Infectious Disease Reports最新文献

{"title":"\"This Is How I Give Back\": Long-Term Survivors on Legacy and HIV Cure Research at the End of Life-A Qualitative Inquiry in the United States.","authors":"Ali Ahmed, Jeff Taylor, Whitney Tran, Simran Swaitch, Samuel O Ndukwe, Rachel Lau, Kris H Oliveira, Stephanie Solso, Cheryl Dullano, Andy Kaytes, Patricia K Riggs, Robert Deiss, Sara Gianella, Karine Dubé","doi":"10.3390/idr17040078","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17040078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: End-of-life (EOL) HIV cure research, which studies HIV persistence through pre- and post-mortem tissue collection, has focused primarily on people living with HIV (PLWH) with a prognosis of six months or less. However, the perspectives of long-term survivors (LTS) diagnosed before the advent of effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) remain underexplored. Understanding their motivations and concerns about EOL cure research is essential for creating inclusive and ethical research frameworks. <b>Methods</b>: Between 2023 and 2024, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 16 PLWH aged 60 and older from diverse backgrounds across the United States, recruited through community-based organizations and HIV networks. We used inductive thematic analysis to explore LTS' perspectives on EOL HIV research. <b>Results</b>: Participants included cisgender men (56.25%) and women (43.75%) with diverse racial identities. While participants supported EOL HIV cure research, their willingness to participate varied, influenced by awareness, logistics, and ethical concerns. Altruism-motivated participation, but misconceptions about procedures and concerns over bodily integrity represented potential barriers. Some viewed blood draws and leukaphereses as routine, while others expressed hesitancy with biopsies and post-mortem tissue retrieval. HIV stigma, historical mistrust, and cultural beliefs also played a role in willingness to participate. LTS emphasized the need for decentralized research sites, travel support, and financial safeguards. <b>Conclusions</b>: To include LTS in EOL HIV cure research, a community-driven approach is needed, focusing on clear communication, ethical considerations, logistical support, and linkages to EOL care. Addressing misconceptions and building trust, particularly within groups traditionally underrepresented in research, is essential to expanding participation.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12286158/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of Centralized Sexual Assault Care Centers in HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Treatment Adherence: A Retrospective Single Center Analysis.","authors":"Stefano Malinverni, Shirine Kargar Samani, Christine Gilles, Agnès Libois, Floriane Bédoret","doi":"10.3390/idr17040077","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17040077","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Sexual assault victims involving penetration are at risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can effectively prevent HIV infection if initiated promptly within 72 h following exposure and adhered to for 28 days. Nonetheless, therapeutic adherence amongst sexual assault victims is low. Victim-centered care, provided by specially trained forensic nurses and midwives, may increase adherence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;We conducted a retrospective case-control study to evaluate the impact of sexual assault center (SAC)-centered care on adherence to PEP compared to care received in the emergency department (ED). Data from January 2011 to February 2022 were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the association between centralized specific care for sexual assault victims and completion of the 28-day PEP regimen. The secondary outcome assessed was provision of psychological support within 5 days following the assault.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;We analyzed 856 patients of whom 403 (47.1%) received care at a specialized center for sexual assault victims. Attendance at the SAC, relative to the ED, was not associated with greater probability of PEP completion both in the unadjusted (52% vs. 50.6%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.39; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.666) and adjusted (OR: 0.81, 95%CI 0.58-1.11; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.193) analysis. The care provided at the SAC was associated with improved early (42.7% vs. 21.5%; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) and delayed (67.3% vs. 33.7%; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) psychological support.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;SAC-centered care is not associated with an increase in PEP completion rates in sexual assault victims beyond the increase associated with improved access to early and delayed psychological support. Other measures to improve PEP completion rates should be developed. &lt;b&gt;What is already known on this topic&lt;/b&gt;-Completion rates for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among victims of sexual assault are low. Specialized sexual assault centers, which provide comprehensive care and are distinct from emergency departments, have been suggested as a potential means of improving treatment adherence and completion rates. However, their actual impact on treatment completion remains unclear. &lt;b&gt;What this study adds&lt;/b&gt;-This study found that HIV PEP completion rates in sexual assault victims were not significantly improved by centralized care in a specialized sexual assault center when compared to care initiated in the emergency department and continued within a sexually transmitted