Journal of Infection and Public Health最新文献

{"title":"Serological and molecular investigation of suspected chickenpox cases from India, 2016–2025","authors":"Sunil R. Vaidya,&nbsp;Sarang S. Kamble,&nbsp;Madhukar B. Kamble,&nbsp;Roben P. George,&nbsp;Pankaj G. Pandey,&nbsp;Atul M. Walimbe","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox is a neglected disease in India with numerous outbreaks reported in the last decade. Unfortunately, varicella vaccine is not included in India’s Universal Immunization Program (UIP), and active surveillance is not in place. Investigation of suspected varicella cases from various Indian regions was done to understand disease burden and molecular epidemiology.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Between 2016 and 2025, 195 clinical cases from suspected chickenpox cases were referred for virological investigation from five States and one Union Territory of India. Samples were analyzed for Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) using IgM-EIA and/or conventional PCR. Virus isolation was attempted on Vero, MRC-5, and WI-38 cell lines. PCR-positive products were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis to identify circulating VZV clades.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 195 suspected cases, 159 (81.53 %) were confirmed by serological or molecular methods. Majority of the cases (n = 152, 77.94 %) occurred in individuals under 18 years of age, with higher incidence among males (n = 119) than females (n = 76). Of 58 diverse clinical specimens, 43 showed VZV DNA. Sequencing of representative PCR products showed circulation of VZV clade-5 in 29 cases and clade-9 in a single case. Unfortunately, attempts at VZV isolation were not successful.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study confirms a high laboratory-confirmed rate of varicella among suspected cases in India, with children being the most affected. Molecular data identified VZV clade-5 as primary circulating genotype. These findings highlight a significant burden of chickenpox and provide molecular evidence to support inclusion of the varicella vaccine in India’s Universal Immunization Program.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103147"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Consensus-based expert recommendations on the management of heavily treatment-experienced people living with HIV in the Middle East","authors":"Ali S. Omrani ,&nbsp;Abdullah Almohaizeie ,&nbsp;Ahmed Al Hammadi ,&nbsp;Ghassan Wali ,&nbsp;Jameela Al Salman ,&nbsp;Masautso Chaponda ,&nbsp;Osama Albaksami","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103110","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103110","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Heavily treatment-experienced (HTE) people with HIV face significant clinical challenges due to multidrug resistance, prior treatment failures, and limited effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) options. In the Middle East, these challenges are compounded by insufficient surveillance systems, limited regional guidance, and stigma-related barriers to care. The objective of this study was to develop consensus-based, evidence-informed statements for the management of HTE people with HIV in the Middle East through expert collaboration and a literature review.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An expert panel of infectious disease specialists from across the Middle East conducted a literature review and applied the Delphi methodology to reach consensus on key recommendations. Statements were developed, refined, and voted on anonymously, with consensus defined as ≥ 80 % agreement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A consensus was reached on eight core statements, including: defining HTE, enhanced monitoring protocols, timely adherence and resistance assessments, individualized ART construction, multidisciplinary care integration, non-pharmacological support strategies, establishment of HIV registries, and development of formal HTE HIV management guidelines with ongoing clinician training.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These consensus statements provide a foundational framework to improve the management of HTE HIV in the Middle East. Implementation of these regionally tailored strategies may enhance clinical outcomes, address key unmet needs, and strengthen HIV care infrastructure across the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103110"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145827973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Peritoneal tuberculosis impersonating ovarian malignancy: A case series from a high tuberculosis burden country","authors":"S.A. Susilo,&nbsp;A.B. Harsono,&nbsp;G.N.A. Winarno,&nbsp;S. Salima,&nbsp;K.I. Mantilidewi","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An uncommon form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is abdominal tuberculosis (TB). Due to its vague symptoms, abdominal TB remains difficult to diagnose. We report three cases of peritoneal TB with abdominal enlargement in Bandung, Indonesia, which were initially misdiagnosed as ovarian carcinoma and treated with biopsy and laparotomy. To avoid unnecessary invasive procedures that pose risks to patients, we assess the need for a diagnostic strategy to differentiate between ovarian cancer and abdominal TB based on our experiences and existing literature. Peritoneal TB closely mimics ovarian cancer in clinical presentation, imaging findings, and tumor marker profiles. Elevated CA-125 and ascitic fluid analysis may mislead clinicians, especially in resource-limited settings. To prevent misdiagnosis, careful diagnostic procedures should be undertaken.