Infectious Disease Reports最新文献

{"title":"Demographical and Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Prognosis of Adult Patients with Herpes Zoster in Türkiye: A Retrospective, Multi-Center Study (VARICOMP-Adult Study).","authors":"Esin Senol, Alpay Azap, Selda Sayin Kutlu, Murat Kutlu, Ayse Erbay, Pelin Kocyigit, Emine Colgecen, Ozlem Ozbagcivan, Nilsel Ilter, Funda Yetkin, Serpil Sener, Birsen Mutlu, Rebiay Kiran, Nese Saltoglu, Burhan Engin, Ener Cagri Dinleyici","doi":"10.3390/idr17030068","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Over the past few decades, the rising incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) rates appears to have been a global phenomenon. In Türkiye, there is a lack of comprehensive studies addressing the HZ burden of disease, risk factors, and clinical characteristics. The aim of the VARICOMP-Adult study was to evaluate the clinical and demographic findings of adult patients with HZ. <b>Patients and Methods:</b> We enrolled the medical records of 1955 patients, 1010 females and 945 males, aged between 18 and 97 years between 2009 and 2014. <b>Results:</b> The presence of underlying conditions was present in 35.5% of patients and 345 patients (17.6%) had immunosuppression; 18.0% of patients required hospitalization. The mean age, the presence of underlying conditions, and immunosuppression in hospitalized cases with HZ were higher than those in outpatients. Logistic regression analysis revealed the following risk factors for hospitalization: age, immunosuppression, hypertension, hematological disorders, transplantation, COPD, and the presence of HZ opthalmicus or disseminated disease. We observed seven HZ cases with mortality aged between 58 and 80 years, and all cases had an underlying condition; 9.9% of the entire population reported postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and age and no previous antiviral medications were the risk factors for PHN. <b>Conclusions:</b> This is the largest nationwide study of adult patients with HZ. Effective healthcare interventions such as antiviral therapy and immunization could prove beneficial in combating disease and treating HZ complications, especially in the high-risk population and individuals of older ages.</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/PMC12193520/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484166","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 New Reality of Infective Endocarditis: Changes in Patient Demographics and Outcomes in South Carolina.","authors":"Grant Garrison, Julie Royer, Max Habicht, Sarah Battle, Hana R Winders, Kayla Antosz, Anna-Kathryn Burch, Majdi N Al-Hasan, Julie Ann Justo, Pamela Bailey","doi":"10.3390/idr17030067","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Rising rates of opioid use disorder (OUD), usually via injection, has resulted in younger patients being diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE), with unique treatment challenges. <b>Methods:</b> This retrospective ecological study analyzed hospital discharge and home health records from 2016 to 2022 in South Carolina (SC). Cases of IE with concurrent coding for OUD were identified. Differences in patient demographics, hospital characteristics, length of care days, and charges by OUD status were determined using chi-square or <i>t</i>-tests. IE hospitalization rates by OUD status, year, and age group were calculated, and linear regression was used to determine differences by year. <b>Results:</b> There were 8601 acute-care hospitalization records for IE from 2016 to 2022 in the SC dataset, of which 1180 (13.7%) had concurrent OUD coding. Statistically significant differences between patients with and without OUD were identified for sex, age group, race, resident rurality, average number of comorbidities, disposition status, and year (all <i>p</i> < 0.01). The incidence rate of IE increased from 2.5/100,000 in 2016 to 6.9/100,000 in 2022 in patients aged 36 to 49 years with OUD (<i>p</i> = 0.02). Patients with IE and OUD who were discharged home had significantly longer lengths of stay in acute care hospitals (32.9 vs. 15.3 days; <i>p</i> < 0.01) and excessive hospital charges ($308,874 vs. $188,862) compared to those without OUD. <b>Conclusions:</b> Major changes have occurred in the demographics of IE in SC. The increasing incidence rate of IE in younger adults with OUD coupled with prolonged stays at acute care hospitals pose challenges to the healthcare system that require creative solutions.</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/PMC12193507/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484172","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":"Gut Microbiome in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-An Emerging Frontier.","authors":"Sasha Z Prisco, Suellen D Oliveira, E Kenneth Weir, Thenappan Thenappan, Imad Al Ghouleh","doi":"10.3390/idr17030066","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an irreversible disease characterized by vascular and systemic inflammation, ultimately leading to right ventricular failure. There is a great need for adjunctive therapies to extend survival for PAH patients. The gut microbiome influences the host immune system and is a potential novel target for PAH treatment. We review the emerging preclinical and clinical evidence which strongly suggests that there