Cases Of Respiratory Infection Research Articles

Not Just a Common Cold: Endemic Coronaviruses OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection and Fatality Cases Among Healthy Adults

Not Just a Common Cold: Endemic Coronaviruses OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection and Fatality Cases Among Healthy Adults

Antibiotic resistance: Evaluation of levofloxacin treatment in acute respiratory tract infections cases at the Tasikmalaya City Health Center, Indonesia.

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are an acute inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract caused by the infection of microorganisms or bacteria, viruses, without or accompanied by inflammation of the lung parenchyma. The use of antibiotics is one way to treat respiratory diseases. This study aims to determine the level of resistance of levofloxacin antibiotics to clinical isolates from ARTIs patients at the Tasikmalaya Health Center, Indonesia. The stages of the research included rejuvenation of clinical single isolates from ARTIs patients, identification of bacteria, and antibiotic resistance testing using the paper-disc method. The results of resistance tests from 142 single clinical isolates of acute respiratory infections showed that levofloxacin antibiotics had high levels of resistance of 50.0%, 30.95% of resistance with intermediate levels, and 19.04% were still sensitive. Bacterial identification test results showed bacteria that have been resistant to levofloxacin are from the genus Haemophillus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Bordetella. Treatment of ARTIs with the antibiotic levofloxacin shows that there has been a relatively large resistance, where the results of the identification of all bacteria showed the bacteria that cause ARTIs.

Imputation method to reduce undetected severe acute respiratory infection cases during the coronavirus disease outbreak in Brazil

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease (COVD-19) outbreak has overburdened the surveillance of severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs), including the laboratory network. This study was aimed at correcting the absence of laboratory results of reported SARI deaths. METHODS: The imputation method was applied for SARI deaths without laboratory information using clinico-epidemiological characteristics. RESULTS: Of 84,449 SARI deaths, 51% were confirmed with COVID-19 while 3% with other viral respiratory diseases. After the imputation method, 95% of deaths were reclassified as COVID-19 while 5% as other viral respiratory diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The imputation method was a useful and robust solution (sensitivity and positive predictive value of 98%) for missing values through clinical & epidemiological characteristics.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ КОМПЛЕКСНОЙ ПРОГРАММЫ ОЗДОРОВЛЕНИЯ ДЕТЕЙ-ВОСПИТАННИКОВ ДОМА РЕБЕНКА

Изучена эффективность комплексной программы оздоровления у 75 детей, воспитывающихся в доме ребенка, в возрасте от 1,5 до 3 лет включительно. Основную группу составили 23 ребенка, получавшие комплекс оздоровительных мероприятий, в который входили: фито-чаи (лист смородины и цветки липы); сироп корня солодки; поливитаминный комплекс, а также дополнительно – водорастворимый витамин D; ультрафиолетовое облучение – общее и зоны надпочечников; массаж воротниковой зоны; лечебная физкультура; прогулки на свежем воздухе; классическая релаксирующая музыка при засыпании ежедневно. Кроме данного комплекса, основная группа получала также бактериальный лизат ОМ-85 по стандартной схеме. Группу сравнения составили 22 ребенка, получавшие только основной комплекс оздоровления, без бактериальных лизатов. Распределение по группам проводилось методом жеребьевки. Ретроспективно методом «копи-пара» сформировали группу контроля (30 детей), сопоставимую по полу, возрасту, сопутствующим заболеваниям, условиям жизни и времени года (с учетом сезонности).Установлено, что применение комплекса оздоровительных мероприятий показало снижение частоты острых респираторных инфекций, количества антибактериальных препаратов, использования антибактериальных препаратов на один случай заболевания острой респираторной инфекцией.Применение в комплексе оздоровления бактериальных лизатов позволило снизить частоту острых респираторных инфекций за год в 2,7 раза по сравнению с детьми контрольной группы, в 1,4 раза уменьшить среднюю продолжительность одного случая острой респираторной инфекции, а также снизить частоту применения антибактериальных препаратов в 5 раз.

