{"title":"Providing Expert Consultation in a World Living with COVID-19","authors":"Jenny Lloyd","doi":"10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10307884","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10307884","url":null,"abstract":"After a welcome by Paolo Antonio Grossi, the appointed chair by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), Department of Medicine & Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy; Ann-Brit Eg Hansen, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital – Amager and Hvidovre, Denmark and Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, summarised the objectives of the meeting and introduced the speakers. In their opening presentation, Tobias Welte, Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Hannover University School of Medicine, Germany, described how the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, in terms of variants, mortality rates, vaccinations, immunity, and antivirals. Welte then presented a hypothetical case study to illustrate how older patients with comorbidities can initially have mild symptoms, but may then deteriorate and require hospitalisation. Stephen Thomas, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA, then described the efficacy and potential side effects of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech, New York City, USA, and Mainz, Germany, respectively) vaccine, and the need for, and benefits of, booster doses. Thomas also described the added benefits of the newer bivalent vaccines in a world where COVID-19 is constantly mutating. Marta Boffito, HIV, Sexual and Gender Health, Dermatology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, UK, then outlined various factors that increase the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 disease, including older age, immunocompromised status, and underlying health conditions (e.g., obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease [CKD]). Such patients can benefit from antiviral medications such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, although potential drug–drug interactions must be considered. Roger Paredes, Department of Infectious Diseases and IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain, and Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, revisited the case study to highlight the importance of early COVID-19 diagnosis among high-risk patients to enable the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, which is only approved within 5 days of symptom onset for non-hospitalised adults at increased risk of progression to severe COVID-19. Paredes went on to discuss antiviral treatments in more detail, describing a randomised controlled trial (EPIC-HR) and two large real-world studies that showed that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir could significantly reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death due to COVID-19 among high-risk patients. To conclude, Hansen highlighted the importance of regular updates to COVID-19 management guidelines, given the ongoing and evolving nature of COVID-19, as well as the importance of identifying high-risk pa","PeriodicalId":72900,"journal":{"name":"EMJ. Microbiology & infectious diseases","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135691876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frederikke K. Lomholt, Hanne-Dorthe Emborg, Sarah Nørgaard, Jens Nielsen, Charlotte Munkstrup, Karina Lauenborg Møller, Ramona Trebbien, Lasse Skafte Vestergaard
{"title":"Out-of-Season Epidemic of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Denmark in the Summer/Autumn of 2021, with More Cases and Admissions than Seen in Previous Winter Seasons and a Shift in Affected Age Groups Towards Older Children Aged 2–5 Years","authors":"Frederikke K. Lomholt, Hanne-Dorthe Emborg, Sarah Nørgaard, Jens Nielsen, Charlotte Munkstrup, Karina Lauenborg Møller, Ramona Trebbien, Lasse Skafte Vestergaard","doi":"10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10309487","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10309487","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":72900,"journal":{"name":"EMJ. Microbiology & infectious diseases","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135693163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Interview: Anne L. Wyllie","authors":"Anne L. Wyllie","doi":"10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10305449","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10305449","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":72900,"journal":{"name":"EMJ. Microbiology & infectious diseases","volume":"8 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135692570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clostridioides difficile Infection: Targeting an Unwelcome and Persistent Threat","authors":"Hann Moir","doi":"10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10301279","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10301279","url":null,"abstract":"An integrated symposium, with an esteemed panel of experts, discussed the burden and treatment approaches for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The session took place on 17th April 2023 as part of the 33rd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The session was co-chaired by Mark Wilcox, Head of Microbiology Research & Development and Infection Lead at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK, and Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Leeds, UK; and Anne Gonzales-Luna, Assistant Professor at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Texas, USA. Sarah Tschudin-Sutter, Professor and Head Division of Hospital Epidemiology at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, explored the changing landscape for CDI, including the epidemiology and surveillance of infection, and approaches to diagnosis. John Coia, Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Regional Health Research, University of