GERMS最新文献

{"title":"Human papillomavirus knowledge, vaccination status, and barriers to vaccination in an urban transgender clinic population.","authors":"Hannah Sinks, Caitlin Waters, Alejandro Alvarez, Gary L Goldberg, David W Rosenthal, Elizabeth O Schmidt","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1463","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1463","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study aimed to better understand patient-reported human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates and barriers to vaccination among transgender patients receiving care at a gender-affirming clinic in urban New York.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>All patients with arrived appointments at the Center for Transgender Care at Northwell Health from January 1, 2020 through July 14, 2021, aged 14 and up, were invited to participate. Participants were sent an online consent form followed by a survey that assessed HPV knowledge, personal vaccination history, and reasons for or against vaccination. Data were collected in RedCap and analyzed using descriptive and basic inferential statistics. We received 79 completed consent forms and 70 completed surveys.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At least 68 of the 70 participants identified as transgender or gender diverse. Only 61.4% (43/70) of participants reported ever being offered the HPV vaccine and 55.7% (39/70) reported ever receiving at least one dose. Common reasons in favor of vaccination included doctor recommendation and decreasing cancer risk. Common reasons mentioned against HPV vaccination included sexual inactivity, concern over side effects, and assumption of low-risk HPV status. Of unvaccinated participants, 58.1% (18/31) reported they were more likely to get vaccinated after completing the survey.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The HPV vaccination rate in this study was higher than the rates seen in previous studies involving sexual and gender minority participants. Provider recommendation was found to be important in promoting vaccination.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 2","pages":"127-143"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12424256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065763","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":"Post-procedural infection risk following laser vaginal rejuvenation: clinical experience from a single center.","authors":"Filis Demirgean, Simona Albu, Maria-Magdalena Constantin, Adrian Streinu-Cercel","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1461","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1461","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) significantly impact women's quality of life, leading to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, dyspareunia, and urinary incontinence. While traditional treatments include hormonal therapy and surgical interventions, these approaches may not be suitable for all patients. Laser vaginal rejuvenation has emerged as a promising, minimally invasive alternative that enhances vaginal tissue health with minimal downtime.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study analyzes data from 53 patients who underwent internal, external, or combined laser vaginal rejuvenation. Patient demographics, medical and gynecological history, treatment indications, procedural details, and post-treatment outcomes were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The most common reasons for seeking treatment included vaginal laxity (69.8%), urinary incontinence (47.2%), and vaginal discomfort (15.1%). The majority (90.6%) opted for combined internal and external treatment, with most undergoing three sessions. Post-procedure symptoms were minimal, limited to transient discomfort and minor, self-limiting bleeding in three patients. No patients developed wound infections.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Findings suggest laser vaginal rejuvenation is a well-tolerated procedure, with high adherence and patient satisfaction rates. While our current study is limited by its descriptive nature and its single-center design, results align with existing literature, supporting the procedure's safety and efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 2","pages":"116-120"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12424255/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065887","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 heart rate variability changes in measles, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infections; a subtle autonomic involvement - a pilot study.","authors":"Ilinca Savulescu-Fiedler, Teodora Deaconu, Roxana Siliste, Corina Homentcovschi, Adriana Gurghean, Ioana Toader, Serban Benea","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1460","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1460","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Inflammation may induce dysautonomia, which is revealed by the decrease in heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Our pilot study compares changes in HRV and the association between HRV and inflammatory markers in three RNA viral infections: acute (SARS-CoV-2, measles) and chronic (HIV).