Analysis of Qingkailing Injection in treatment of combined medication features of 2 147 cases of upper respiratory tract infection

Acute upper respiratory infection is one of the common infectious diseases,especially in the elderly people. Qingkailing Injection has the effect of clearing away heat and detoxifying. It can be used for external wind heat,upper respiratory tract infection,viral cold,etc. Based on 2 147 cases of upper respiratory tract infection patients using Qingkailing Injection in the medical electronic data warehouse of the information system of 16 large class-A hospitals constructed by the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,description analysis,Apriori calculation and recurrent network analysis were used to analyze the effect of Qingkailing Injection on upper respiratory tract infection. The clinical characteristics and the law of combined use of drugs can provide reference for the mining of clinical diagnosis and treatment characteristics and the construction of optimal and effective programs and paths. 2 147 patients with upper respiratory tract infection who used Qingkailing Injection were mostly middle-aged and elderly people over 45 years old,often combined with hypertension,ischemic cerebrovascular disease,coronary heart disease,diabetes,etc.; in treatment,it was more common to use Qingkailing Injection in combination with hormones,antipyretics and analgesics,antibiotics,nutritional support agents,antitussive,expectorant and antiasthmatic drugs,as well as traditional Chinese medicine Jiebiao agents and blood management agents. The combination of potassium chloride injection and cephalosporin injection is the most commonly used in combination with two kinds of Western medicine( 33. 2%); the combination of Shuanghuanglian and Ganmao Qingre Granules is the most commonly used in combination with two kinds of traditional Chinese medicine( 9. 13%); through the calculation of complex network group module,it is found that Qingkailing Injection is often associated with antibiotics,antipyretic and analgesic drugs,antitussive,expectorant and antiasthmatic drugs,antiviral drugs and anti infection drugs. Drugs,nutritional support agents,bronchodilators,immunomodulators and other chemical drugs are often used in combination with Chinese medicine,such as Jiebiao agents,expectorants,Qingre agents,resuscitation agents,Qufeng agents,tonics,Liqi agents,which may be related to both the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection and the basic diseases of middle-aged and elderly patients,with the theoretical characteristics of " combination of disease and syndrome,corresponding formula and syndrome". Based on the real world big data complex network group module mining results provide clues for the clinical optimization scheme and path construction,and provide signals and ideas for further causal research.

Infections Associated with CAR T Therapy for Treatment of Hematological Malignancies

