BMC Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Spatio-temporal trends of the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum antimalarial drug resistance markers across sub-Saharan Africa from 2010 to 2024: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Francis Emmanuel Towanou Bohissou, Guétawendé Job Wilfried Nassa, Juliana Inoue, Paul Sondo, Toussaint Rouamba, Joanna Yessinou, Jana Held, Halidou Tinto","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-14233-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-14233-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The emergence and subsequent spread of antimalarial drug resistance represent a significant threat to the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in sub-Saharan Africa. Multiple molecular markers have been implicated in resistance to artemisinin and its partner drugs. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2010 and 2024 in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023432718). Studies were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and African Journal Online. Study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Prevalence data for mutations in PfKelch13, Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, and Pfdhfr/Pfdhps were extracted and analysed using random-effects models, with pooled prevalence estimates generated using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with logit transformation. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I² statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 172 studies on PfKelch13, 182 on Pfcrt, 196 on Pfmdr1, and 176 on Pfdhfr/Pfdhps were included. From 2014 to 2023, validated PfKelch13 mutations exhibited marked spatial and temporal heterogeneity, with R622I, R561H, and A675V expanding primarily in East Africa, reaching prevalences of 10-25% in Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. In Central Africa, emergence was observed in 2021 at low levels (below 5%), while West Africa reported only sporadic low-prevalence (below 1%) detections. In contrast, resistance to some partner drugs declined substantially across Africa, with Pfcrt K76T decreasing from 76% (95% CI: 49% - 91%; I² = 97.9%) in 2010 to 9% (95% CI: 8.7% - 9.5%; I² = 96.8%) in 2023 and Pfmdr1 N86Y falling from 34% (95% CI: 26% - 43%; I² = 93.5%) to zero (95% CI: 0% - 11%; I² = 97.1%), with persistent regional heterogeneity. Certain markers of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance (Pfdhfr N51I, C59R, S108N and Pfdhps A437G) remained near fixation, whereas Pfdhfr I164L, Pfdhps K540E, and Pfdhps A581G showed pronounced spatial clustering, with the highest prevalence reported in East and parts of Central Africa.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, the temporal and regional patterns of antimalarial drug resistance molecular markers across sub-Saharan Africa underscore the need for sustained molecular surveillance tailored to local epidemiological trends of resistance markers.</p><p><strong>Registration: </strong>Protocol registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number CRD42023432718).</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148890992","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":"Correction: Correlation between fecal calprotectin levels, disease severity and the hypervirulent ribotype 027 strain in patients with Clostridium difficile infection.","authors":"Avi Peretz, Linda Tkhawkho, Nina Pastukh, Diana Brodsky, Chen Namimi-Halevi, Orna Nitzan","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-14211-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-026-14211-8","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528103/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148863301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of herpes zoster at a tertiary care center compared to population-based data: a ten-year retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Johanna Lenz, Hans Helmut Niller, Sebastian Haferkamp","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-14185-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-026-14185-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Herpes zoster (HZ) results from reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and may cause severe pain and serious complications. The risk increases with age, immunosuppression, and certain chronic conditions. Tertiary care centers disproportionately treat patients with such risk profiles, yet data comparing tertiary care populations with population-based cohort studies are limited. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive clinical and epidemiological characterization of HZ patients at a tertiary care center and to compare findings with those from population-based studies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>All patients at the University Hospital Regensburg with an HZ diagnosis (ICD code B02*) between January 2014 and December 2023 were included and subsequently underwent manual chart review for clinical validation and data extraction, yielding 786 cases in 780 patients. We analyzed patient demographics, comorbidities, immunosuppression, anatomical location, complications, hospitalization status, and vaccination status.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 786 cases, 398 occurred in women and 388 in men, with a median age of 60 years. A total of 13.5% of cases were classified as immunocompromised. The trigeminal nerve was involved in 50.1% of cases, and herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) was present in 41.3%. Most cases, 72.8%, proceeded without complications, with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) being the most common complication, affecting 8.4% of cases. The hospitalization rate was 57.6%, and HZ vaccination status was documented in fewer than 1% of cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Compared to published population-based studies, this cohort showed an increased risk profile for severe disease course as immunocompromised patients and cranial manifestations were markedly overrepresented. Despite that, the complication rate was comparable. Early intravenous antiviral therapy during hospitalization may have contributed to this, though retrospective design precludes causal inference. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. The near-total absence of vaccination records indicates a significant documentation gap and underscores the need for systematic vaccination counselling and documentation in tertiary care centers.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13536859/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148878973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The filtration performance of fabrics against particles of viral size: a systematic review.","authors":"Nam Xuan Ha, Anh Nguyen, Huynh Ngo Minh Trang, Jeza Muhamad Abdul Aziz, Nacir Dhouibi, Bao-Tran Do Le, Ahmad Altom, Mostafa Atef Amin, Pham Do Thuc Anh, Hadeir Said, Venkata Vasavi Vadduri, Dao Ngoc Hien Tam, Satoko Okubayashi, Abdelrahman M Makram, Nguyen Tien Huy","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-14275-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-026-14275-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Wearing a mask is part of the comprehensive strategy to suppress transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and respiratory tract infections. Despite available COVID-19 vaccines, wearing a mask has remained one of the simplest and most effective ways. There was, however, little data available regarding the filtration of fabrics in masks against infectious aerosols or particles of viral size. This study reviewed the filtration performance of fabrics against virus-sized particles.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. The literature search started with seven electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Institute of Science Index, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SciFinder) and two preprints, then manual search. Quality assessment was performed on all included studies using an adaptive tool for in vitro studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighteen studies were finally included. Cotton was most commonly investigated, followed by polymers and nanofibers. A study reported filtration performance as droplet blocking efficiency (%), and materials with the highest blocking efficiency comprised polypropylene (99.7 [95.2-99.9]), cotton (98.9 [96.8-99.8]), silk (98.7 [81.1-99.8]), and polyester/polyamide (98.2 [90-99.8]). Other studies reported filtration efficiency (%). Fabrics showing highest filtration efficiency were polymers (polypropylene, polyethylene, spunbond/meltblown/spunbond) (100, 94.4, 93.9, respectively), nanofibers (nanofiber-fabric-layered composite, polyvinyl alcohol/nylon-taffeta composite) (99.8 ± 0.24, 97.3, respectively), cotton (cotton/chiffon, cotton quilt, cotton/flannel, cotton/silk) (97 ± 2, 96 ± 2, 95 ± 2, 94 ± 2, respectively). Quality assessment showed that most of the studies were adequate to evaluate the filtration performance against aerosol or virus particles.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Some fabrics showed effectiveness in protective applications for respiratory infections; particularly nanofibers and polymers were promising materials for specialized masks or respirators.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13508351/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148817153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lessons learned from a structured and descriptive analysis of nosocomial outbreaks in hematology-oncology.","authors":"Sara-Lena Posselt, Claas Baier, Frank Schwab, Ralf-Peter Vonberg","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-14279-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-026-14279-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nosocomial outbreaks among immunocompromised patients are serious events. We conducted a descriptive analysis of nosocomial outbreaks in hematology and oncology, drawing on data from 196 outbreaks included in the Worldwide Outbreak Database. Our analysis includes patient characteristics, pathogens, outbreak sources, routes of transmission, and infection control measures. Furthermore, it determines risk factors for increased infection control effort by using the Weighted Cumulative Hygiene Score (WCHS). Bloodstream infections and lower respiratory tract infections were most often observed in the outbreak patient population. The primary infectious agents were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other non-fermenting Gram-negative rods as well as enterococci. An index person (patient/staff) and the environment were the main reservoirs for transmission. Noteworthy, the exact source could not be identified in nearly half of the outbreak events. Infection control measures were usually implemented as bundles including but not limited to screening of patients, changes in the disinfection or sterilization regime and enforcement of proper hand hygiene. Multivariable regression analysis revealed the following factors being independently associated with a high infection control effort: causative agent fungi (other than molds) (OR=6.26; CI95:1.60-24.44), multi-drug resistant bacteria (OR=6.01; CI95:2.56-14.09), antibiotic therapy (OR=2.97; CI95:1.05-8.38), a high number (≥ 10) of patients involved in the outbreak (OR=2.54; CI95:1.11-5.81), and the transmission route being direct contact (OR=3.42; CI95:1.43-8.16). The occurrence of lower respiratory tract infections was strongly associated with mortality (OR=7.95; CI95:2.06-30.73). Staff working in hematology and oncology should be aware of these details in order to approach a nosocomial outbreak appropriately at a most early time point.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13505061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148811872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Longitudinal observation of persistent Long COVID symptoms and health-related quality of life in an adult German cohort.","authors":"Marie Mikuteit, Dominik Schröder, Jacqueline Niewolik, Frank Klawonn, Chantal Degen, Frank Müller, Georg M N Behrens, Alexandra Dopfer-Jablonka, Sandra Steffens","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-14252-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-14252-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Many individuals experience persistent symptoms following an acute COVID-19 infection, a condition known as Long COVID. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence, intensity and longitudinal trajectories of different Long COVID symptoms at baseline and at follow-ups up to 60 weeks later in a German cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This longitudinal observational study is part of the DEFEAT Corona project, wherein Long COVID subjects completed online questionnaires on symptom severity (0-10 points) and health-related quality of life (hrQoL), measured with EQ5D-VAS, at three time points. At baseline, sociodemographic information, COVID-19 infection characteristics, and COVID-19 vaccination status were also recorded. Symptom occurrence and intensity was compared between baseline and two follow-up surveys 54 to 60 weeks later.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among n = 262 adult participants (84.4% female, 14.8% male and 0.8% diverse, mean age 44.85 ± 11.48 years), the most frequent symptoms at baseline were fatigue (67.2%, mean severity 9.02 ± 0.89), palpitations (61.1%, mean severity 6.58 ± 1.95), and concentration impairment (61.0%, mean severity 8.55 ± 1.12). The prevalence decreased in 3/27 Long COVID symptoms and symptom intensity decreased in 15/27 symptoms with small changes in severity (between 0.6 and 2 points of max. 10 points). HrQoL decreased significantly over time (p = 0.006). However, the mean change of - 4.31 ± 21.2 points remained below the established MCID of 7.5 points, indicating no clinically meaningful deterioration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>More than a year after the acute infection, Long COVID patients of the DEFEAT Corona cohort describe symptoms as persistent and intense. With the corresponding impairment in hrQoL, this underlines the urgent need for comprehensive therapies for Long COVID.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>The study was in the German Clinical Trial Registry (DRKS00026007) on 9th Sep 2021.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491786/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148788003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Temporal trends and shifting mycological spectrum of infectious keratitis in Egypt before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a four-year laboratory-based surveillance study.","authors":"Rasha Mokhtar Elnagar, Somaia Abdalla Abouria, Nawal S Gouda, Habeeb Ali Baig, Mona S Abdelhafez","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-14198-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-14198-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fungal keratitis (FK) significantly contributes to corneal morbidity in tropical and subtropical environments; yet, longitudinal data describing post-pandemic epidemiologic changes remain limited. This study evaluated temporal trends and changes in the mycological spectrum of culture-confirmed FK in Egypt before, during and after the COVID-19 era.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively inspected corneal scrapings collected between January 2019 and December 2022 at a major ophthalmic hospital in the Nile Delta, Egypt. Specimens were examined by direct microscopy and culture. Temporal patterns in fungal positivity, seasonal variation, species distribution and diversity were compared across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 584 specimens analyzed, 423 (72.4%) yielded microbial growth, and fungi accounted for 97.6% (413/423) of culture-positive isolates. The proportion of fungal-positive specimens increased from 49.0% pre-pandemic to 67.6% during the pandemic and 79.7% in the post-pandemic period (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, rural residence (aOR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.53-3.53), history of ocular trauma (aOR = 6.70, 95% CI: 3.59-12.50), and study period were independently associated with fungal positivity. Spring and autumn were associated with higher odds of FK than summer. Shannon diversity index increased from 1.03 pre-pandemic to 1.35 during the pandemic and 1.78 post-pandemic, indicating expanding species diversity. Aspergillus fumigatus (29.5%) and A. niger (27.2%) were the dominant isolates, while Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., and less common fungi emerged more frequently in later phases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Temporal changes in the burden and mycological spectrum of FK were observed across the pandemic and post-pandemic phases, with the pandemic era being associated with a sustained increase in FK burden and broader species diversity. Ongoing laboratory-based surveillance and future prospective multicenter studies that integrate molecular and clinical outcome are warranted for a deeper comprehension of the factors driving these epidemiological patterns.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13491606/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148787961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of measles outbreaks reported to Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), India, 2019-2023.","authors":"Gopi Kumbha, Sushma Choudhary, Mohan Kumar Raju, Meera Dhuria, Archana Ramalingam","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-14250-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-026-14250-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In 2022, an estimated 1,36,000 measles deaths were reported worldwide, mostly in children under five. In 2022, thirty-seven countries reported extensive or disruptive measles outbreaks by the WHO, while only 22 countries reported similar outbreaks in 2021. According to NFHS-5, 87.9% of children between 12 and 23 months old had received their initial dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV), but only 31.9% of children aged 24-35 months who received MCV2. The study aimed to perform descriptive epidemiology of measles outbreaks reported to IDSP in India from 2019 to 2023.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>We did a secondary data analysis of weekly outbreak data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) for the period 2019-2023. We extracted data from publicly available IDSP weekly outbreak reports and analysed them using MS Excel, focusing on time, place, and person distribution.