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We evaluated 25 patients with viral infections and 8 control patients without viral disease, with similar mean age and comorbidities. Patients with measles and COVID-19 were hospitalized for mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, while those with HIV were assessed during follow-up visits. HRV parameters were assessed in time and spectral domains, under standardized conditions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant differences were identified between patients with measles and COVID-19 regarding SDNN (p=0.016), rMSSD (p=0.002), and between patients with COVID-19 and HIV, both for SDNN (p=0.029) and rMSSD (p=0.017). SDNN and rMSSD had the highest value in the COVID-19 group and the lowest value (lower than in the control group) in patients with HIV and measles. All frequency-domain parameters reached their highest values in patients with COVID-19, whereas they were consistently lower in those with HIV and measles. A significant correlation of LF/HF ratio with serum fibrinogen was observed only in patients with measles and HIV infection (r=0.793, p=0.011, respectively r=0.955, p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study showed a significant decrease in HRV parameters in patients with measles and HIV, with a more stable autonomic response in mild-moderate COVID-19 forms. A correlation between inflammation and markers of sympathetic dominance was found in patients with measles and HIV but not in COVID-19. Further studies may assess the relation between inflammation in viral infections and subtle changes in HRV parameters.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 2","pages":"104-115"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12424259/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065945","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":"Colistin heteroresistance, mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic options: A review.","authors":"Razieh Dehbanipour, Vala Taghi Zadeh Maleki, Zohreh Ghalavand","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1466","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1466","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The heteroresistance phenotype refers to the presence of bacterial subpopulations with reduced antibiotic susceptibility compared with the main population. Mathematical modelling and computer simulations suggest that heteroresistance can lead to negative treatment outcomes and finally, treatment failure. Due to the low frequency and resistance level of resistant subpopulations, detection of heteroresistance phenotype in the diagnostic laboratory is problematic. Routine laboratory tests do not have the ability to accurately detect heteroresistance, but on the other hand, specific methods are time consuming and expensive. The emergence of colistin heteroresistance is a public health concern that threatens human health. Colistin heteroresistance to date has been reported in eight pathogens including <i>Acinetobacter</i> spp., <i>Klebsiella</i> spp., <i>Enterobacter</i> spp., <i>Pseudomonas</i> spp., <i>Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica</i> serovar Typhimurium (referred to as <i>Salmonella Typhimurium</i>), <i>Neisseria meningitidis</i> and <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.</i> The growing emergence of colistin heteroresistance worldwide underscores the crucial need for coordinated global action to combat it. Understanding the mechanisms of colistin heteroresistance can help to provide better guidelines for reducing antibiotic resistance and to achieve new therapeutic approaches. Our review showed that the prevalence of colistin heteroresistance strains varies in different countries. It seems that the use of different treatment strategies, especially combination therapy, can be effective in reducing the incidence of resistant subpopulations. Also, the use of new generation diagnostic methods can have a significant impact on treatment. Our findings in this review are needed to raise the awareness of microbiologists and specialists to the colistin heteroresistance mechanisms and to achieve effective treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 2","pages":"166-188"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12424257/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065659","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":"Pulmonary co-infection with <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i> and <i>Histoplasma capsulatum</i>. Hickam's dictum or Occam's razor.","authors":"Diego Fernando Severiche-Bueno, Silvia J Galvis-Blanco, Jacqueline Mugnier","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1467","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1467","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Co-infection with <i>Histoplasma capsulatum</i> and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i> is rarely documented in HIV-negative immunocompromised patients and poses significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping radiological patterns and limited access to advanced mycological testing.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>A 58-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis, under treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, presented with fever and hypoxemia. Chest computed tomography demonstrated bilateral micronodules, ground-glass opacities, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. HIV testing and initial cultures were negative. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed P<i>. jirovecii</i>, prompting the initiation of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Despite targeted therapy, the patient developed progressive respiratory failure, requiring intensive care. Transbronchial biopsy later confirmed coinfection with <i>H. capsulatum</i>. Antifungal therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole was initiated; however, the clinical course was marked by progressive deterioration, culminating in death.