is gut dysbiosis in PAH and that alterations in the gut microbiome may either initiate or facilitate the progression of PAH by modifying systemic immune responses. We also outline approaches to modify the intestinal microbiome and delineate some practical challenges that may impact efforts to translate preclinical microbiome findings to PAH patients. Finally, we briefly describe studies that demonstrate contributions of infections to PAH pathogenesis. We hope that this review will propel further investigations into the mechanisms by which gut dysbiosis impacts PAH and/or right ventricular function, approaches to modify the gut microbiome, and the impact of infections on PAH development or progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193523/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484168","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":"Differential Effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Nef Variants on Pulmonary Vascular Endothelial Cell Dysfunction.","authors":"Amanda K Garcia, Noelia C Lujea, Javaria Baig, Eli Heath, Minh T Nguyen, Mario Rodriguez, Preston Campbell, Isabel Castro Piedras, Edu Suarez Martinez, Sharilyn Almodovar","doi":"10.3390/idr17030065","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections remain a source of cardiopulmonary complications among people receiving antiretroviral therapy. Still to this day, pulmonary hypertension (PH) severely affects the prognosis in this patient population. The persistent expression of HIV proteins, even during viral suppression, has been implicated in vascular dysfunction; however, little is known about the specific effects of these proteins on the pulmonary vasculature. This study investigates the impact of Nef variants derived from HIV-positive pulmonary hypertensive and normotensive donors on pulmonary vascular cells in vitro. <b>Methods:</b> We utilized well-characterized Nef molecular constructs to examine their effects on cell adhesion molecule gene expression (<i>ICAM1</i>, <i>VCAM1</i>, and <i>SELE</i>), pro-apoptotic gene expression (<i>BAX</i>, <i>BAK</i>), and vasoconstrictive endothelin-1 (<i>EDN1</i>) gene expression in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) nitric oxide and the production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines over 24, 48, and 72 h post-transfections with Nef variants. <b>Results:</b> HIV Nef variants SF2, NA7, and PH-associated Fr17 and 3236 induced a significant increase in adhesion molecule gene expression of <i>ICAM1</i>, <i>VCAM1</i>, and <i>SELE</i>. Pulmonary normotensive Nef 1138 decreased <i>ICAM1</i> gene expression, but had increased <i>VCAM1</i>. PH Nef ItVR showed a consistent decrease in <i>ICAM1</i> and no changes in <i>SELE</i> and <i>VCAM1</i> expression. Further gene expression analyses of pro-apoptotic genes <i>BAX</i> and <i>BAK</i> demonstrated that Nef NA7, SF2, normotensive Nef 1138, and PH Nef Fr8, Fr9, Fr17, and 3236 variants significantly increased gene expression for apoptosis. Normotensive Nef 1138, as well as PH Nef Fr9 and ItVR, all displayed a statistically significant decrease in <i>BAX</i> expression. The expression of <i>EDN1</i> had a statistically significant increase in samples treated with Nef NA7, SF2, normotensive Nef 2044 and PH Nef 3236, Fr17, and Fr8. Notably, PH-associated Nef variants sustained pro-inflammatory cytokine production, including IL-2, IL-4, and TNFα, while anti-inflammatory cytokine levels remained insufficient. Furthermore, eNOS was transiently upregulated by all Nef variants except for normotensive Nef 2044. <b>Conclusions:</b> The distinct effects of Nef variants on pulmonary vascular cell biology highlight the complex interplay between Nef, host factors, and vascular pathogenesis according to the variants.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193658/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484167","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":"A Comprehensive Review of Progress in Preventing Urinary Infections Associated with the Use of Urinary Catheters: A Dual Analysis of Publications and Patents.","authors":"Brunella Corrado, Aniello Cammarano, Stefania Dello Iacono, Emilia Renzi, Rosalba Moretta, Maria Emilia Mercurio, Laura Ascione, Annunziata Cummaro, Caterina Meglio, Luigi Nicolais","doi":"10.3390/idr17030064","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), caused by microbial colonization of catheter surfaces, are among the most common healthcare-associated infections and significantly strain healthcare systems worldwide. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current scientific literature and the patent landscape from 2014 to 2024 on strategies for preventing CAUTIs. A systematic search was conducted using the PRISMA method, which involved searching the Scopus database for scientific evidence and analyzing patent search results on The Lens.org platform. Co-authorship and co-occurrence analysis unveiled key contributors and emerging themes within the scientific community. Simultaneously, an in-depth inspection of patents filed elucidated top origins, applicants, and classifications. Additionally, network analysis based on keywords from papers and patents revealed the scientific scenario and the innovation trends, enriching the understanding of technological advancements. It highlights emerging technologies, key actors, and potential gaps, providing valuable insights for researchers, clinicians, and industry stakeholders, thereby contributing to overcoming barriers to treating CAUTIs.