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 259 reported outbreaks, 89% were laboratory-confirmed, and 56.3% of outbreaks were timely, with reporting occurring in the same week. Age distribution was not available in 56% of IDSP outbreak reports. The median (Interquartile range) age was 6.5 (5-9.5). Sex distribution was not available in 96% of IDSP outbreak reports. The 53% (137/259) outbreaks were reported from Bihar (18%), Jharkhand (13%), Uttar Pradesh (11%), and Gujarat (10%). The 25 districts have reported three or more measles outbreaks over five years. These districts account for 117 of the 259 reported outbreaks: Godda (Jharkhand), West Champaran (Bihar), and Nuh (Haryana). The maximum number of outbreaks (116) was recorded in 2023. Vitamin A was given during 56% (114/259) of outbreaks. Twenty deaths were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A substantial proportion of outbreaks (72%) were reported from seven states, predominantly in northern and eastern India. The delayed reporting of outbreaks and the absence of age and sex distribution in most reports highlight areas for improvement. Recommendations include timely reporting, inclusion of age and sex data, and ensuring widespread vitamin A supplementation.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13536584/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148873020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bacterial etiology, antimicrobial susceptibility, and clinical outcomes in cervicofacial space infections before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a 10-year single-centre study.","authors":"Shuang He, Zheng Jiang, Yibei Wang, Mailudan Ainiwaer, Xiaoqin Ji, Huiling Zhao","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-14186-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-026-14186-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate epidemiological trends of cervicofacial space infections in Western China, including pathogen distribution, antimicrobial resistance, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pathogen susceptibility and patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Clinical data from 542 hospitalized patients with severe cervicofacial space infections who underwent open surgery at a tertiary hospital over the past decade were analyzed. Data on bacterial strains, antibiotic susceptibility, drug resistance, and treatment outcomes were recorded. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, logistic regression, and multiple regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From January 2014 to June 2024, the annual number of hospitalized CFI cases declined initially but later increased. Bacterial growth was observed in 400 cases (73.8%). Based on the frequency of isolation in positive pus cultures, Streptococcus spp. and Klebsiella spp. were the most frequently identified organisms. The five antimicrobial agents with the highest in vitro susceptibility rates were levofloxacin (66.3%), vancomycin (63.8%), cefepime (61.0%), ceftriaxone (59.5%), and cefotaxime (58.5%). Compared to the pre-pandemic period, Patients treated during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods had higher odds of in-hospital complications than those treated during the pre-pandemic period (OR = 7.28, 95% CI:3.67 ~ 14.45; P < 0.001; OR = 4.96, 95% CI:2.16 ~ 11.41; P < 0.001), including pulmonary infections, and coagulopathy etc. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the prevalent pathogen profile and local susceptibility patterns observed in this study, cephalosporins are the preferred empirical choice for cervicofacial space infections in our region. Fluoroquinolones may be considered as an alternative in patients with beta-lactam allergy, but should be used judiciously to preserve their activity for resistant organisms. Antibiotic therapy should be tailored based on culture and susceptibility results as soon as they become available. Additionally, patients treated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic had higher odds of in-hospital complications, which may reflect healthcare system disruptions and delayed presentation.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13523276/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148849698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of hepatitis D among hepatitis B-infected patients attending the viral hepatitis treatment unit in Alexandria, Egypt: a prospective cross-sectional observational study.","authors":"Amany Elyamany, Rasha Ghazala, Mohamed Aboud, Ahmed Kamal","doi":"10.1186/s12879-026-13956-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-026-13956-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection accelerates liver illness progression in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive individuals, yet its prevalence in Alexandria, Egypt, is unknown.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We carried out a prospective cross-sectional observational study on 158 HBsAg-positive adults attending the Alexandria University Viral Hepatitis Treatment Unit (Sept 2022-Aug 2023). All underwent clinical, laboratory, and imaging assessment, and serum total anti-HDV antibodies were detected by ELISA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Anti-HDV antibodies were detected in 19.6% (31/158) of patients (95% CI, 13.4%-26.8%). HDV-positive patients were older (mean 50.9 ± 12.0 vs. 45.3 ± 11.6 years, p = 0.024), had higher ALT (median 38 vs. 32 U/L, p = 0.010) and AST (median 40 vs. 31 U/L, p = 0.009), more frequent significant fibrosis (74.2% vs. 51.2%, p = 0.021), and lower HBV DNA levels (median 0.04 vs. 0.70 × 10³ IU/mL, p = 0.017). Hepatic encephalopathy was more common across HDV-positive participants (12.9% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.014).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nearly one in five HBsAg-positive patients in Alexandria, Egypt, had evidence of HDV exposure, with associations suggesting more advanced liver injury. These findings support universal HDV screening among all HBsAg-positive individuals in Egypt.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13483714/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148787990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}