Tim K. Tsang
Summary: Accurate estimation of household secondary attack rate (SAR) is crucial for understanding the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2. This study found that the transmission intensity in the community has an impact on SAR estimates. The results showed a positive correlation between the incidence rate of cases during the study period and household SAR estimates.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Meihong Dong, Dennis Kai Ming Ip, Jiehu Yuan, Hau Chi So, Benjamin J. Cowling, Qiuyan Liao
Summary: The school-located influenza vaccination programme (SIVP) can effectively promote childhood seasonal influenza vaccination. However, the longitudinal effects of continuation and discontinuation of the SIVP on parents' vaccine hesitancy remained unknown.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marina Zahari, Vittoria Offeddu, Gavin J. D. Smith, Clarence C. Tam
Summary: Vaccine uptake for influenza and pneumococcal infections is suboptimal in young children in Singapore. Factors such as severe respiratory illness, younger age, household environment, parental education, and smoking were associated with vaccine uptake.
Article
Biology
Tim K. Tsang, Xiaotong Huang, Can Wang, Sijie Chen, Bingyi Yang, Simon Cauchemez, Benjamin John Cowling
Summary: It is crucial to quantify the variation of individual infectiousness for disease control. A study analyzing data from 17 SARS-CoV-2 household transmission studies found that the 20% most infectious cases have 3.1-fold higher infectiousness than average cases, consistent with heterogeneity in viral shedding. Household data can provide valuable information for estimating transmission heterogeneity.
Article
Immunology
Tim K. Tsang, Can Wang, Nicole N. Y. Tsang, Vicky J. J. Fang, Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera, J. S. Malik Peiris, Gabriel M. Leung, Benjamin J. Cowling, Dennis K. M. Ip
Summary: In randomized controlled trials, the relationship between vaccine response and host single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 23 candidate genes was explored in 550 children who received trivalent-inactivated influenza vaccine, with adjustment for multiple testing. The GT genotype in TLR7-1817G/T (rs5741880) was associated with lower odds (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.53) of having post-vaccination hemagglutination-inhibiting (HAI) titers ≥ 40, compared to the GG and TT genotypes. Similarly, the GT genotype in TLR8-129G/C (rs3764879) was associated with lower odds (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.80) of having post-vaccination HAI titers ≥ 40, compared to the GG and AA genotypes. These findings may contribute to the development of more effective vaccines.
Letter
Immunology
Weijia Xiong, Liping Peng, Tim K. Tsang, Benjamin J. Cowling
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sylvia K. Ofori, Jessica S. Schwind, Kelly L. Sullivan, Gerardo Chowell, Benjamin J. Cowling, Isaac Chun -Hai Fung
Summary: We used an age-stratified compartmental model to assess the impact of different COVID-19 vaccination strategies on health outcomes in Ghana. The population was divided into three age groups: <25 years, 25-64 years, and >=65 years. We examined five vaccination optimization scenarios using two contact matrices, assuming one million people could be vaccinated in either three or six months. Our findings showed that vaccinating individuals under 25 years old resulted in the lowest cumulative infections for both the initial strain and the Delta variant according to the main contact matrix. Prioritizing vaccination for the elderly (>=65 years old) was associated with the lowest cumulative deaths for both strains in all scenarios. The consistency of findings between the two contact matrices depended on the vaccine rollout period and the objectives of the vaccination program.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zhanwei Du, Xiao Zhang, Lin Wang, Sidan Yao, Yuan Bai, Qi Tan, Xiaoke Xu, Sen Pei, Jingyi Xiao, Tim K. Tsang, Qiuyan Liao, Eric H. Y. Lau, Peng Wu, Chao Gao, Benjamin J. Cowling
Summary: During extreme events like COVID-19 crisis, people tend to engage in collective online behaviors to express awareness, take action, and work through concerns. This study in Hong Kong SAR during the first two waves of COVID-19 provides a framework for evaluating the interactions among individuals' emotions, perceptions, and online behaviors. The study results show a strong correlation between online behaviors, such as Google searches, and the real-time reproduction numbers.