Introduction: Chimeric antigen receptor t cells (CAR T) therapy is an innovative adoptive immunotherapy being used for the treatment of CD19+ive B cell hematological malignancies, especially B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). This treatment holds the potential to be highly effective and potentially less toxic alternative to cytotoxic chemotherapy for patients with relapsed and refractory (R/R) disease.This therapeutic modality is associated with a variety of side effects which includes cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, B cell aplasia, hypogammaglobulinemia and resultant high risk infections. There is paucity of data about infection related complications with CAR-T therapy. In this review, we focus on the infections associated with B cell targeting CART cell therapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Methods: We conducted a systematic review (following PRISMA guidelines) by completing a comprehensive PubMed, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov search on May 15th2019. Our search strategy included using search and MeSH terms related to CAR T therapy, hematological malignancies, Infections, safety and mortality. We were able to identify 279 articles from PubMed, 26 from Cochrane, 5 from Clinical Trials.org and 7 from Web of Science. After screening we selected 13 prospective published trials (n=555) for data extraction. We manually extracted data and summarized our results. RESULTS: Total included trials were 13, and trial level data from 555 patient was summarized in Table 1. Commonly used targets were CD19 ( B cell malignancies), and BCMA (Multiple Myeloma). CAR T were used for the treatment of diseases B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia ( ALL), B cell NHL, CLL, and Multiple myeloma (MM). Out of the available data, the two most frequent infections were upper respiratory tract infections (RTI) and blood stream infections. Other infections observed were the lower RTI, urinary tract infections (UTI), clostridium difficile (C. Diff), meningitis, mucocutaneous herpes infections, cellulitis, mucormycosis, and aspergillosis. A Phase 1/2 trial (NCT00924326 / B-NHL / CD19 Target) demonstrated 43 cases of septicemia (23.2%), 4 cases of UTI (9.3%) and 1 case each of cellulitis (2.3%), opportunistic infections (2.3%), upper RTI and lower RTI (2.3%). Phase 1 trial (NCT01029366 / B lymphoma, leukemia / CD19 target / n=20) showed 3 cases (15%) of pneumonia, 1 case each of C Diff, Pseudomonas and salmonella (5%) infections. A Phase 2 trial (NCT02030834, B NHL, CD19 target, n=63) treated patients showed 34% patients experienced infection which included sepsis, UTI, upper and lower RTI, skin, small intestine and mucosal infections. A phase 1 trial ( NCT01840566, n=17, NHL, CD19 target) demonstrated cases of mucormycosis ( n=unknown) and 7 case of pneumonia (41.1%). In phase 2 trial (NCT02030847, B ALL, CD19, n=30) treated patients experienced cases of sepsis (10%), Pneumonia (6.7%) and 1 case each of oral Candidiasis, C Diff, influenza and meningitis (10%). A phase 1 trial (NCT01044069, n=53, RR ALL, CD19 target) showed incidence of 11 cases of blood stream infections (20.1%), 9 cases of upper RTI (16.9), 2 cases of UTI (3.8%), 2 cases of pneumonia (3.8%), 3 cases of pulmonary aspergillosis (5.7%) and a case of herpes infection (1.9). Phase 2 trial (NCT01747486, CLL, CD19, n=42) demonstrated 2 cases of sepsis (4.7%), 2 cases of influenza (4.7), 3 cases of upper respiratory tract infections (7.1%) and 2 cases of pneumonia (4.7%). NCT02215967, Phase 1 trial ( Multiple Myeloma, BCMA target, n=12) was associated with 3 cases of upper RTI (25%) and 1 case of UTI (8.3%). Table 2 summarizes additional ongoing CAR T cell trials. Conclusion: CAR T cell therapy is gaining popularity and its indications are expanding. Its complications need to be closely studied for potential infections amongst other side effects. Clinical trial results have likely under-reported infections associated with CAR-T therapy because of overlapping presentation with cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity and limited follow-up reported in the published trials. Additional studies with longer follow up duration are required to identify the true risk of infectious complications of CAR T therapy in patients with hematological malignancies. Real word data on CAr T patients can also reveal long term infectious complications. Disclosures Anwer: In-Cyte: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. OffLabel Disclosure: CAR-T therapy. We are summarizing infectious complications of CAR-T therapy and their projects under development.

Facilitated Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (fSCIG) Administration in Secondary Immune Deficiency (SID) Due to Hematological Malignancies. Efficacy and Safety Real-World Data from a Single-Center in Greece

