{"title":"Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"I Lochman, V Thon, P Šíma","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136242","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The numbers of diagnosed and reported cases of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing the disease COVID-19, which grew into a global pandemic, have remained consistently low in all countries, including the Czech Republic, since May 2023, when the World Health Organization declared an end to the pandemic. However, it must be said that the measures implemented to control this infection did not meet all expectations. Although new mutations of the virus that can potentially cause disease, continue to emerge, it appears that most people have gradually learned to coexist with them. However, due to some unique properties of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants, there will still be predisposed individuals who will develop illness and need hospitalization along with effective treatment to be supported and monitored by adequate laboratory tests. This article is a commentary on this issue and deals primarily with the diagnosis and care of early-phase COVID-19 patients. Author's translation of the article into English is available at: https://www.spadia.cz/media/2085/lessons fromthecovid-19pandemic.pdf.</p>","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140862642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E Amler, V Vojáček, B Sopko, R Divín, A Pashchenko, J Varga, A Nečas, V Celer, Z Filipejova, L Urbanová, J Rulc, M Krajníková, T Jarošíková
{"title":"Povidone-iodine functionalized nanofibers are prophylactic and protect against dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 infection.","authors":"E Amler, V Vojáček, B Sopko, R Divín, A Pashchenko, J Varga, A Nečas, V Celer, Z Filipejova, L Urbanová, J Rulc, M Krajníková, T Jarošíková","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6306/20240424/137082","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6306/20240424/137082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The novel personal protection equipment based on a face mask equipped with a nanofiber filter functionalized with povidone iodine has been developed and tested in a clinical trial. This nanofiber filter was characterized with a low flow resistance and, thus, allowed comfortable breathing. The performed study proved that the novel nanofiber filter with incorporated povidone-iodine was characterized with a slow release of iodine which minimized side effects but kept disinfection efficiency. Our clinical study performed on 207 positively tested SARS-CoV-2 patients wearing the PPE for 4-8 hours daily for 1 to 4 days has shown that even the iodine amount as low as 0.00028 ppm was sufficient to significantly decrease the reproduction number and, very importantly, to protect against severe course of disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141768081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 8 and 22F causing invasive pneumococcal disease in the Czech Republic in 2014-2020: whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis.","authors":"J Kozáková, S Vohrnová, M Honskus, P Křížová","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6306/20240424/137081","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6306/20240424/137081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>An analysis is presented of whole genome data of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 8 and 22F isolated in the Czech Republic from invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in 2014-2020. New multivalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are effective against these serotypes. Recently, serotypes 8 and 22F have been among the leading causes of IPD in the Czech Republic. S. pneumoniae isolates from the Czech Republic were compared with those of the same serotypes recovered in other countries in the same period and available in the international database PubMLST.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Isolates from IPD of serotypes 8 (22 isolates) and 22F (21 isolates) recovered in the Czech Republic in 2014-2020 were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). The genomes were analysed and compared using the international database PubMLST.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most of the studied Czech serotype 8 isolates belong to two main subpopulations. The first subpopulation, dominated by ST-53 isolates, is part of a highly abundant group of genetically close European and non-European isolates that are clearly separated on the phylogenetic network. The second subpopulation of Czech serotype 8 isolates (dominated by ST-404) is more genetically variable and forms a separate lineage on the global phylogenetic network, with no other European isolates. Czech isolates of serotype 22F are a homogeneous population with a clear predominance of ST-433, which belongs to a genetically close European population.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The analysis of WGS data of IPD isolates of serotypes 8 and 22F provided a detailed insight into the genetic relationships between the Czech populations of these serotypes. It also allowed comparison of the Czech populations with the matched populations from other European and non-European countries. The obtained results add to the body of knowledge about the spread of genetic lineages causing IPD in the Czech Republic in the post-vaccination period and provide a basis for considering whether the use of the new multivalent PCVs in the Czech Republic would be beneficial.</p>","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141768084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B Sehnal, M J Halaška, R Vlk, V Drochýtek, T Pichlík, M Hruda, H Robová, L Rob, R Tachezy
