Spread Of Infection Research Articles

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in lions, tigers, and hyenas at Denver Zoo.

In late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 spilled over from an animal host into humans, where it efficiently spread, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic. Through both natural and experimental infections, we learned that many animal species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, animals in close proximity to humans, including companion, farmed, and those at zoos and aquariums, became infected, and many studies demonstrated transmission to/from humans in these settings. In this study, we first review the literature of SARS-CoV-2 infections in tigers and lions and compare species, sex, age, virus and antibody detection assay, and types, frequency, and length of clinical signs, demonstrating broad heterogeneity among infections. We then describe a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in lions, tigers, and hyenas at Denver Zoo in late 2021. Animals were tested for viral RNA (vRNA) for 4 months. Lions had significantly more vRNA in nasal swabs than both tigers and hyenas, and many individual lions experienced viral recrudescence after weeks of undetectable vRNA. Infectious virus was correlated with high levels of vRNA and was more likely to be detected earlier during infection. Four months post-infection, all tested animals generated robust neutralizing antibody titers. Animals were infected with Delta lineage AY.20 identical to a variant circulating at less than 1% in Colorado humans at that time, suggesting a single spillover event from an infected human spread within and between species housed at the zoo. Better understanding of epidemiology and susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals is critical to limit the current and future spread and protect animal and human health.IMPORTANCESurveillance and experimental testing have shown many animal species, including companion, wildlife, and conservatory, are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, big cats at zoological institutions were among the first documented cases of naturally infected animals; however, challenges in the ability to collect longitudinal samples in zoo animals have limited our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 kinetics and clearance in these settings. We measured SARS-CoV-2 infections over 4 months in lions, tigers, and hyenas at Denver Zoo and detected viral RNA, infectious virus, neutralizing antibodies, and recrudescence after initial clearance. We found lions had longer and higher levels of virus compared to the other species. All animals were infected by a rare viral lineage circulating in the human population, suggesting a single spillover followed by interspecies transmission. These data are important in better understanding natural SARS-CoV-2 spillover, spread, and infection kinetics within multiple species of zoo animals.

Statistical analysis of Revan topological indices for drug compounds used in treatment of tuberculosis

Abstract One of the most infectious diseases, tuberculosis (TB) has a higher death rate than HIV/AIDS, and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is concern that the number of TB cases may increase. With the aid of QSPR models, the pharmaceutical industry is continuously searching for methods to enhance medication design procedures to stop the spread of infections and treat recently discovered syndromes or genetically based dysfunctions. QSPR models are mathematical tools that utilize structural properties to establish relationships between a molecular structure and its physicochemical attributes. One way to generate attributes from the molecular graph without the need for experimental measurements is to use topological indices. The goal of this work is to create a QSPR model for tuberculosis drugs and their many physicochemical characteristics using degree-based topological indices.

Temporal associations between microclimate, adult Aedes mosquito indices, and dengue cases at the residence level in Malaysia: Implications for targeted interventions.

Dengue continues to be a major public health concern in Malaysia, as evidenced by the significant surge in cumulative dengue case numbers and deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year. While previous studies have explored the interplay of abiotic and biotic factors of mosquito density and dengue cases on a local scale in Malaysia, there is a notable gap in the research focusing on adult Aedes mosquito populations. This study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by investigating the association and time lags (TLs) between daily microclimate (DM), mosquito indices (MIs), and dengue cases at the residence level. In this longitudinal study, field data were collected over 26 weeks using data loggers, gravid oviposit sticky (GOS) traps, and non-structural 1 (NS1) test kits in both non-dengue hotspot (NDH) and dengue hotspots (DH). The collected data encompassed DM variables, vegetation cover (VC), MIs, and number of dengue cases. An autocorrelation analysis was conducted to determine the TLs between MIs and their preceding values, while a cross-correlation analysis revealed the TLs between MIs and DM variables. The study indicated there are positive correlations between the adult index (AI) of Ae. albopictus, their preceding values and rainfall at an NDH. Conversely, the AIs of total Aedes at the DH exhibited positive correlations with their preceding values, temperature, rainfall, and maximum relative humidity (RH), but negative correlations with the mean and maximum RH. The dengue-positive trap index (DPTI) of total Aedes at DHs demonstrated positive associations with their preceding values, mean temperature, minimum temperature, maximum RH, and rainfall, with negative correlations observed for the maximum temperature, mean RH, and minimum RH. Similar trends were identified for the Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus at DHs. The association between dengue cases, DM, and MIs was inconclusive due to underreported cases. This study highlighted the DM and TLs of dengue virus-infected and non-infected adult female Aedes mosquitoes using onsite data collection. Furthermore, this study presents a replicable methodology that can be adopted by researchers worldwide for investigating the dynamics of dengue transmission in similar settings. The findings offer valuable insights for decision-makers, providing them with evidence-based information to implement targeted interventions and strategies aimed at controlling Aedes mosquito populations and mitigating the spread of dengue virus infections.