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case highlights the need for high clinical suspicion of dual opportunistic infections in non-HIV immunocompromised patients. Diagnostic delays, particularly in resource-limited settings without fungal PCR, may adversely affect outcomes. In such complex hosts, early invasive diagnostics and broader access to rapid molecular testing are critical to improving prognosis in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 2","pages":"189-194"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12424252/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065947","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 status of hepatitis C microelimination among people living with HIV in Central and Eastern Europe in 2022 - data from Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group.","authors":"Agata Skrzat-Klapaczyńska, Sergii Antoniak, Svitlana Antonyak, Konstantinos Protopapas, Antonios Papadopoulos, Daniela Maric, Botond Lakatos, Antonija Verhaz, Milan Zlamal, Zofia Bartovska, Milena Stefanovikj, Gordana Dragovic, Arjan Harxhi, David Jilich, Kerstin Aimla, Lilia Cojuhari, Justyna Kowalska, Josip Begovac","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1464","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1464","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The implementation of nationwide viral hepatitis C elimination programs is challenging in Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC). It is reasonable to start by targeting specific populations, such as people living with HIV (PLWH), who are at higher risk of acquiring HCV or developing HCV-related complications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group consists of experts in the field of infectious diseases from 26 countries in the region. Between April 26^th and June 23^rd 2023, the group performed an on-line survey consisting of 32 questions. The questionnaire assessed the status of HCV micro-elimination in 2022.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve HIV centers from 11 countries responded: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine. All centers screen for HCV antibody all PLWH at entry into care. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was <5% in 5 centers (Albania, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia and Hungary), 30.2% in Estonia and 29% in Ukraine, Greece and Moldova had high seroprevalence as well, 15.3% and 15.6% respectively. The prevalence of HCV viremia in antibody-positive PLWH was very high in Greece (85%), while in most other treatment centers it ranged from 4.2% to 38.2%. There is also a screening policy of annual HCV-testing of HCV-antibody negative persons in all centers by either testing all PLWH or those considered at risk. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) were not available in one country (Albania). Among PLWH who entered care in 2022, nine out of 12 ECEE centers reported cases of HCV/HIV coinfection, with five centers indicating that at least 50% of these individuals were HCV-viremic.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>HCV screening in PLWH followed by access to DAA treatments were available in all but one center. Microelimination of HCV in PLWH in the majority of surveyed HIV treatment centers in CEEC has not been achieved and efforts to reach this goal need to be strengthened.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 2","pages":"144-156"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12424253/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065881","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":"Illicit drugs - infections and neonatal anthropometric characteristics.","authors":"Leonard Năstase, Silvia-Maria Stoicescu, Nicolae Suciu, Laurenţiu Camil Bohîlţea, Eugenia Panaitescu, Adina-Brânduşa Baciu","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1465","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1465","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The effects of drug addiction in pregnancy are associated with multiple maternal, fetal and neonatal risks in the short and long term.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted in the National Institute for Maternal and Child Health \"Alessandrescu-Rusescu\" Bucharest, Romania - \"Polizu\" Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology (higher level maternity hospital), includes newborns from the last 22 years (2002-2024) from mothers who used illicit drugs before and during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The incidence of newborns born to mothers with drug addiction has steadily increased over the period studied, especially in the last 12 years. Neonatal morbidity was marked by: withdrawal syndrome (61.2% of cases), risk of congenital/perinatal infections through maternal infections (58.16%), prematurity (43.87%), birth weight ≤2500g (55.10%), intrauterine growth restriction.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Illicit drug use in pregnancy, associated with prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, risk of congenital/perinatal infections through maternal infections, is an important risk factor for neonatal morbidity and mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 2","pages":"157-165"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12424254/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065757","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":"Laser labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation: how to reach zero post-operative infections. An expert opinion and short narrative review on protocols, safety and outcome.","authors":"Filis Demirgean, Simona Albu, Maria-Magdalena Constantin, Adrian Streinu-Cercel","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1462","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1462","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Labiaplasty, the surgical modification of the labia minora, has gained popularity lately due to increasing functional and aesthetic concerns. We examine the preoperative considerations, postoperative outcomes, and potential complications associated with this intervention, while describing our center's protocol for laser labiaplasty. The use of laser technology appears to enhance surgical outcomes and minimize the infectious risk, by minimizing tissue trauma and expediting recovery. This paper highlights the importance of individualized patient care, surgeon expertise, and adherence to best practices to optimize safety and results. As labiaplasty techniques continue to evolve, further studies are necessary to evaluate their benefits, risks and long-term outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 