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103113"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends in Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes and antimicrobial resistance in Italy (2007–2023): A mixed-effects model analysis of invasive pneumococcal disease","authors":"Irene Amoruso ,&nbsp;Marco Fonzo ,&nbsp;Simone Agostini ,&nbsp;Francesca Russo ,&nbsp;Vincenzo Baldo ,&nbsp;Tatjana Baldovin ,&nbsp;Chiara Bertoncello","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remains a significant public health concern despite the widespread implementation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). Shifts in serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns, particularly in the post-PCV13 era, necessitate ongoing surveillance to inform vaccine and treatment policies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective analysis of laboratory-confirmed IPD cases reported in the Veneto Region of north-eastern Italy between 2007 and 2023. Data were obtained from regional surveillance systems and included serotype, clinical presentation, demographics, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Trends in IPD incidence were modelled using negative binomial generalised linear mixed models (GLMM). Serotype distribution and AMR patterns were examined over time and in relation to age, sex, and clinical syndrome.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 59 pneumococcal serotypes were identified. Serotype 3 was most frequent, followed by 8 and 19 A. Significant increases were observed for serotype 8, while vaccine-included serotypes (e.g., 6 A, 23 F, 7 F) declined. AMR remained stable overall, with erythromycin and clindamycin resistance observed in 17.3 % and 13.2 % of isolates, respectively. Resistance was concentrated in serotypes 14, 15 A, and 19 A. Serotype 8 showed high prevalence but low resistance rates. The overall IPD incidence remained stable; however, a modest upward trend was observed in pre-COVID19 pandemic years.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings highlight the evolving pneumococcal landscape in the post-PCV13 era, with emerging serotypes contributing significantly to IPD burden. The observed serotype-specific AMR patterns underscore the importance of integrated surveillance to support regionally tailored immunisation strategies and empirical therapy choices. Expanded-valency vaccines may offer broader protection against emerging serotypes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103145"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global burden, inequalities and projections of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, 1990–2050: A systematic global analysis","authors":"Yu Qiu,&nbsp;Hongmei Wang,&nbsp;Kunli Yin,&nbsp;Wenxiang Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Vancomycin-resistant <em>Enterococcus faecium</em> (VREfm) and <em>Enterococcus faecalis</em> (VREfs) are major antimicrobial resistance threats. Previous assessments rarely distinguished species, limiting understanding of their epidemiology and control. To address this gap, we analysed trends from 1990 to 2021 and projected the burden through 2050 in order to assess the global burden, inequalities, and future patterns of VREfm and VREfs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analysed deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from Measuring Infectious Causes and Resistance Outcomes for Burden Estimation (MICROBE) across 204 countries from 1990 to 2021. Temporal trends were assessed using estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Associations with the socio-demographic index (SDI), health inequalities, and decomposition of burden changes were examined. Future trends to 2050 were projected using a Bayesian age–period–cohort (BAPC) model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In 2021, 11,021 deaths and 353,634 DALYs were attributable to VREfm worldwide, compared with 2991 deaths and 82,025 DALYs attributable to VREfs. Since 1990, VREfm has increased mainly in higher-SDI regions, whereas VREfs has decreased in lower-SDI settings. Based on the BAPC model, VREfm burden is projected to continue rising across all indicators by 2050, while VREfs shows a sustained decline.