Vaccine Literacy and Hesitancy on routine and travelers' vaccines: a preliminary online survey.

The vast amount of conflicting information during the COVID-19 pandemic might have had a detrimental effect on people's opinions about vaccinations, including groups like travelers. This study aimed at assessing Vaccine Literacy in a sample of the general Italian population, together with antecedents of Vaccine Hesitancy, such as confidence, complacency, and convenience, the so-called "3Cs", and their effects on accepting routine and travelers' vaccines. A specifically designed anonymous questionnaire was created by using Google forms and validated through a face validity process. Subsequently, it was employed in an online cross-sectional survey. The assessment Vaccine Literacy scale used in this survey was similar to that employed in earlier surveys. In addition to demographic data and information sources used by participants, the questionnaire was composed, in total, of nine multiple choice questions on Vaccine Literacy, and six questions on the 3Cs. Considered outcomes were self-reported participants' beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and intentions toward recommended routinary adulthoods vaccines and arboviral vaccines for travelers. A section of the questionnaire focused on chikungunya awareness, taken as an example of arboviral disease that has caused outbreaks in Italy, but not yet vaccine-preventable at the time of the investigation. After cleaning the database, 357 responses were suitable for analysis. Vaccine Literacy mean functional score was 2.81 ± 0.74 (lower than in an earlier survey, p = 0.012), while the interactive-critical (score 3.41 ± 0.50) was higher (p<0.001). Vaccine literacy was confirmed to be associated with attitudes and behaviors towards vaccination, with the 3Cs often acting as a mediator. However, interactive Vaccine Literacy was misaligned with respect to functional and critical ones, as if looking for information sources or discussing about vaccination was less relevant than amidst the pandemic. Also, there was an increase in Vaccine Hesitancy, particularly with regard to travel vaccinations, with 10-17% of individuals refusing to be vaccinated if travelling in areas at risk. The main limitation of the study was the unbalance in demographic variables, in particular the education level. The study highlights the risks associated with current travel, including those related to climate change and the spread of vector-borne infections. It underscores the importance of raising awareness about arboviral diseases and the vaccines available to prevent them. As with all online surveys that employ convenience sampling, this study might not have provided a comprehensive representation of the entire population. Nevertheless, a dedicated analysis has been conducted to reduce biases and make data interpretation easier. Despite the need for further research, the findings indicate potential new approaches for assessing Vaccine Literacy and Vaccine Hesitancy, to ease the development of new communication strategies to enhance routine and travel vaccinations.

The risks of cholera importation and the forecasting system in epidemiological surveillance in the RF

The purpose of the study – to determine the effectiveness of proactive epidemiological surveillance of cholera on the territory of the Russian Federation in 2023-2024. Materials and methods. A risk-based approach based on the systematization of official information on the global incidence of cholera was used: Weekly Epidemiological Record of WHO; official and regional websites of WHO; Internet resources: ProMED-mail post; ECDC and other sources. The work was guided by the administrative documents of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare in 2023-2024, and used materials from the operational epidemiological analysis of the reference centre for cholera monitoring on the territory of the Russian Federation. Genome-wide sequencing and genome assembly were performed on the MiSeq (Illumina) platform, genetic determinants were identified in WGSs using the BioEdit 7.2.5 and BLASTN 2.2.29 programs. Statistical processing of the obtained results was performed using a computer program (StatSoft STATISTICA 6.1.478 Russian). Results. The analysis of an array of data on the incidence of cholera in the world is carried out, a realistic forecast of the probability of cholera importation risks to the Russian Federation in 2023 is given. The anti-epidemic readiness of the bodies and organizations of Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation was checked, an operational response was carried out to two cases of cholera importation to the Tambov region and the city of Moscow from India in 2023 with their timely decoding, including genomic and phylogenetic characteristics of pathogens. Foci of infection have been localized and eliminated, and its spread was prevented. Cholera was monitored on the territory of the Russian Federation in 2024. Measures were taken to minimize the risks of importation and spread of this infection. Conclusion. Based on the analysis of the monitoring results for 2023-2024, the effectiveness of the system of proactive epidemiological surveillance based on early detection of cholera importation risks or their precursors, on forecasting, on prompt response in case of cholera epidemic complications and on control of facilities and factors contributing to the possible spread of infection has been proved. The stability of the epidemiological situation of cholera in the Russian Federation has been ensured.