South Denmark, and Honorary Research Fellow at Glasgow University, UK; and Esther Calbo, Professor and Head of Infectious Disease at the Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Spain, gave an overview of the burden of recurrent CDI, dysbiosis in CDI, and the role in recurrent CDI, mortality risk, and the importance of targeting recurrence. Calbo also presented an interactive case study that allowed audience members to engage and review the patient case presented. The faculty panel explored with the audience how to approach assessment and treatment to achieve the best outcome for the patient case. Benoît Guery, Associate Professor Infectious Disease at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Switzerland, presented data from the EXTEND study, which explored extended-pulse dosing regimens of antibiotics (fidaxomicin) in CDI.","PeriodicalId":72900,"journal":{"name":"EMJ. Microbiology & infectious diseases","volume":"94 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135690189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Trrisha, A. Shilpa, B.M. Rupakala, S.A. Lakshminarayana
{"title":"A Study on Surgical Site Infections and Associated Risk Factors in General Surgeries at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"V. Trrisha, A. Shilpa, B.M. Rupakala, S.A. Lakshminarayana","doi":"10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10301081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10301081","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) remain a major cause of hospital-acquired infections, causing morbidity and mortality worldwide. In developing countries, 5.6% of surgical procedures will develop SSIs. These are further complicated by an increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms. Associated risk factors also play a role in contribution of SSIs. However, the identification of factors that cause or predict these SSIs remains an important area of research. Objective: To investigate the risk factors for SSI together with the identification of the aetiological bacterial agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility. Methods and Patients: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 143 patients who underwent surgery in a single tertiary care centre. Only the surgeries falling under clean and clean-contaminated categories were included in the study. SSI was determined by positive bacterial culture, and resistant pattern was determined by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Out of 25 different surgical procedures in 143 cases, four cases developed SSI due to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Diabetes, obesity, and smoking were the associated risk factors in these cases. Conclusion: Prevention of SSI is complex and requires the integration of a range of preventive measures before, during, and after surgery.","PeriodicalId":72900,"journal":{"name":"EMJ. Microbiology & infectious diseases","volume":"61 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135692830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matteo Riccò, Sara Palmier, Marco Bottazzoli, Federico Marchesi
{"title":"SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B Invasive Infections: Insights From Italian Surveillance Data and Vaccination Rates","authors":"Matteo Riccò, Sara Palmier, Marco Bottazzoli, Federico Marchesi","doi":"10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10306843","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10306843","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":72900,"journal":{"name":"EMJ. Microbiology & infectious diseases","volume":"142 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135691689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Significance and Burden of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Interviews with Two Leading Experts","authors":"Christine E. Jones, Megan Pesch, Brigitte Scott","doi":"10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10309116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10309116","url":null,"abstract":"Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the family Herpesviridae. This virus can remain dormant in the body over a long period after initial infection. Transmission of CMV occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, semen, and breast milk, from individuals who are actively shedding the virus in these bodily fluids. CMV is extremely common and is found throughout all geographical locations and socioeconomic groups. Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common congenital infection globally and has potentially severe consequences for infants; however, there is little awareness of cCMV infection among pregnant females, families, and healthcare professionals (HCP). For this article, EMJ conducted interviews in March 2023 with two leading experts: Christine E. Jones from the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK; and Megan Pesch from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, and the National CMV Foundation, Tampa, Florida, USA, both of whom have a wealth of experience and expertise in the management of cCMV. The experts gave valuable insights into topics such as the impact of cCMV infection on infants and their families and on public health; and screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cCMV infection. The experts also explored the potential complications of cCMV, particularly sensorineural hearing loss, the importance of prevention of maternal infection, and strategies to raise awareness of cCMV infection among HCPs and the public. In addition, Pesch provided a patient advocate perspective on the consequences of cCMV infection, sharing their experience of how cCMV has impacted their child, themself, and their family.","PeriodicalId":72900,"journal":{"name":"EMJ. Microbiology & infectious diseases","volume":"352 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136346226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}