infection clinic. However, linkage to urgent psychological and psychiatric care was better in the specialized sexual assault center. How this study might affect research, practice or policy-Healthcare providers in sexual assault centers should be more aware of their critical role in promoting PEP adherence and improving completion rates. P","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12286241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Hospitalized Patients: A Five-Year Surveillance in Italy.","authors":"Marcello Guido, Antonella Zizza, Raffaella Sedile, Milva Nuzzo, Laura Isabella Lupo, Pierfrancesco Grima","doi":"10.3390/idr17040076","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17040076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Antibiotic resistance is a significant and escalating challenge that limits available therapeutic options. This issue is further exacerbated by the decreasing number of new antibiotics being developed. Our study aims to describe the epidemiology and pattern of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative infections isolated from a cohort of hospitalized patients and to analyze the distribution of infections within the hospital setting. <b>Methods</b>: A retrospective study was conducted on all patients admitted to Vito Fazzi Hospital in Lecce, Italy, who required an infectious disease consultation due to the isolation of Gram-negative bacteria from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022. <b>Results</b>: During the study period, 402 isolates obtained from 382 patients (240 men and 142 women) with infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria were identified. Among these isolated, 226 exhibited multidrug resistance, defined as resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent from three or more different classes. In 2018, the percentage of multidrug-resistant isolates peaked at 87.6%, before decreasing to the lowest level (66.2%) in 2021. Overall, of the 402 isolates, 154 (38.3%) displayed resistance to carbapenems, while 73 (18.1%) were resistant to extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Among the resistant microorganisms, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> showed the highest resistance to carbapenems, accounting for 85.2% of all resistant strains. <i>Escherichia coli</i> exhibited the greatest resistance to ESBLs, with a rate of 86.7%. Among carbapenem-resistant <i>K. pneumoniae</i> isolates, the following resistance rates were observed: KPC-1 at 98.2%, IMP-1 at 0.9%, VIM-1 at 0.9%, and NDM-1 at 0.9%. <b>Conclusions</b>: Patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria have limited treatment options and are therefore at an increased risk of death, complications, and longer hospital stays. Rapid diagnostic techniques and antimicrobial stewardship programs-especially for ESBLs and carbapenemases-can significantly shorten the time needed to identify the infection and initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy compared to traditional methods. Additionally, enhancing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance within populations is crucial to address this emerging public health challenge.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12285967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: Silva et al. Abnormal Neurologic and Motor Function in Newborns Treated for Congenital Syphilis. <i>Infect. Dis. Rep.</i> 2025, <i>17</i>, 34.","authors":"Bruna Silva, Luciana Friedrich, Graziela Biazus, Renata Bueno, Carla Almeida","doi":"10.3390/idr17040075","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17040075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the original publication [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12277966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144674693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Hospitalization and Mortality: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes During the Early Phase of the Pandemic.","authors":"Brenda Garduño-Orbe, Paola Selene Palma-Ramírez, Eduardo López-Ortiz, Gabriela García-Morales, Juan Manuel Sánchez-Rebolledo, Alexis Emigdio-Loeza, Anel Gómez-García, Geovani López-Ortiz","doi":"10.3390/idr17040074","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17040074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Although COVID-19 vaccination has been effective in reducing severe illness and mortality, its differential clinical behavior in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals during the early stages of the pandemic-especially in settings with partial coverage and real-world conditions-remains insufficiently characterized. <b>Objective</b>: To assess differences in clinical presentation, comorbidity prevalence, hospitalization, and mortality between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during the early phase of the pandemic. <b>Methods</b>: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using 4625 electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Guerrero, Mexico, between 1 January and 31 December 2021. Variables included vaccination status, age, sex, comorbidities, symptom severity, clinical outcomes, and mortality. Statistical analyses involved chi-square tests, logistic regression for hospitalization probability, and Cox proportional hazards models for mortality risk. <b>Results</b>: Of the patients analyzed, 31.45% had received at least one vaccine dose. Fever, headache, cough, and anosmia were more frequent among vaccinated individuals (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Prostration and chest pain were strongly associated with hospitalization in both groups. In unvaccinated patients, smoking (OR = 4.75), obesity (OR = 3.85), and hypertension (OR = 2.94) increased