Gidoodikosan Giiwitaabimin - We sit in a circle for kidneys, a strength-based qualitative study.

Abstract The overall aim of this qualitative study was to inform recommendations towards Indigenous strength-based approaches for kidney health, prevention of disease and failure. Between 2020 and 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted online interviews and teleconferences with 16 participants from North Simcoe in Ontario, Canada. Participants shared their experiences revolving around kidney disease and care within Indigenous contexts. An advisory committee consisting of members from a First Nation community with personal and familial experiences with kidney disease provided direction to the research in conjunction with the research team. Analysis occurred through the collective consensual data analytic procedure (CCDAP) consistent with a strength-based methodology that involved the coming together of community members with the research team. Themes were identified into groupings that led to the recommendations related to (1) health care continuity of traditional and cultural ways of knowing and being; (2) accessible hemodialysis and support for home dialysis; (3) increased kidney transplantation and kidney organ donation, (4) increased telehealth and virtual medicine; and (5) government support and funding. Accessible culturally safe care within home communities that also serves to limit the spread of COVID-19 infection was prioritized.

P-2249. Validation of 2-deoxy 2-[18F]fluorocellobiose as a Novel Metabolic PET Radiotracer for Specific Detection and Monitoring of Aspergillus Infections In Vivo

Abstract Background A major hurdle to the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus (Af), remains the lack of timely and definite diagnosis. Several filamentous fungi express β-glucosidases (BGL) which convert cellobiose, a disaccharide, into 2 glucose units. Exploiting this pathway, we developed a novel tracer, 2-deoxy 2-[18F]fluorocellobiose (FCB) and showed it can specifically detect Af infections in vivo, with minimal background signal and radioactivity accumulation in live Af infection (Fig 1), but not in bacterial infection or sterile inflammation. In this study, we expanded the use of FCB to evaluate treatment response in Af infected mice. Specific detection of Af infection by FCB-PET imaging (A) Mechanism of action: FCB in the presence of β-glucosidase (BGL) producing fungi such as A. fumigatus (Af), is metabolized into FDG and glucose molecules. The resulting FDG is retained within the lesions containing metabolically active fungi. (B) Representative static PET/CT images at 120 mins after ∼7.4-9MBq bolus injection of FCB in mouse myositis models with live (right thigh) or heat-killed (HK) (left thigh) A. fumigatus (n=11) . The signal from the urinary bladder has been removed from the images for clarity purposes. SUVmean values show significantly higher PET signal in the site of live Af infection. ****, p &amp;lt; 0.0001 (unpaired t-test). GMS staining of tissues with live (hyphal structures) and HK (spores) fungi (Accepted for publication). Methods FCB was synthesized by enzymatic conversion of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoroglucose (FDG). Mice were immunosuppressed using cyclophosphamide. Myositis infections were induced by intramuscular thigh injection of live Af conidia. Daily Voriconazole (VCZ) treatment was started on D1 for 3 weeks (40mg/kg, IP). Longitudinal FCB-PET was performed (D3, D14, D21) and standardized uptake values (SUVmean) were calculated. At the study endpoint, tissues were collected for Grocott’s Methenamine Silver (GMS) staining. Our results were compared to a similar previous treatment study where we used IV Amphotericin B (AmB) (15mg/kg). Evaluation of treatment response by FCB-PET imaging (A) Representative static PET/CT images of FCB uptake and SUV mean values in A. fumigatus myositis models (n=5) at different time-points after amphotericin B (AmB) treatment showing no appreciable decrease in PET signal over time. GMS staining of the thigh muscles at the terminal time-point show proliferating hyphae indicating sub-clinical efficacy of treatment. (B) Representative static PET/CT images of FCB uptake in A. fumigatus myositis models (n=12) at different time-points after voriconazole (VCZ) treatment showing decreased PET signal over time. SUVmean values show significant decrease in signal corresponding to the live infection focus (ANOVA mixed effects model) with significant treatment effect (p&amp;lt;0.0001). ** p&amp;lt;0.001; *p&amp;lt;0.05. GMS staining shows minimal hyphal growth indicating good control of infection. Results FCB-PET showed the initial spread and eventual decline in Af infection in VCZ treated mice with decreasing SUVmean values on D14 and D21 showing significant treatment effect (p&amp;lt; 0.0001, ANOVA mixed effects model) (Fig 2). As expected, VCZ treatment was more effective than AmB treatment which showed sub-clinical efficacy with minimal decrease in FCB-PET signal over time. GMS staining also showed decreased proliferating hyphae in the VCZ cohort unlike the AmB treated group. Conclusion We developed a novel Af-specific PET ligand, FCB, and demonstrated its ability to non-invasively diagnose Af infection in vivo and monitor treatment effect with different antifungals. Thus, FCB can also be used for repeated efficacy testing of novel therapeutics within the same cohort of animals. FCB is synthesized from commercial FDG and is a highly translatable Af-specific PET ligand. Further usefulness in other fungal infections is being evaluated. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