Intoduction Hematological malignancies are often complicated by secondary immunodeficiency (SID), namely hypogammaglobulinemia, the cause of common and opportunistic infections, which represent the major morbidity aitiology for hematological patients (pts)(Friman V, et al. Hematol Oncol 34: 121-132, 2016). Immunoglobulin replacement with intravenous gamma globulin (IVIg) reduces the number of infections, antibiotics' need and hospitalization days (Raanani P, et al. Leuk Lymphoma 50(5): 764-772, 2009). The subcutaneous (sc) route of IgG although equally effective, presents certain constraints (reduced bioavailability, multiple injection sites, and frequent infusions). The facilitated subcutaneous immunoglobulin (fSCIg) method exploits the pharmacologic properties of recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) and has been studied in primary immune deficiency (PID) syndromes with similar efficacy to IVIG (Wasserman RL. Immunotherapy 6(5): 553-567, 2014). fSCIg has demonstrated several advantages; self-administration, same bioavailability, long infusion intervals, few adverse drug reactions-ADRs. However, fSCIg has been less extensively studied in SID. Aim We present our single-center real-world data from fSCIg administration in hematological pts with SID, focusing on safety and efficacy issues. Patients and Methods Since 14-Oct- 2015 fSCIg has been used as the primary immunoglobulin reconstitution treatment (IgRT) in our department for hematological pts fulfilling the ESMO 2015 guidelines (Eichhorst B, et al. Ann Oncol 26(5): v78-v84, 2015): hypogammaglobulinemia with recurrent bacterial infections. No PSAF (proven specific antibody failure) is performed before IgRT initiation. Treatment goal is IgG trough levels around 600 mg/dL. The fSCIg(10% IgG) dosage is 0.4-0.8 g/Kg/month. Treatment modifications are made according to infection occurrence. fSCIg is administered with a variable rate portable pump and a sc 24G needle . First, pts receive rHuPH20 (1-2 ml/min). Ten min after rHuPH20, fSCIg(10%) is infused through the same sc needle, at the same injection site. The rate of the 1st fSCIg infusion is gradually increased from 10ml/h to 300 ml/h. If well tolerated, pts are treated with the final rate of 300 ml/h for subsequent infusions. The first 5 infusions take place at our department and the pts/relatives are instructed how to use the pump. The subsequent infusions take place outside hospital facilities. IgRT is given indefinitely to this pt population. Results Between mid-October 2015 and mid-July 2019, 45 hematological pts have been treated with fSCIg(10%) at our department according to ESMO 2015 guidelines. Baseline pts' characteristics are shown in table 1. Nine hundred sixty-two (962) infusions were administered, with median number of infusions per pt 19(3-48), median time on treatment 23.5 months(1-44.8) and median follow up 23.9 months (1.4-44.8). Thirty-nine (39) pts (86.7%) were able either to self-administer the formulation or to be treated by the aid of a relative after the 5th training session. More than 700 infusions were performed outside hospital's facilities. Thirty-nine (39) pts (86.7%) had no adverse drug reaction- ADR-, except mild edema at the site of injection for 8-24 hours after the infusion. Six patients (13.3 %) presented at least one type of ADR (table 2). In 11 pts (24.4%) at least 1 infection episode was noticed. All cases were grade 2, except an appendicitis case (grade 3) that it was surgically managed. There were 4 cases of upper respiratory tract infection, 3 cases with lower respiratory tract infections, 2 dermal infections and 1 viral gastroenteritis. fSCIg dose modification was done in 3 pts. During the follow up period 37 pts (82.2%) are ongoing and 8 pts (17.8%) have discontinued fSCIg: 6 due to death from underlying malignancy and 2 (4.4%) due to ADRs (1 with grade 3 rash and 1 with grade 3 fever and rigor). Surprisingly, there was no death from infectious complication. Conclusions Our single-center real-world data from fSCIg administration in hematological patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent infections shows that this method is very effective in reducing infections, with few ADRs. These findings compare favorably to those observed with IVIg (Raanani P, et al. Leuk Lymphoma 50(5): 764-772, 2009). Finally, fSCIg reduces the nursing staff workload in hematology wards and is preferred by the vast majority of the patients. Disclosures Panayiotidis: Bayer: Other: Support of clinical trial.

Clinical characteristics, predictors, and performance of case definition-Interim results from the WHO global respiratory syncytial virus surveillance pilot.

BackgroundThe lack of a uniform surveillance case definition poses a challenge to characterize the epidemiology, clinical features, and disease burden of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Global standards for RSV surveillance will inform immunization policy when RSV vaccines become available.MethodsThe WHO RSV surveillance pilot leverages the capacities of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). Hospitalized and non‐hospitalized medically attended patients of any age were tested for RSV using standardized molecular diagnostics throughout the year in fourteen countries. An extended severe acute respiratory infection (extended SARI) or an acute respiratory infection (ARI) case definition was used that did not require fever as a criterion.ResultsAmongst 21 221 patients tested for RSV between January 2017 and September 2018, 15 428 (73%) were hospital admissions. Amongst hospitalized RSV‐positive patients, 50% were aged <6 months and 88% <2 years. The percentage of patients testing positive for RSV was 37% in children <6 months and 25% in those aged 6 months to 2 years. Patients with fever were less likely to be RSV positive compared to those without fever (OR 0.74; 95% CI: 0.63‐0.86). For infants <6 months, 29% of RSV ARI cases did not have fever.ConclusionRequiring fever in a case definition for RSV lowers the sensitivity to detect cases in young children. Countries should consider ways to leverage the GISRS platform to implement RSV surveillance with an augmented case definition amongst the young pediatric population.