hospitalization risk. Among vaccinated patients, diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.62) and hypertension (OR = 2.88) were key predictors. Vaccination was significantly associated with lower odds of hospitalization (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.26-0.55) and reduced mortality risk (HR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.71). <b>Conclusions</b>: Vaccination status was a significant protective factor for both hospitalization and mortality; however, clinical symptoms and comorbidity-related risks varied, highlighting the need for individualized patient management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12286140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Northern Thailand: A Retrospective Study from 2016 to 2024.","authors":"Nang Kham-Kjing, Sirithip Phruekthayanon, Thipsuda Krueyot, Panaddar Phutthakham, Sorasak Intarasoot, Khajornsak Tragoolpua, Kanya Preechasuth, Tanawan Samleerat Carraway, Natedao Kongyai, Woottichai Khamduang","doi":"10.3390/idr17040073","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17040073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant public health concern in Thailand, with genotype-specific, drug-dependent variations influencing treatment response and disease progression. Despite the availability of pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), genotype surveillance remains essential for optimizing national elimination strategies. This study thus aims to characterize the molecular distribution of HCV genotypes in northern Thailand. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a retrospective molecular epidemiological study on 1737 HCV-infected patients who attended the Clinical Microbiology Service Unit (CMSU) Laboratory, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University between April 2016 and June 2024. HCV genotyping was performed using Sanger sequencing and reverse hybridization line probe assay (LiPA). <b>Results:</b> Genotype 3 was the most prevalent (36.6%), followed by genotype 1 (35.8%) and genotype 6 (27.2%). Subtype 3a (27.2%) predominated, along with 1a (22.1%), 1b (12.6%), and genotype 6 subtypes including 6c to 6l (13.5%) and 6n (6.6%). Males had a higher prevalence of genotype 1, while genotype 3 was more common among females. Temporal analysis revealed a relative increase in genotype 6 prevalence since 2021. Genotype 6 also exhibited significantly higher median viral loads compared to genotypes 1 and 3 (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). <b>Conclusions:</b> This study provides updated evidence on the shifting distribution of HCV genotypes in northern Thailand, particularly the increasing prevalence of genotype 6. These findings underscore the importance of continued molecular surveillance to guide genotype-specific treatment strategies and support Thailand's 2030 HCV elimination goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12285935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polylactic Acid Membranes, a Novel Adjunct Treatment for Bullous Impetigo.","authors":"Ana Lorena Novoa-Moreno, Mario Aurelio Martinez-Jimenez, Arturo Ortiz-Alvarez, Natalia Sanchez-Olivo, Victor Manuel Loza-Gonzalez, Jose Luis Ramirez-GarciaLuna","doi":"10.3390/idr17030072","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by blistering and erosions that can lead to significant discomfort and complications. The standard treatment includes topical or systemic antibiotics, but severe cases may require advanced wound management strategies. Polylactic acid (PLA)-based membranes have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing wound healing, modulating inflammation, and reducing pain. <b>Clinical case:</b> We present three cases of bullous impetigo with extensive erosions, managed using PLA membranes as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics. A significant improvement was shown after 7 days of treatment of a single application, and complete resolution was achieved after 30 days. Notably, pain was resolved within 48-72 h, highlighting the analgesic and protective properties of the membrane. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings suggest that PLA membranes provide a viable adjunct to antibiotic therapy in bullous impetigo, accelerating healing, reducing discomfort, and improving long-term skin outcomes. Given the increasing concern over antibiotic resistance and the limitations of standard wound care, bioresorbable synthetic membranes represent a promising alternative in dermatological wound management.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and Occupational Predictors of Mortality in Ebola Virus Disease: A Commentary from the Democratic Republic of Congo (2018-2020).","authors":"Jean Paul Muambangu Milambo, Charles Bitamazire Businge","doi":"10.3390/idr17030071","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This commentary analyzes demographic, clinical, and occupational characteristics associated with Ebola virus disease (EVD) outcomes during the 2018-2020 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). <b>Methods:</b> A total of 3477 EVD cases were included. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between clinical outcomes and patient characteristics. Comorbidity estimates and healthcare worker (HCW) occupational exposure data were incorporated based on the literature. <b>Results:</b> The median age was 26.5 years (SD = 16.1), with the majority (59.7%) aged 20-59. Males represented 51.3% of the cohort. Most patients (81.8%) worked in occupations that were not disease-exposing. Overall, 450 patients (12.9%) died. Although comorbidities initially appeared predictive of mortality (unadjusted HR: 3.05; 95% CI: 2.41-3.87), their effect was not statistically significant after adjustment (adjusted HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.87-1.59; <i>p</i> = 0.301). The strongest predictor of death was clinical status at admission: patients classified as \"very sick\" had an alarmingly high adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 236.26 (95% CI: 33.18-1682.21; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Non-disease-exposing occupations were also associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.33-2.31; <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> Despite improvements in outbreak response, mortality remains disproportionately high among patients presenting in critical condition and those outside the health sector. These findings underscore the importance of early detection strategies and enhanced protection for all occupational groups during EVD outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SARS-CoV-2 Did Not Spread Through Dental Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan.","authors":"Yasuhiro Tsubura, Yuske Komiyama, Saori Ohtani, Toshiki Hyodo, Ryo Shiraishi, Shuma Yagisawa, Erika Yaguchi, Maki Tsubura-Okubo, Hajime Houzumi, Masato Nemoto, Jin Kikuchi, Chonji Fukumoto, Sayaka Izumi, Takahiro Wakui, Koji Wake, Hitoshi Kawamata","doi":"10.3390/idr17030070","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dental professionals were thought to have the most significant risk of coronavirus infection during the pandemic. Since the first Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient was detected in Japan in January 2020, Japan has faced several waves of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. However, no cluster of SARS-CoV-2 infections associated with dental procedures has been reported in Japan. In this study, we aimed to investigate the actual status of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pandemic through antibody testing for dental professionals. We further investigated saliva and oral management-related aerosol to estimate the risk of virus transmission during dental procedures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer in the blood of dental professionals and their families was determined during the pre-vaccinated period of the SARS-CoV-2 wave to see the history of infection in Japan. Viral loads in saliva and in the aerosol generated during the oral management of COVID-19 patients were detected by RT-qPCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The antibody testing of dental healthcare providers during the early phases of the pandemic in Japan revealed low antibody positivity, which supported the low incidence of infection clusters among dental clinics. The aerosol generated during dental procedures may contain trace levels of SARS-CoV-2, indicating the risk of transmission through dental procedures is limited. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 did not spread through dental clinics.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Very few SARS-CoV-2 infections were observed in dental professionals who took appropriate infection control measures in the early period of the pandemic. Performing dental procedures using standard precautions seems to be sufficient to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193509/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validation of a Questionnaire on the Post-COVID-19 Condition (Long COVID): A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy.","authors":"Angelo Cianciulli, Emanuela Santoro, Roberta Manente, Antonietta Pacifico, Gianni Comunale, Marika Finizio, Mario Capunzo, Francesco De Caro, Gianluigi Franci, Giuseppina Moccia, Giovanni Boccia","doi":"10.3390/idr17030069","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Long COVID is a condition that was initially recognized by social support groups, and later by the scientific and medical communities. It affects COVID-19 survivors at various levels of severity, including young people, children and non-hospitalized people. Although the exact definition is unclear, the most common symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath, which persist for months. Other symptoms include cognitive impairment, pain, palpitations, and gastrointestinal and heart problems. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of a questionnaire designed to examine the development and effects of long COVID.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A questionnaire, composed of three sections, with a total of 24 items, was administered to subjects who had recovered from the COVID-19 disease in Italy. Data were collected from February to April 2025, and a statistical analysis was performed using R^® statistical software for Windows, version 4.3.3. Cronbach's alpha was tested to check internal consistency. The questionnaire was completed voluntarily and anonymously by 250 individuals who had recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The questionnaire was self-administered and had open and structured questions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The highest value of Cronbach's alpha was found on 18 items (alpha = 0.97), which means that the questionnaire has satisfactory internal validity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights and confirms the continuity of symptoms manifested during the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the post-COVID-19 phase and the significant impact of these symptoms on daily life activities. Given its excellent reliability properties and high internal consistency, the instrument is recommended for future longitudinal studies and with large cohorts in order to carry out valid and replicable measurements of COVID-19 symptomatology.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192970/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}