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484123","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":"Canine Leptospirosis in Flood-Affected Areas of Southern Brazil: Molecular Assessment and Public Health Implications.","authors":"Gabriela Merker Breyer, Nathasha Noronha Arechavaleta, Bruna Corrêa da Silva, Maria Eduarda Rocha Jacques da Silva, Mariana Costa Torres, Laura Cadó Nemitz, Rafaela da Rosa Marques, Fernando Borges Meurer, Gabriela Amanda Linden, Tainara Soares Weyh, Franciele Maboni Siqueira","doi":"10.3390/idr17030063","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Southern Brazil faced massive rains and floods in May 2024, which led to social, infrastructural, and One Health issues affecting over 478 municipalities and 2.3 million people. Exposure to floodwater increased the risk of bacterial infections, including leptospirosis. Despite the zoonotic nature of leptospiral infections, only human leptospirosis is subject to mandatory reporting, while canine cases are less closely monitored. Considering the extent of this climatic event, many emergency shelters were created for rescued dogs, highlighting the need to monitor infectious diseases to mitigate the spread of hazardous pathogens.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed a molecular assessment of canine leptospirosis in Porto Alegre and its metropolitan region. A total of 246 dogs rescued from the flooded areas underwent molecular diagnosis targeting <i>lipL32.</i> In addition, positive samples were identified by sequencing of the partial <i>secY</i> gene.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 9 (4%) dogs were positive for <i>Leptospira</i> spp. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of <i>secY</i> from the positive samples determined that the circulating strains belonged to <i>L. interrogans</i> (<i>n</i> = 8)-Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pomona as the suggested serogroups-and <i>L. kirschneri</i> (<i>n</i> = 1).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings point out the challenges in diagnosing and controlling leptospirosis during severe climatic events and reinforce the need for preventive sanitary measures to mitigate the dissemination of <i>Leptospira</i> spp., including the adoption of a mandatory notification system for canine leptospirosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193477/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484164","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 Underestimated Threat-Mycobacterium Genavense Infection: A Case Report.","authors":"Jannik Sonnenberg, Gert Gabriels, Ioana Diana Olaru, Sebastian Mühl, Julia Fischer, Hermann Pavenstädt, Jonel Trebicka, Kai-Henrik Peiffer, Phil-Robin Tepasse","doi":"10.3390/idr17030060","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represent a heterogeneous group of pathogens with increasing global prevalence and significant geographical variation in species distribution. NTM infections, often affecting immunocompromised individuals, are difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific clinical presentations and laboratory findings. This case study presents a rare extrapulmonary NTM infection in a 73-year-old man, initially misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis, highlighting the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by such infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The patient, a pigeon fancier, presented with recurrent fever and pancytopenia. Extensive diagnostics included blood cultures, bone marrow aspiration, and histopathology. Initial cultures and serological tests remained negative.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bone marrow aspiration revealed epithelioid granulomas, initially leading to the provisional diagnosis of sarcoidosis. However, after six weeks, <i>M. genavense</i> was isolated from mycobacterial blood cultures from bone marrow aspirant. Antimicrobial therapy with azithromycin, rifampicin, and ethambutol was initiated. Following the initiation of appropriate antimycobacterial therapy, the patient developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), which was managed with supportive care. The patient's condition improved, and no further febrile episodes occurred post-treatment, marking the successful conclusion of NTM therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of extrapulmonary NTM infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Misdiagnosis can delay appropriate treatment. <i>M. genavense</i>, though rare, should be considered in patients with a fever of unknown origin, especially with a background of immunosuppression. Prompt mycobacterial testing and tailored antibiotic therapy are crucial to improving outcomes in NTM infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193701/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484173","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":"<i>Tropheryma whipplei</i> and <i>Giardia intestinalis</i> Co-Infection: Metagenomic Analysis During Infection and the Recovery Follow-Up.","authors":"Anna Anselmo, Fabiana Rizzo, Elena Gervasi, Luca Corrent, Andrea Ciammaruconi, Silvia Fillo, Antonella Fortunato, Anna Maria Marella, Silvia Costantini, Luca Baldassari, Florigio Lista, Alessandra Ciervo","doi":"10.3390/idr17030062","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Whipple's disease (WD) is a rare infection caused by <i>Tropheryma whipplei</i>. Diagnosis is challenging and requires a combination of several data sets, such as patient history, clinical and laboratory investigations, and endoscopy with histology analyses. While persistent diarrhea is a common symptom, WD can affect multiple organs.