P-704. Sustained decline in the incidence of hospital-acquired Influenza A/B, Parainfluenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections at the NIH Clinical Center

Abstract Background Respiratory viral infections can result in significant morbidity and mortality for immunocompromised patients. The role of universal masking in hospitals to reduce the spread of respiratory infections remains controversial. The NIH Clinical Center serves immunocompromised patients and continued masking policies into 2024 (masking throughout the hospital April 8, 2020-June 4, 2023 and masking only in patient care from June 5, 2023 onward). We conducted a retrospective review of hospital-acquired Influenza A/B, Parainfluenza, and RSV infections from January 2010 to March 2024 to determine if masking policies were associated with a reduction in hospital transmission of selected respiratory viruses. Methods Incubation periods for each respiratory virus was established. Infections occurring after the incubation periods were considered hospital-acquired. Medical chart reviews were conducted to ascertain date of symptom onset and history of respiratory viral infection. Quantitative data analysis was performed. Results Between January 2010 and March 2024, 127 hospital-acquired Influenza A/B, Parainfluenza, and RSV infections were identified. Forty-five Influenza A/B, 42 Parainfluenza and 37 RSV infections were identified in the pre-masking period (January 2010 to April 7, 2020) vs. 0 Influenza A/B, 2 Parainfluenza and 1 RSV infections identified in the masking period (April 8, 2020 to March 31, 2024). Interrupted time-series analysis was significant for all hospital-acquired respiratory viral infections (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion Masking was temporally associated with a decrease in all hospital-acquired respiratory viral infections. Pandemic mitigation measures, including symptomatic screening of building entrants, physical distancing, and asymptomatic testing of staff, may have contributed to this decline; however, when these strategies were relaxed and masking continued, hospital-acquired respiratory viral infections remained low. Wearing masks in the hospital may provide benefit for hospitalized immunocompromised patients. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

P-1272. Hepatitis A Investigation and Onsite Response in a Retirement Facility, New York City, 2023

Abstract Background Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that can be transmitted by contaminated food consumption. On August 13, 2023, a healthcare provider notified the New York City Health Department of a hepatitis A case in a food handler who worked at a retirement facility while infectious. Medical frailty, mobility, and transportation limitations complicated exposed persons’ access to postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) within the recommended 2-week window. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Department developed capacity to provide onsite SARS-CoV-2 testing and vaccination services within congregate settings to prevent and respond to outbreaks. We used this infrastructure to deliver timely PEP to contacts and prevent an outbreak. Methods Using a risk-assessment algorithm, we evaluated the food handler’s hand hygiene, type and quantity of food prepared, and contact with ready-to-eat food. Anyone who ate food the worker prepared while infectious, defined as 2 weeks before symptom onset, was considered exposed. Following Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidance, 1 dose of single-antigen hepatitis A vaccine was advised for exposed adults, with coadministration of 0.1 mL/kg human immunoglobulin (IG) for those age &amp;gt; 40 years. Food handlers were required to receive PEP to prevent workplace exclusion. To enable timely PEP receipt, the Health Department worked with facility staff and a vendor to host an onsite clinic on August 23, 2023. Results We identified 84 exposed persons, including 42 (50%) residents, 10 (12%) food handlers, and 32 (38%) staff. Median age of those exposed was 74 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 58–88 years); residents’ median age was 89 years (IQR: 84–91 years). Of 84 exposed persons, 39 (46%) received PEP; 30 (77%) received vaccine and IG, 1 (3%) IG only, and 8 (21%) vaccine only. Seven exposed persons who received only vaccine were eligible for IG. All 10 (100%) exposed food handlers, 18 (43%) residents, and 11 (34%) staff received PEP. One secondary case was identified in a resident who declined PEP. Conclusion This intervention ensured residents were protected and prevented work exclusions. Providing timely, accessible clinical services within congregate settings, as was commonly done for COVID-19, might effectively prevent the spread of other infections. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Impact of the infected population and nonlinear incidence rate on the dynamics of the SIR model