2","pages":"121-126"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12424258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065815","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":"HPV vaccine-related myths encountered in Romanian clinical practice: a cross-sectional survey of family doctors.","authors":"Gheorghe Gindrovel Dumitra, Carmen-Adriana Dogaru, Sandra Adalgiza Alexiu, Dorica Sănduţu, Cosmina Berbecel, Monica Curelea, Cristina Vasilica Barbu, Anca Deleanu, Adrian Grom, Maria Lup, Ioana Budiu, Mădălina Vesa, Florin Proşa, Daniela Ştefănescu, Roxana Surugiu, Ştefana Oana Popescu, Anca Lăcătuş, Mihaela Adela Iancu, Adina Turcu-Stiolica","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1453","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1453","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination is a key strategy for preventing HPV-related cancers, yet vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge due to persistent myths and misconceptions. This study aimed to identify the most frequently encountered HPV vaccine-related myths in clinical practice from the perspective of family doctors and to assess differences in their prevalence between urban and rural populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among family doctors in Romania who reported common myths encountered when discussing HPV vaccination with parents and women eligible for catch-up vaccination. The analysis focused on identifying the most prevalent perceived myths and assessing differences between urban and rural settings, age groups and genders, using Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by post-hoc Dunn's tests with Holm correction to account for multiple comparisons, as well as Chi-square tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The most frequently reported myths overall were \"The HPV vaccine is only for girls\" (mean score±SD, 2.91±1.27), \"The HPV vaccine has severe and long-term side effects\" (mean score±SD, 2.83±1.27), and \"There are too many new vaccines\" (mean score±SD, 2.77±1.3). Rural respondents reported significantly higher belief in concerns related to vaccine safety, effectiveness, increasing number of vaccines, necessity in monogamous individuals, fear of injections, and concerns about promiscuity, particularly in their perception of parents of adolescent girls.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Family doctors consider that persistent myths continue to fuel vaccine hesitancy, especially in rural areas. Strengthening family doctors' communication skills through motivational interviewing and evidence-based counseling is essential. Public health efforts should focus on targeted educational interventions and social prescription tools to improve vaccine acceptance and reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 1","pages":"37-55"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12356345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875824","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 clinical analysis of the 2024 pertussis outbreak among pediatric patients in an infectious diseases hospital in Bucharest, Romania.","authors":"Mădălina Maria Merişescu, Gheorghiţă Jugulete, Irina Dijmărescu, Andreea Mihaela Băluţă, Anca Oana Dragomirescu","doi":"10.18683/germs.2025.1454","DOIUrl":"10.18683/germs.2025.1454","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The objective of this study was to identify and analyze cases of pertussis hospitalized in 2024 that met the clinical criteria, epidemiological context, and laboratory confirmation through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or serological testing for <i>Bordetella pertussis</i>. This study aimed to assess the age distribution of cases, vaccination rates, identify severe cases, and associated complications such as apnea, acute respiratory failure, and acute pneumonia. The findings aim to provide valuable data to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing pertussis in the pediatric population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective study from January to November 2024, involving pediatric patients admitted to the Pediatric Departments of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases \"Prof. Dr. Matei Balş,\" Bucharest, Romania, diagnosed with pertussis. The diagnosis was established based on epidemiological and clinical criteria and confirmed through laboratory tests, including serology or PCR testing. The selection criteria focused on hospitalized patients presenting clinical signs suggestive of pertussis, with laboratory confirmation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the hospitalized patients, a significant proportion, 56.9%, were unvaccinated, while 12.5% had incomplete vaccination status. Common comorbidities contributing to increased hospitalization risk included prematurity, malnutrition, and asthma. Co-infections were identified in 32% of cases, with common pathogens such as measles, SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus, and adenovirus. Respiratory complications were frequent, with apnea occurring in 51% of cases, pneumonia in 60%, and respiratory failure in 13.2%. Despite these complications, no fatalities were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights significant concerns related to low vaccination coverage in the pediatric population, emphasizing the importance of improving vaccination rates to prevent severe pertussis cases. The study also identifies the frequent occurrence of severe complications, including respiratory failure, apnea, and pneumonia, underlining the need for early intervention and effective management. Co-infections with respiratory pathogens further complicate diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation in suspected cases of pertussis.</p>","PeriodicalId":45107,"journal":{"name":"GERMS","volume":"15 1","pages":"56-63"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12356347/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875911","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}