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates divergent species-specific trends, with an increasing burden of VREfm and a decline in VREfs. VREfm is concentrated in middle- to high-SDI regions, while VREfs is in lower-SDI regions. For both species, burden peaks in young children and older adults. These divergent patterns necessitate tailored strategies that prioritise young children and older adults, with a focus on hospital infection control and antimicrobial stewardship for VREfm in higher-SDI regions, and on community prevention and One Health approaches for VREfs in lower-SDI regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103111"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A decade of respiratory virus surveillance in the Republic of Korea: Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on virus circulation patterns","authors":"Jee Eun Rhee ,&nbsp;Nam-Joo Lee ,&nbsp;Jaehee Lee ,&nbsp;SangHee Woo ,&nbsp;Seonmi Jin ,&nbsp;Gab Jung Kim ,&nbsp;Eun-Jin Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have significantly altered the circulation of respiratory viruses worldwide. This study aimed to describe the temporal and epidemiological changes in the circulation of major respiratory viruses in the Republic of Korea.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were collected from the Korea Respiratory viruses Integrated Surveillance System (K-RISS) over ten consecutive respiratory seasons (2015–2016–2024–2025). Respiratory specimens (n = 119,657) were obtained from 106 sentinel network clinics. Real-time PCR was used to detect eight viruses: influenza virus (IFV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), human coronavirus (HCoV), adenovirus (AdV), human bocavirus (HBoV), and human rhinovirus (HRV). Detection patterns were compared across pre-pandemic (2015–early 2020), pandemic (2020–2023), and post-pandemic (late 2023–mid 2025) periods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During the NPI periods, enveloped viruses (IFV, RSV, PIV, HCoV, and HMPV) nearly disappeared, but resurged with atypical seasonality in 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. RSV and PIV reemerged earlier and at higher detection levels, particularly among children aged 0–6 years. In contrast, non-enveloped viruses (HBoV, HRV, and AdV) remained detectable throughout the pandemic. Overall, viral detection dropped to 44.8 % in the 2020–2021 season but recovered to 57.5 % in 2022–2023. By 2024–2025, most viruses had returned to their pre-pandemic seasonal patterns.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>COVID-19-related NPIs caused profound, virus-specific shifts in respiratory virus circulation. Surveillance through the K-RISS allowed for early detection of re-emergent viruses and guided public health responses. Continuous, multipathogen monitoring is essential for preparing against future disruptions driven by pandemics or environmental changes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103093"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145827917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology, clinical outcomes and mortality-associated factors of staphylococcal pneumonia in hospitalized Thai children: A nationwide retrospective analysis 2015–2023","authors":"Sirapoom Niamsanit ,&nbsp;Phanthila Sitthikarnkha ,&nbsp;Leelawadee Techasatian ,&nbsp;Suchaorn Saengnipanthkul ,&nbsp;Pope Kosalaraksa ,&nbsp;Kaewjai Thepsuthammarat ,&nbsp;Rattapon Uppala","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aims</h3><div>Staphylococcal pneumonia is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to investigate the national epidemiology, clinical outcomes, and mortality-associated factors of pediatric staphylococcal pneumonia in Thailand.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A nationwide retrospective study was conducted using the National Health Security Office (NHSO) database. All hospital admissions of children aged 1 month to &lt; 18 years diagnosed with staphylococcal pneumonia (ICD-10-TM code J15.2) between 2015 and 2023 were included. Demographics, comorbidities, complications, interventions, and outcomes were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 1718 admissions were analyzed. Annual admissions peaked at 249 in 2016 and were lowest at 129 in 2022. Most admissions were male (61.5 %) and infants under 1 year (34.2 %). Intubation was required in 60.9 % of cases, and 10.5 % underwent surgical interventions. The hospital mortality rate was 10.6 %. Factors associated with higher mortality included congenital heart disease (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.57; 95 % CI 2.27–5.61), malignancy (AOR 4.13; 95 % CI 1.87–9.10), malnutrition (AOR 3.13; 95 % CI 1.45–6.75), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (AOR 4.26; 95 % CI 2.23–8.14), septic shock (AOR 3.85; 95 % CI 2.52–5.90), acute renal failure (AOR 4.46; 95 % CI 2.72–7.30), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (AOR 2.13; 95 % CI 1.18–3.83), and need for endotracheal intubation (AOR 9.98; 95 % CI 4.50–22.15).