This study proposes a dynamical epidemic model SIR incorporating a nonlinear saturated incidence and nonlinear recovery rates. The model considers the influence of available resources, the ratio of the infected population, and the decrease of interventions on the spread of infectious diseases. The use of a nonlinear incident rate as a monoid-type equation improves the study compared to a constant-type incident rate because the spread of infection is now determined by the force of the illness and the number of infected individuals available to disseminate the infection. The consideration of recovery rate, which includes the minimum and maximum feasible recovery rates and the amount of resources available for treatment, makes the research more advantageous. The conditions for the existence of the equilibria have been established. Furthermore, stability analysis and bifurcation have been carried out using Lyapunov’s direct method, the Routh–Hurwitz criterion, and Dulac’s creation under each set of conditions. A numerical simulation was conducted using MATLAB. As the value of the preventive measure increases, the results indicate a considerable decrease in the infected compartment. In addition, the recovered population is growing as more resources, such as oxygen cylinders, hospital beds, and vaccination doses, become available.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers of primary health facilities of Kathmandu district, Nepal on infection prevention and control

Introduction: Primary healthcare facilities are the first point of contact for the utilization of healthcare services. Adopting appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures helps to control the emergence and spread of infection in the community. No study related to the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers (HCWs) on IPC was done at the primary health facility level till the date of this study. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and infection control practices among Nepalese HCWs working in primary health facilities. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 156 health workers from municipalities of the Kathmandu district. Multistage simple random sampling was used in which five municipalities were selected randomly and health workers were selected proportionately afterward. Results: Out of the total participants, more than half of them had not obtained infection control training. Only 15.4 3.2, and 10.3% of the respondents achieved maximum scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice items, respectively. Although staff had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards most aspects of infection control, nearly two-thirds (62.8%) of the participants had not heard about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: There was an irregular supply of basic supplies such as masks, gloves, aprons, supply of water, hand-washing basins, soap, and hand sanitizer. Therefore, every local level should equip all health facilities of its catchment area with the basic supplies as listed in the Minimum Service Standard guideline for the correct application of IPC.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Anaplasma marginale in Water Buffaloes in Nile Delta of Egypt.

Bovine anaplasmosis is a major tick-borne disease in ruminants, resulting in significant economic loss for the dairy sector. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale) in buffaloes in three governorates in Nile Delta of Egypt. A total of 400 serum samples from water buffaloes were examined using commercial cELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of A. marginale was 12.5% and Kafr ElSheikh governorate has the highest seroprevalence rate (15.28%). The seroprevalence was higher in females (13.33%) than males with non-significant difference. Moreover, adult animals older than 8 years exhibited a significant risk for A. marginale seropositivity (22.92%), particularly during the summer (22.52%) and autumn (13.73%). Significant differences (P < 0.05) in seroprevalence rates were observed between tick-infested animals (14.96%) and those not treated with acaricides (17.7%), highlighting the influence of tick infestation and lack of acaricidal intervention on infection rates. The present study revealed the existence of antibodies against A. marginale in water buffaloes reared in Nile Delta of Egypt. Thus, the proper policies and control program should be adopted to reduce spreading of infection.