2477. Antimicrobial Resistance patterns of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Colombian clinical isolates. 2017–2018

BackgroundThe Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART) is a worldwide initiative to monitor in vitro susceptibility of clinical Gram-negative isolates to several antimicrobial agents. Surveillance initiatives are essential to provide real-world evidence to support local guidelines development. Colombia has participated since 2012 with isolates from complicated intrabdominal infections (cIAI), complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and respiratory tract infections (RTI). This study describes resistant patterns of Escherichia coli (Eco), Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pae) clinical isolates collected in Colombian hospitals in a 2 years period (2017–2018).MethodsIsolates from patients with cIAI, cUTI and RTI were collected. Identification confirmation was done in central laboratory. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were performed by broth microdilution and interpreted according to 2018 CLSI guidelines, same criteria for Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) classification. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated for aztreonam (ATM), ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T), ceftazidime (CAZ), colistin (COL), ertapenem (ETP), cefepime (FEP), imipenem (IMP), meropenem (MEM) and piperacillin–tazobactam (TZP).ResultsDuring 2017–2018, 1492 isolates were collected. The main organism was Eco (51%) followed by Kpn (29%) and Pae (20%). In vitro susceptibility activity is presented in Table 1. COL, C/T, ETP, MEM and IPM exhibited over 95% susceptibility in Eco. ESBL prevalence was 18% for Eco (53/314) and 22% for Kpn (36/165). COL and C/T were the most active agents against Pae isolates. For Kpn, MIC50/90 values were: MEM (0.12 / 8), C/T (0.5 / 8) and for TZP (8 / > 64), meanwhile for Pae were MEM (0.5 / 32), C/T (0.5 / 32) and for TZP (8 / > 64).ConclusionContinued antimicrobial resistance surveillance initiatives are critical to guide the empiric treatments decision in a multidrug resistance era. This study shows that Ceftolozane/Tazobactam, MEM and COL have the best susceptibility profile against Eco, Kpn and Pae of cIAI, cUTI and RTI cases in Colombia. The C/T susceptibility rates and low MIC distribution provide evidence to support its use as a non-carbapenem therapeutic alternative for Gram-negative infections. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Guideline Adherence and Antibiotic Utilization by Community Pediatricians, Private Urgent Care Centers, and a Pediatric Emergency Department.

Pediatric antibiotic prescriptions originate from an increasingly broad range of ambulatory settings. In this retrospective study, pharyngitis, otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, and upper respiratory infection cases, at 11 primary care offices, 2 independent urgent care centers (UCCs), and a pediatric emergency department in Western New York, were analyzed relative to medical society practice guidelines and antibiotic utilization. Of 2358 eligible visits across all sites, 25% were for study diagnoses, with 38% at UCC (P < .01). Across all sites, 26% of pharyngitis cases given antibiotics did not have diagnostic evidence of bacterial infection. At primary care offices and UCCs, guideline recommended first-line agents for pharyngitis and otitis media were used in only 58% and 63% of treated cases, respectively. Overall, an estimated 9855 to 12 045 avoidable antibiotic and 8030 non-guideline antibiotic courses annually are represented by the 14 sites studied. These and other study findings highlight numerous opportunities for outpatient pediatric antibiotic stewardship.

Hospitalization rates for influenza-associated severe acute respiratory illness in children younger than five years old in Suzhou of China, 2016-2018

We analyzed the influenza surveillance data of Children's Hospital of Suzhou University from 2016 to 2018 and estimated the hospitalization burden of children under 5 years old due to influenza infection in Suzhou. The results showed that the influenza virus positive rate of 1 451 severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases in Children's Hospital of Suzhou University was 13.6% (95%CI: 11.8%-15.3%; 197 cases), among which the influenza pandemic intensity in 2017-2018 was relatively high, and A/H1N1 was the main pandemic virus. It was estimated that the hospitalization rate of influenza-related SARI in children under 5 years old in Suzhou was 6.9‰ (95%CI: 6.6‰-7.2‰), among which the hospitalization rate of children aged<6 months was higher, up to 11.4‰ (95%CI: 9.9‰-12.8‰).