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Pediatric staphylococcal pneumonia remains a significant clinical burden in Thailand, with high complication and mortality rates. Targeted interventions, particularly in high-risk populations, are essential to improve outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103127"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Possible tuberculous meningitis presenting with predominant voiding dysfunction in an elderly patient: A case report","authors":"Fanwei Liu ,&nbsp;Siqi Sun ,&nbsp;Yonghu Zhang ,&nbsp;Fang Wang ,&nbsp;Xiou Yang ,&nbsp;Bingli Zhang ,&nbsp;Sitong Fan ,&nbsp;Hongyu Jia","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103128","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103128","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) typically presents with neurological symptoms. Voiding dysfunction in TBM is usually attributed to spinal cord involvement. We report a rare case of possible TBM co-existing with possible prostatic tuberculosis, presenting primarily with urinary symptoms in the absence of spinal pathology. A 69-year-old male presented with a two-year history of progressive urinary retention, urgency, and frequency. Initial management for benign prostatic hyperplasia was ineffective. He subsequently developed fever, headache, and dizziness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein. Despite extensive testing, including CSF culture, Xpert MTB/RIF, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), no pathogen was identified. However, a history of untreated testicular tuberculosis, pulmonary nodules on CT, and a prostatic nodule on MRI raised suspicion of disseminated tuberculosis. A clinical diagnosis of <strong>possible TBM</strong> was made based on a Marais score of 11. An intensive anti-tuberculosis regimen including moxifloxacin and linezolid led to complete resolution of neurological and urinary symptoms. This case suggests that voiding dysfunction in TBM patients may stem from concurrent genitourinary tuberculosis rather than spinal cord involvement. It highlights the importance of considering hematogenous dissemination from latent genitourinary foci in elderly patients and the utility of the Marais criteria for the diagnosis of TBM when microbiological evidence is elusive.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103128"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dominant strain analysis of Omicron sublineages based on next-generation sequencing in the Honam region of South Korea","authors":"Hyeon Gyeong Kim ,&nbsp;Dong-Min Kim ,&nbsp;Sung-Chul Lim ,&nbsp;Choon-Mee Kim ,&nbsp;Yoon-Seok Chung","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to identify Omicron sublineages and examine their patterns in the Honam region, the southwestern region of South Korea, using next-generation sequencing (NGS). In 2023, 1725 polymerase chain reaction-positive samples were collected from the Honam region for variant analysis through NGS. Among the 1725 confirmed cases, 1690 were domestic infections, and 35 were imported infections. The study identified two Honam-specific sublineages, BN.1 and HK.3, with a significant difference in variant distribution between domestic and imported infections (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed across the three Honam regions (<em>P</em> = 0.348). The variant prevalence in Honam differed from national and global data reported by the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). This study emphasizes the value of regional variant analysis using NGS, which aids in infectious disease surveillance and monitoring regional variant distribution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103124"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of monovalent vaccines in preventing death and severe disease among Omicron-infected and hospitalized patients in China","authors":"Ming-Jin Liu ,&nbsp;Wei Zhang ,&nbsp;Chun-Xi Shan ,&nbsp;Yao Tian ,&nbsp;Qiang Xu ,&nbsp;Mi Mu ,&nbsp;Peng-Tao Bao ,&nbsp;Yang Yang ,&nbsp;Li-Qun Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103109","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103109","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The lifting of the zero-COVID policy in China in December of 2022 triggered a national surge of Omicron variants BA.5/BF.7 of SARS-CoV-2. The effectiveness of monovalent inactivated vaccines received by the majority of the Chinese population in reducing mortality and severe clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed BA.5/BF.7 infections remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this retrospective cohort study, we extracted electronic health record (EHR) data on baseline characteristics, vaccination history, and clinical outcome of in-patients in three Chinese hospitals whose infections with SARS-CoV-2 were laboratory-confirmed and admitted during 25 November 2022 − 27 January 2023. Logistic regression was used to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE) against death and severe disease (mechanical ventilator, intensive care unit or death), adjusting for potential confounders such as age group and chronic conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 862 patients with vaccination information, 360 (41.8 %) received at least one dose of COVID vaccine and only 214 (24.8 %) received ≥ 3 doses. The VE of ≥ 3 doses was estimated to be 74 % (95 % CI: 43 %, 88 %) against death and 65 % (95 % CI: 45 %, 78 %) against severe disease, in reference to unvaccinated. The two most widely used vaccines in China, Sinopharm and Sinovac, showed comparable effectiveness against death for ≥ 3 doses, 80 % (95 % CI: 9 %, 96 %) vs. 66 % (95 % CI: 18 %, 86 %), respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>While being replaced by more effective bivalent vaccines, monovalent inactivated vaccines can be a valuable option for preventing death and severe disease in resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"19 3","pages":"Article 103109"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}