Prevalence of Nasal Staphylococcus aureus Carriage in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis and Assessment of Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study of Outpatients at a University Hospital

Background/Objectives: Infection poses a significant threat of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common etiological agent, with prior nasal colonization identified as a risk factor for infection. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of nasal S. aureus carriage among patients with CKD undergoing dialysis at a university hospital and identify potential factors associated with colonization. Methods: Nasal swabs were obtained, and bacterial isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight spectrometry and antibiogram testing with the Vitek 2 system. Demographic and clinical data were collected for the investigation of risk factors associated with colonization. Results: Among the 96 patients analyzed, 34 were carriers of S. aureus. Among these carriers, three (8.8%) harbored oxacillin-resistant strains. More than half of the S. aureus strains exhibited resistance to clindamycin but susceptibility to oxacillin. Colonization was associated with age and the use of corticosteroids/immunosuppressants. Conclusions: The prevalence of nasal S. aureus carriage was high among patients undergoing dialysis at the university hospital, exceeding that found in the general population. Nasal colonization by S. aureus was linked to corticosteroid use and age. Understanding factors associated with S. aureus nasal colonization in patients on dialysis can assist healthcare providers in preventing the spread of infection and cross-contamination, while reducing risk in this population.

Dynamic analysis of SPAFIR epidemic model considering pseudoinfection and perturbations

In this paper, the “pseudoinfection phenomenon” and “individual behavioral responses” are taken into account in the SIR epidemic model, and the deterministic and stochastic models are analyzed dynamically. Through the exploration of the deterministic SPAFIR (Susceptible-Pseudoinfected-Alert-Fragile-Infected-Recovered) model, the conditions for the equilibrium points’ existence and stability are determined. With the assistance of the Pontryagin maximum principle, this paper introduces a Hamiltonian function with a penalty term and the optimal control strategy is obtained by comparing the three groups of strategies. The optimal control strategy requires multiple control measures to inhibit the infectious disease spread. Further considering the stochastic SPAFIR model, the existence of the uniqueness of a global positive solution and the existence of a stationary distribution for the stochastic model are proved, and the condition for disease extinction is also verified. Random perturbations of the effective contact rates can slow the pace of spreading the infectious diseases. Results of theoretical analysis and the system’s responsiveness to variations in effective contact rates are verified by numerical simulations, and the outcomes indicate that active prevention education and community encouragement can both inhibit infection spread.

Intubation amidst COVID-19: how mask protocols and communication impact SARS-CoV-2 transmission among medical staff

Objective: To describe the sequence of (Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2) infection following endotracheal intubation in Coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Design: A retrospective case series study. This analysis focuses on cases involving hospital medical staff who contracted SARS-CoV-2 after performing endotracheal intubation on a COVID-19 patient on August 2, 2021, at Hoan My Thu Duc Hospital, a private hospital treating COVID-19 patients in Vietnam. The participants were 13 medical staff members involved in aerosol-generating procedures. Results: The infection spread to eight healthcare workers directly involved in emergency intubation. Five were suspected of contracting SARS-CoV-2 immediately following the emergency treatment of COVID-19 patients, and three were infected via transmission from their colleagues. The improper fit of N95 masks and failure to wear them during interpersonal communication were identified as significant risk factors. Conclusions: The research underscores the critical need for proper N95 mask fit during aerosol-generating procedures. Healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients must consistently use masks when communicating with colleagues, even outside of work hours, to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among medical staff.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae detections in children with acute respiratory infection, 2010–2023: a large sample study in China

BackgroundThis study aimed to describe the epidemiological trends of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection among children with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluating the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on the epidemiology of MP infection.MethodsChildren with ARTIs admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University (SCH) from January 2010 to December 2023 and underwent MP nucleic acid PCR assay were included. Clinical data on age, sex, onset time and detection result were collected and analyzed.ResultsAll of the 122,984 inpatients were enrolled, in which 20.8% (25659/122984) of the children with MP tested positive, including 19.4% (14139/72662) for male and 22.9% (11520/50322) for female. It was a statistically significant difference between the two genders (p < 0.05). In addition, the positive rate of MP was the highest in the age group > 6 years old each year (p < 0.05). During 14-year period, the detection rate of MP has experienced four peaks in 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2023. Before the NPIs the prevalence of MP showed seasonality, and the number and rate of MP positivity reached their peak in August. However, the rate of MP positivity remained at a low level during the NPIs. After the abolition of NPIs, the MP positivity rate obviously increased and remained at a high level.ConclusionsThe NPIs could reduce the spread of MP infection and change its epidemic season, but it has not changed the susceptible population of MP infection.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles of Salmonella enterica serotypes isolated from necropsied horses in Kentucky.