{"title":"Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) and pregnancy.","authors":"B Sehnal, M J Halaška, R Vlk, V Drochýtek, T Pichlík, M Hruda, H Robová, L Rob, R Tachezy","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136241","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection worldwide, which may result in the development in benign lesions or malignant tumors. The prevalence of HPV infection is twice as high in pregnancy as in non-pregnant women. Additionally, there is a risk of vertical transmission of HPV from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. Various studies have reported an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in HPV-positive women, including miscarriage, preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and fetal death. HPV vaccination is not currently recommended during pregnancy. On the other hand, there is no evidence linking HPV vaccination during pregnancy with adverse pregnancy outcomes and termination of pregnancy is not justified in this case.</p>","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140856697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Infection of respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) in the Czech Republic - analysis of hospitalizations and deaths in 2017-2022.","authors":"P Pazdiora, O Šanca, L Dušek","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136239","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136239","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Given the lack of data on the seriousness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in the Czech Republic, an analysis was made of available data on hospitalizations and the hospitalization risk was estimated by age group.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from the National Registry of Reimbursed Health Services and the National Registry of Hospitalizations were used for the analyses. Hospitalizations and deaths due to RSV infection (diagnoses J12.1, J20.5, J21.0) from 2017-2022 were analyzed by age group.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over the six-year period, there were 6,138 hospitalizations with the above diagnoses, ranging between years from 307 to 2,162. The estimated overall hospitalization risk per 100,000 population and year for diagnoses J12.1, J20.5, and J21.0 was 9.64, varying between 2.87 (2020) and 20.56 (2021). Age-group analysis showed the highest risk for children under 6 months of age (891.6/100,000 population and year) and the lowest for 20-34-year-olds (0.1/100,000 population and year). Children under 1 year of age accounted for 63.1% of hospitalizations with the above diagnoses. For patients 65 years and older, the annual hospitalization rates varied between 3.3-15.3%. The most frequent cause of RSV-associated hospitalizations was bronchitis, diagnosed in 55.4% of patients. Among those hospitalized with diagnoses J12.1, J20.5, and J21.0, 38 deaths were reported, representing a case fatality rate of 0.62%. The highest case fatality rate (6.5%) was observed in the age group 35-49 years.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>RSV-associated hospitalizations have been reported in all age groups in the Czech Republic. The highest RSV-associated hospitalization risk in 2017-2022 was estimated among children under 6 months of age. Passive surveillance using the available registries could currently provide the basis for measures specifically tailored to the youngest age categories. Data on the hospitalization of adults, particularly senior citizens, must be improved and complemented with active surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140872998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Posibilities for use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) for the analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.","authors":"S Vohrnová, J Kozáková","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136240","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a Gram-positive coccus causing both non-invasive and invasive infectious diseases. Pneumococcal diseases are vaccine preventable. Invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) meeting the international case definition are reported nationally and internationally and are subject to surveillance programmes in many countries, including the Czech Republic. An important part of IPD surveillance is the monitoring of causative serotypes and their frequency over time and in relation to ongoing vaccination programmes. In the world and in the Czech Republic, whole genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly used for pneumococci, which allows for serotyping from sequencing data, precise analysis of their genetic relationships, and the study of genes present in their genome. Whole-genome sequencing enables the generation of reliable and internationally comparable data that can be easily shared. Sequencing data are analysed using bioinformatics tools that require knowledge in the field of natural sciences with an emphasis on genetics and expertise in bioinformatics. This publication presents some options for pneumococcal analysis, i.e., serotyping, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), ribosomal MLST (rMLST), core genome MLST (cgMLST), whole genome MLST (wgMLST), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, assignment to Global Pneumococcal Sequence Cluster (GPSC), and identification of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes. The WGS strategies and applications for Europe and WGS implementation in practice are presented. WGS analysis of pneumococci allows for improved IPD surveillance, thanks to molecular serotyping, more detailed typing, generation of internationally comparable data, and improved evaluation of the effectiveness of vaccination programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140855913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysis of enterobiasis in the Czech Republic in 2018-2022.","authors":"V Šimka, M Špačková","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136237","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136237","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Pinworm infection (known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis) is one of the most common parasitic diseases globally and in the Czech Republic (CZ). The aim of this study is to analyse the available epidemiological data on the incidence of enterobiasis in the CZ from 2018-2022.