Economic Cost of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Associated to Influenza in Colombian Children: A Single Setting Analysis

Influenza is considered a leading public health problem because its large economic burden of disease worldwide, especially in low-and middle-income countries, such as Colombia. We aimed to estimate the economic costs of influenza-confirmed patients in a pediatric hospital in Cartagena, Colombia. We conducted a retrospective costing analysis. We estimated the direct (direct medical and out-of-pocket expenditures) and indirect costs for influenza-confirmed severe acute respiratory infection cases from a societal perspective. Total economic costs were calculated adding direct medical costs, out-of-pocket expenditures, and indirect costs owing to loss of productivity of caregivers. Mean, median, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and interquartile range (IQR) of costs were measured. All costs are reported in USD ($1.00 = COP$2000.7) RESULTS: Forty-four cases were included in the analysis: 30 had influenza B, 10 influenza A and B, and 4 influenza AH1N1. Thirty patients were hospitalized in the general ward, 14 went to the intensive care unit. The average duration of stay was ∼9 days (95% CI, 6.3-11.5). The median direct medical cost for hospitalized case in general ward was $743.50 (IQR $590.20-$1404.60) and in intensive care unit $4669.80 (IQR $1614.60-$7801.50). The economic cost per hospitalized case was $1826.10 (IQR $1343.30-$2376.50); direct medical costs represented 93.8% of this cost. The median indirect cost was $82.10 (IQR $41.10-$133.40) and the median out-of-pocket expenditure per case was $45.70 (IQR $29.50-$64.90). Severe acute respiratory infection is an important source of economic burden for the health system, families, and society in Colombia. Seasonal influenza vaccination should be strengthened to prevent more cases and save economic resources.

Identification of Adenovirus Species in Iranian Pediatric Population With Severe Acute Respiratory Infections

Aim: In this study we aimed to find the rate of human adenovirus (HAdV) infections and identify HAdVs molecular epidemiology in children younger than 5 years old with clinical diagnosis of severe acute respiratory infections in Iran. Patients &amp; methods: A semi-nested PCR with in-house designed primers for HAdV was performed on 200 oropharyngeal swabs collected within 5 days from the onset of symptoms. The positive samples were subjected to sequencing and a phylogenetic tree was drawn. Results: Out of 200 specimens, 71 (35.5%) cases were positive for HAdVs. Detected strains matched with HAdV species B (80.3%), C (15.5%), D (2.8%) and E (1.8%). HAdV- B14/55 and HAdV-B3 were the most prevalent types, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that infections with HAdV species B, were common in children, who were clinically diagnosed as severe acute respiratory infection cases in Iran. The results could be useful for future epidemiological researches.

Leveraging the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System for global respiratory syncytial virus surveillance-opportunities and challenges.

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV)‐associated acute lower respiratory infection is a common cause for hospitalization and hospital deaths in young children globally. There is urgent need to generate evidence to inform immunization policies when RSV vaccines become available. The WHO piloted a RSV surveillance strategy that leverages the existing capacities of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) to better understand RSV seasonality, high‐risk groups, validate case definitions, and develop laboratory and surveillance standards for RSV.MethodsThe RSV sentinel surveillance strategy was piloted in 14 countries. Patients across all age groups presenting to sentinel hospitals and clinics were screened all year‐round using extended severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and acute respiratory infection (ARI) case definitions for hospital and primary care settings, respectively. Respiratory specimens were tested for RSV at the National Influenza Centre (NIC) using standardized molecular diagnostics that had been validated by an External Quality Assurance program. The WHO FluMart data platform was adapted to receive case‐based RSV data and visualize interactive visualization outputs.ResultsLaboratory standards for detecting RSV by RT‐PCR were developed. A review assessed the feasibility and the low incremental costs for RSV surveillance. Several challenges were addressed related to case definitions, sampling strategies, the need to focus surveillance on young children, and the data required for burden estimation.ConclusionsThere was no evidence of any significant adverse impact on the functioning of GISRS which is primarily intended for virologic and epidemiological surveillance of influenza.

Risk factors for adverse outcome in infancy in meconium ileus cystic fibrosis infants: A multicentre Italian study