This study focuses on understanding how Salmonella, specifically isolated from horses, can resist antibiotics and cause disease. Salmonella is a well-known foodborne pathogen that can pose risks not only to animals but also to humans. By studying the bacteria from necropsied horses, the research aims to uncover how certain Salmonella strains develop resistance to antibiotics and which genetic factors make them more dangerous. In addition to antibiotic resistance, the research explores the biofilm-forming ability of these strains, which enhances their survival in harsh environments. The study also investigates their motility, a factor that contributes to the spread of infection. The findings can improve treatment strategies for horses and help prevent the transmission of resistant bacteria to other animals as well as humans. Ultimately, the research could contribute to better management of antibiotic resistance in both veterinary and public health contexts, helping to safeguard animal welfare and public health.

Impact of Environmental Pollution on Infectious Disease Incidence: Challenges and Preventive Solutions: A Review Article

Background: Environmental pollution poses serious threats to public health and contributes significantly to the spread of infectious diseases. This study examined the effects of air, water, and soil pollution on the incidence of infectious diseases while proposing preventive measures and relevant public policies. Methods: This systematic review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer Link databases covering 2020 to 2024 to investigate the link between environmental pollution and infectious disease spread. Reputable scientific articles from reliable databases were reviewed to ensure comprehensive coverage. Results: Twenty six selected studies indicate a significant association between environmental pollution—particularly air, water, and soil pollution—and the increased incidence of infectious diseases. Conclusion: Environmental pollution has extensive and serious impacts on human health and the spread of infectious diseases. Effective pollution control and reduction can play a crucial role in lowering infectious disease rates. Further research is essential to deepen our understanding of this issue and develop effective strategies.

Impact of COVID-19 vaccinations in India: a state-wise analysis

BackgroundEver since the emergence of COVID-19 and its consequent spread across continents, engulfing both advanced and developing nations, COVID-19 vaccine was considered to be the main weapon to curb the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 vaccination program in India started after the first wave of infections (March – December 2020) had almost subsided.ObjectiveIn this work, the objective is to perform a state-wise analysis to assess the impact of vaccination in slowing down the spread of infections during the second COVID-19 wave (February – October 2021) in India. The prediction accuracy of the proposed model with the optimal lag length (in days) after including the impact of vaccination is evaluated and compared with a model without it. A total of 21 states are chosen for the analysis encompassing 97% of the Indian population.MethodsWe use the generalized Gompertz curve to study the COVID-19 outbreak. The generalized Gompertz model is then further modified to study the impact of vaccination to slow down the spread of COVID-19. The modified model considers the cumulative proportion of individuals having the first COVID-19 vaccine shot in each state as the explanatory variable.ResultsBy incorporating the impact of vaccination in the Generalized Gompertz Curves, it is seen that the visible impact of the first dose of the vaccination is observed after a lag of 20 days with 16 out of the 21 states showing the impact of vaccines in curbing the spread of COVID-19. However, in states like Telangana, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Kerala, we do not conclusively observe the impact of vaccination during the study period.ConclusionsUsing only COVID-19 infection cases and the vaccination data in the proposed model, we conclude that overall, the vaccination program effectively curbed the spread of COVID-19 in India.

Application of Genomic Selection in Beef Cattle Disease Prevention.

Genomic applications in beef cattle disease prevention have gained traction in recent years, offering new strategies for improving herd health and reducing economic losses in the livestock industry. Advances in genomics, including identification of genetic markers linked to disease resistance, provide powerful tools for early detection, selection, and management of cattle resistant to infectious diseases. By incorporating genomic technologies such as whole-genome sequencing, genotyping, and transcriptomics, researchers can identify specific genetic variants associated with resistance to pathogens like bovine respiratory disease and Johne's disease. These genomic insights allow for more accurate breeding programs aimed at enhancing disease resistance and overall herd resilience. Genomic selection, in particular, enables identification of individuals with superior genetic traits for immune function, reducing the need for antibiotic treatments and improving animal welfare. Moreover, precision medicine, powered by genomic data, supports development of tailored health management strategies, including targeted vaccination plans and antimicrobial stewardship. Incorporation of genomic tools in beef cattle management also offers the potential for early disease detection, facilitating proactive interventions that reduce the spread of infections. Despite challenges like cost, data interpretation and integration into current management systems, the potential advantages of genomic applications in disease prevention are substantial. As these technologies advance, they are anticipated to have crucial roles in improving sustainability (by enhancing herd performance), profitability (by improving overall herd longevity), and biosecurity (by decreasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks) of beef cattle production systems worldwide.