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive analysis was done of enterobiasis (ICD-10 code B80) data reported to the electronic Infectious Disease Information System in the CZ from 2018 to 2022. Data processing and analysis were conducted using MS Excel 2016. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between the probability of hospitalization and categorical variables using STATA version 17. The ECDC Map Maker tool (EMMa) was used to create the incidence map.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 4,836 cases were reported during the study period, with an average annual incidence of 9.1 cases per 100,000 population. The highest number of cases occurred in 2019 (n = 1,174), and the lowest in 2021 (n = 780). The disease was most common in the paediatric population, with the highest average age-specific incidence rates observed in children aged 5-9 years (80.9 per 100,000 population) and 10-14 years (42.3 per 100,000 population). Of 14 administrative regions of the CZ, the Olomouc Region had the highest average annual incidence (28.7 per 100,000 population), while the Pilsen Region had the lowest (2.2 per 100,000 population). A total of 472 (9.8%) patients needed hospitalization, most of them in the categories 10-14 years (n = 200, 42.4%) and 5-9 years (n = 178, 38%). The highest hospitalization rate was found in the age group 75+ (36.4%). A significantly higher probability of hospitalization was found in the age groups 6-19 years and 65+ compared to working-age population with enterobiasis. A significantly lower probability of hospitalization was seen in 2020-2022 compared to 2019. No difference in the hospitalization rates was noted between genders. No enterobiasis-related death was reported during the study period. The disease occurs year-round. A decrease in reported cases was observed annually during the school summer holidays in July and August. Neither outbreak nor imported cases were noted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Given that enterobiasis is often asymptomatic, many cases are not captured in the surveillance system. The Czech prevalence data indicate that it mainly affects the paediatric population. Therefore, preventive measures and programs should primarily target children.</p>","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140873496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Issues of risky behaviours in university students.","authors":"B Spěváková, V Boštíková","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136238","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6254/20240123/136238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Risk behaviour is typical of adolescence and young adulthood, but the consequences can persist for the rest of life - in all domains - physical, psychological, and social. Challenging situations, stress, as well as feelings of a lack of stimulation in an individual's life are considered to be triggers for risky behaviours. Prevention therefore plays a crucial role. The aim of the study was to analyse the current situation in addictive and risky sexual behaviours in a group of university students.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Between 2019 and 2022, students of universities in East Bohemia - University of Hradec Králové (UHK), Charles University (UK), University of Defence (UNOB), and University of Pardubice (UPCE) - were approached and asked to complete a questionnaire survey focused on addictive and risky sexual behaviours. Based on the search strategy, research hypotheses were constructed, which were subsequently developed into interview questions. The research hypotheses were tested using Pearson's test. The questionnaire return rate was 84%. After eliminating invalid responses, 157 participants were included in the survey - 64% female, 36% male, age range 19-32 years.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the area of addictive behaviours, the focus was on substance and non-substance addictions. In terms of addictive substances, a question addressed cigarette smoking, which was reported by 14.6% of the survey participants. This is 50% less than what we see in the general population of the same age (by general population we mean the group of people approached for the surveys conducted, chosen by stratified random sampling based on age). In contrast, significantly higher rates of university students reported the use of illicit substances - marijuana, sedatives/tranquilizers without a doctor's prescription, cocaine, or hallucinogens compared to the age-matched general population. In the area of risky sexual behaviours, a question was included about sexual intercourse with casual acquaintances. It was experienced by one in four respondents. In 83.3%, this behaviour was influenced by the use of an addictive substance. The survey pointed to the high rates of salutoprotective factors (e.g. interest in sports was reported by 87.9% of respondents). Perceived social support from friends (reported by 74.5% of respondents) or family (reported by 72.6% of respondents) is a preventive factor for risky behaviours.