BackgroundMeconium ileus (MI) is a risk factor for poor outcomes in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for poor 12-month clinical outcomes in MI-CF newborns. MethodsThis retrospective, multicentre, observational study of MI-CF infants born 2009–2015 recorded their pre- and neonatal histories, intestinal occlusion treatments, post-surgical history, nutrition, CF diagnosis, and compared the patients with 12-month faltering growth or chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory infection (cases) with the others (controls). ResultsAbout 25% of the 85 patients enrolled by 13 Italian CF centres (24% premature, 18% of low birth weight) had prenatally diagnosed bowel obstruction, and 39% had complex MI. Seventy-one required surgery (the 33 with complex MI and 38 with simple MI), of whom 58 (82%) required post-surgical intensive care, including 25 (35%) needing ventilatory support. Forty-six (54%) were breastfed; exclusively parenteral nutrition was started in 52 (61%). Cholestasis was diagnosed in 21%.Thirty-one (37%) experienced negative outcomes: the only risk factors were prenatally diagnosed intestinal obstruction and a need for intensive care and oxygen therapy. The cases had significantly higher first blood immunoreactive trypsinogen (b-IRT) levels (P = .008).Logistic regression showed that the probability of having negative outcome is decreased in the absence of cholestasis (Odds Ratio = 0.125) and a need for intensive therapy (OR = 0.141), and increased by not having been breastfed (OR = 2.921). ConclusionsHigh b-IRT levels, prenatally diagnosed intestinal obstruction, a severe post-surgical clinical picture and early liver disease are risk factors for negative outcomes. Breastfeeding may be protective.

Applicability of the universal thermal climate index for predicting the outbreaks of respiratory tract infections: a mathematical modeling approach

Respiratory tract infections (RTI) are one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultations. As air temperature decreases, but also in connection with other meteorological parameters, evident seasonal fluctuations in the number of consultations for RTI can be observed. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) is a complex meteorological index derived from an analysis of human thermal balance that depends on air temperature, air humidity, and wind speed. Our aims were to check if this index, although never used before for that purpose, is an adequate tool for forecasting seasonal increases in RTI prevalence. This study is a retrospective analysis of patients’ consultations with general practitioners in the period of 2012–2015 (453,674 records) recorded in the city of Olsztyn (Poland), which is characterized by a cold climate type (Dfb). The values of air temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative air humidity, wind speed, and UTCI were used for a statistical analysis and a mathematical analysis of curve fitting in order to determine correlations between analyzed meteorological parameters and a number of medical consultations for RTI. Analysis of the number of medical consultations for RTI revealed an evident seasonal pattern in a 4-year observation period, with a strong inverse correlation between the number of patients with RTI and the UTCI. A statistically significant increase in the number of patients with RTI appeared when the UTCI decreased, especially when it reached the classes of strong cold stress and very strong cold stress. In conclusion, the UTCI is a valuable predictive parameter for forecasting seasonal increases in RTI cases. Its decrease may initiate a seasonal increased prevalence. This effect is strongest about the 10th day following a change in the thermal climate conditions and is not continuous. A larger number of consultations for RTI after weekends and holidays (the Monday effect) may blur the results of statistical analyses.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 245 cases of influenza A (H3N2)

Objective: To investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza A (H3N2) infected patients in Jinhua area, and therefore to improve the understanding of infection with H3N2 influenza virus. Methods: The pharynx swab specimens for pathogenic detection were collected from acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases in the fever clinic of the sentinel hospital in Jinhua area from 2014 to 2017. Descriptive statistics method was used to analyze the clinical features and pathogenics characteristics of the patients infected with H3N2 influenza virus. The t test or χ(2) test of independent samples were used for comparison between groups. Results: A total of 3 803 cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) were reported in the sentinel hospital in Jinhua area from 2014 to 2017. Among them, 245 cases (6.4%) of H3N2 influenza were diagnosed, including 153 males (62.4%) and 92 females (37.6%), aged from 0.5 to 95 years, with an average age of (50.1+15.7) years. They were divided into 5 age groups, with 107 (43.7%) patients aged 60 years and older. The incidence of major diseases was 43.7%. There was no significant difference in the gender in different age groups (χ(2)=4.581, P=0.333). The seasonal peak of H3N2 influenza A virus infection was mainly in summer (In June-September), but was also seen in other months. In the 4 years from 2014 to 2017, there were a total of 4 peaks, which occurred in July-September, July-August, June-August, and June-August. The body temperature of most patients (73.1%) was between 38.0 and 38.9 ℃. The main positive signs of H3N2 influenza A virus infection were different degrees of pharyngeal hyperemia and tonsillar enlargement. Fever (>38 ℃), cough, dizziness, fatigue, sore throat, headache, chills, shortness of breath, runny nose, myalgia, expectoration, nasal congestion were the main symptoms of H3N2 cases. The proportion of abnormal X-ray/CT manifestations in H3N2 influenza A virus infection cases was lower than that of other influenza viruses. 89.8% of the patients were positive for H3N2 influenza A. The average lymphocyte count was (1.1±0.5) × 10(9)/L, total platelet count (157±39) × 10(9)/L in H3N2 influenza A infection group, which were lower than those in other influenza positive patients [(1.2±0.6)×10(9)/L and (165±42) × 10(9)/L], while the neutrophil count (3.6±0.8) × 10(9)/L was higher than that in other influenza positive patients (3.4±1.0) × 10(9)/L(all P<0.05). Conclusions: Patients with H3N2 influenza A in Jinhua mostly presented with throat congestion and tonsillar enlargement in varying degrees, fever (>38 ℃), cough and sputum production. The seasonal peak of influenza A was in summer (June-September). Elderly aged 60 years or older were the susceptible group.