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>We present the case of a 66-year-old immunocompetent patient with WD and a history of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection who developed chronic diarrhea. Colonoscopy and histopathological analysis revealed the presence of foamy macrophages with periodic acid-Schiff-positive particles. Subsequently, molecular methods confirmed the clinical WD diagnosis and metagenomic analyses further identified a co-infection with <i>Giardia intestinalis</i>. The patient fully recovered after 14 months of antibiotic therapy. During pharmacological treatment, clinical and laboratory follow-ups were conducted at 6 and 12 months, and microbiome profiles were also analyzed to identify the most abundant species in the samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The metagenomic analyses showed the eradication of the two pathogens and a progressive restoration to a healthy/balanced status after antibiotic therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192650/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484122","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":"Advances in the Treatment of Enterovirus-D68 and Rhinovirus Respiratory Infections.","authors":"Vonintsoa L Rahajamanana, Mathieu Thériault, Henintsoa Rabezanahary, Yesmine G Sahnoun, Maria Christina Mallet, Sandra Isabel, Sylvie Trottier, Mariana Baz","doi":"10.3390/idr17030061","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Enterovirus-D68 (EV-D68) and rhinoviruses are major contributors to respiratory illnesses in children, presenting a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe lower respiratory tract infections. No specific antiviral treatments are currently approved for these viruses.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We conducted a comprehensive literature review of antiviral agents investigated for EV-D68 and rhinovirus infections.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Several antiviral candidates are under investigation, each targeting distinct stages of the viral replicative cycle. Capsid-binding agents and monoclonal antibodies prevent viral attachment by blocking receptor-virus interactions. Inhibitors of viral replication proteins disrupt polyprotein processing and replication organelle biogenesis by targeting non-structural viral proteins. Host factor inhibitors impair viral attachment, replication organelle formation, or RNA replication by interfering with critical host pathways.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While no specific antivirals are yet approved for EV-D68 and rhinovirus infections, emerging therapeutic candidates offer potential avenues for treatment. Continued preclinical and clinical investigation will be essential to validate these approaches and expand the available options for affected patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12193398/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484125","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":"A Retrospective Study of the Effects of COVID-19 Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions on Influenza in Canada.","authors":"Heather MacTavish, Kenzie MacIntyre, Paniz Zadeh, Matthew Betti","doi":"10.3390/idr17030059","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr17030059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on endemic respiratory illnesses. Through behavioral changes in populations and government policy, mainly through non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), Canada saw historic lows in the number of influenza A cases from 2020 through 2022. In this study, we use historical influenza A data for Canada and three provincial jurisdictions within Canada-Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta-to quantify the effects of these NPIs on influenza A. <b>Methods</b>: We aim to see which base parameters and derived parameters of an SIR model are most affected by NPIs. We fit a simple SIR model to historical influenza data to get average paramters for seasonal influenza. We then compare these parameters to those predicted by fitting influenza cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. <b>Results</b>: We find substantial differences in the effective population size and basic reproduction number during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also see the effects of fatigue and relaxation of NPIs when comparing the years 2020, 2021, and 2022. <b>Conclusions</b>: We find that the effective population size is the main driver of change to disease spread and discuss how these retrospective estimates can be used for future forecasting.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192953/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484124","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}