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The aim of the survey was to determine the prevalence of high-risk addictive and sexual behaviours among university students and possible prevention measures. Salutoprotective factors during increased stress or awareness of social support seem to be of benefit. We assumed a protective effect of higher education, but this survey did not show it. On the contrary, the stress induced by university studies and the pressure on academic performance appeared to be a risk factor.","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140856985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysis of patients with acute hepatitis E treated at the Clinic of Infectology and Travel Medicine in Košice.","authors":"J Sekula, Z Paraličová","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6306/20240424/137083","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6306/20240424/137083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To analyse clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological data of a cohort of patients with acute hepatitis E treated at the Clinic of Infectology and Travel Medicine (CITM) in Košice.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Retrospective analysis of hospital information system data on patients diagnosed with acute hepatitis E who were examined or hospitalized at CITM in 2015-2023. Statistical evaluation of the available data with a focus on epidemiology, course, and complications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cohort consisted of 62 patients. Fifty-eight percent were male. The mean age was 56 years. Seventy-four percent of patients were hospitalized, with a mean length of hospital stay of 10 days. The most common clinical manifestation was jaundice (in 40% of patients). Six patients had stool HEV RNA testing and all were confirmed to have genotype 3. In 5% of patients, the infection was classified as imported (they did not have HEV RNA tested), and 95% of cases were autochthonous. A history of contact with an HEV infected person was reported by 26% of patients. A history of preexisting liver disease was noted in 13% of patients who were confirmed with higher bilirubin, GMT, and ammonia levels. No statistically significant differences were found for patients with a history of immune deficiency. One patient with preexisting liver disease developed fulminant infection resulting in death. Four hepatitis E patients with neurological symptoms had lower bilirubin levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study cohort included predominantly older men. Genotype 3 was confirmed in all patients who underwent HEV RNA testing. Higher bilirubin, ammonia, and GMT levels were confirmed in patients with preexisting liver disease. Patients with neurological complications had lower bilirubin levels. One patient with preexisting liver disease died.</p>","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141768080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of the M1UK sublineage among emm1 Streptococcus pyogenes invasive strains isolated in the Czech Republic from December 2022 to May 2023.","authors":"R Veselá, S Vohrnová, J Kozáková","doi":"10.61568/emi/11-6306/20240424/137080","DOIUrl":"10.61568/emi/11-6306/20240424/137080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>Since December 2022, an increase in invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes has been observed in the Czech Republic, with a shift in the clinical presentation and age of patients. Unlike in previous years, invasive disease is more common in children and adolescents under 18 years of age and in previously healthy middle-aged adults. An increase has been noticed in the number of S. pyogenes isolates from primarily sterile sites such as haemoculture, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural effusion fluid, joint fluid, and postmortem specimens. Routine emm gene typing revealed emm1 to be the predominant emm type of S. pyogenes. Between January 2023 and July 2023, 46% of all S. pyogenes isolates from invasive cases were assigned to the emm1 type. The globally spread M1UK sublineage is characterized by differences in the expression of seven genes, including the streptococcal pyrogenic toxin A (speA) gene, compared to historical emm1 iGAS strains. The aim of this study is to determine whether the more toxigenic M1UK sublineage is associated with the increase in invasive disease in the Czech Republic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Whole genome sequencing of 41 S. pyogenes isolates from patients with invasive disease recovered in the Czech Republic in 2018 and 2019 and from December 2022 to May 2023 was performed using the MiSeq instrument (Illumina). Bioinformatics analysis was performed using freely available online tools the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Based on whole genome sequencing data of 41 emm1 isolates of S. pyogenes from patients with invasive infectious disease recovered in 2018 and 2019 and from December 2022 to May 2023, the M1UK sublineage was found to be predominant from December 2022 to May 2023.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The reason for the spread of the M1UK sublineage in the Czech Republic late in 2022 and in the first half of 2023 is not entirely clear, but it may be related to reduced immunity due to limited GAS transmission during lockdowns, especially in children. Another factor that may have contributed to the high incidence of invasive infectious diseases is the seasonal circulation of respiratory viruses.</p>","PeriodicalId":54374,"journal":{"name":"Epidemiologie Mikrobiologie Imunologie","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141768082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}