FOREIGN BODY ASPIRATION MASQUERADING RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION

Foreign body (FB) aspiration is a potentially life threatening event where prompt and precise action can turn tears into smiles. We&nbsp;report a case of an eight-year school going boy, with one-month old history of foreign body aspiration. The boy was treated as a case&nbsp;of respiratory tract infection. It was due to reappearance of symptoms and signs of chest infection supported by chest radiography that&nbsp;prompted for the CT-chest. It was followed by rigid bronchoscopy to confirm the therapeutic diagnosis of FB aspiration. This case&nbsp;report highlights the importance of detailed thoughtful history in pediatrics particularly to FB aspiration.

Molecular detection of enterovirus D68 among children with acute respiratory tract infection in Ghana.

BackgroundAcute respiratory tract infections of viral origin remain a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and economic loss regardless of age or gender. A small number of acute respiratory tract infection cases caused by enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) have been reported regularly to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 1987 by countries in North America, Europe and Asia. However, in 2014 and 2015, the number of reported confirmed EV-D68 infections was much greater than in previous years. The National Influenza Centre (NIC), Ghana carries out surveillance of respiratory infections, focusing on those caused by influenza virus; however, there is inadequate information on other viruses causing respiratory infections in Ghana, including EV-D68.ObjectivesTo investigate the association of EV-D68 with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in Ghana.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study which involved archived human respiratory specimens stored at –80 °C at the NIC from 2014 to 2015. Using a random sampling method, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs from patients with SARI and ILI that were negative by real-time PCR for human influenza viruses were screened for EV-D68 using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR).ResultsEnterovirus D68 was detected in 4 (2.2%) out of 182 SARI samples tested. EV-D68 was detected in children younger than 5 years (4 – 100% of positives) and was not detected in children older than 5 years. Enterovirus D68 was detected more frequently in SARI cases (3%) than in ILI cases (1.2%).ConclusionThis study has shown for the first time the presence of EV-D68 in acute respiratory infections in Ghana. The results confirmed minimal EV-D68 circulation in the Ghanaian population.

Free hospitalization for acute respiratory infections in children: what effect and how much does it cost for Armenia?

The "Child Certificate" program, launched in Armenia in 2011, made hospitalization for children less than seven years free in order to improve access to hospitalization, reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensure Universal Health Coverage. We aimed to estimate trends in the number of outpatient and hospitalized acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases and related under-five mortality. Cross-sectional study using data from national databases before (2008-2011) and after (2012-2017) Program implementation. The diagnosis of ARI was based on the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10). The average hospitalization per 1000 children under 14 and infants increased by 85% and 75% respectively, compared with the period before the introduction of the Program, while the frequency of outpatient visits remained unchanged. The ARI-related mortality in children less than five years and in infants decreased by 11% and 19%, respectively. Financial allocations for ARI-associated hospitalizations amounted to 2.1 billion Armenian drams in 2011 and increased to 3.3 billion drams in 2016 (an increase of 57%). For pneumonia, this increase was 108% (from 0.35 to 0.72 billion). The introduction of free hospitalization for ARI led to an increase in the hospitalization rates. There was a favorable decline in under-five mortality and an exponential increase in financial allocations. The reasons for hospitalization should be investigated to ensure rational hospitalization with parallel improvement of primary care to reduce delayed presentations. It is necessary to find ways addressing the growing financial allocations for ARI-associated hospitalization.