Virus Infection Rates Research Articles

Changes in Seasonal Patterns for Common Pediatric Respiratory Viruses During the COVID Pandemic.

Observed alterations in seasonal patterns of common pediatric respiratory viruses during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching implications for the care of ill children. Here, we quantify the effects of the pandemic and related nonpharmaceutical interventions on the prevalence and seasonality of common pediatric respiratory illnesses. We performed a retrospective chart review within a large health network to identify incidence rates of common respiratory viruses and compared them to historical trends. Time series analyses using seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models were utilized to identify seasonal patterns for the different virus types and quantify deviations from expected incidence rates. Overall, we noted a steep decline in non-COVID viral infection rates at the onset of the COVID pandemic in March 2020, largely coincident with the institution of mask mandates and lockdown measures. This trend continued until the Spring of 2021, at which time non-COVID infections resurged to rates higher than pre-COVID levels. In addition, the historically observed seasonality of these viruses was significantly disrupted by the pandemic. In particular, the historical peaks for influenza A and human metapneumovirus shifted from February and March, respectively, to bimodal peaks in December 2021 and May 2022; respiratory syncytial virus demonstrated an unprecedented Spring/Summer season in 2021; parainfluenza type 1 was unusually active in 2022, an even-numbered year; and influenza B virtually disappeared during and immediately after the pandemic. Our observations add to the growing body of literature supporting the hypothesis that human interactions are one of the key drivers of pediatric respiratory viral seasonality in addition to climate. Understanding the effect of human interactions on disease spread is crucial for the development of effective mitigation measures for future pandemics while avoiding dangerous spikes of other illnesses once those interventions are lifted.

Effect of Temperature on Rice Stripe Virus Infection, Transmission Efficiency, and the Development Period in Laodelphax striatellus

ABSTRACTThe small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus, is a major pest and the primary vector of the rice stripe virus, a harmful pathogen that significantly affects rice production across East Asia. This study aims to investigate the effects of different temperatures (24°C, 27°C, and 30°C) on the developmental period, rice stripe virus infection rates, and virus transmission efficiency of small brown planthopper at various developmental stages. Higher temperatures significantly shortened the developmental period of small brown planthopper. The time from egg to adult was approximately 5 days shorter at 30°C than at 24°C. The rice stripe virus infection rate gradually increased, peaking after the third instar nymph, with no significant differences observed between 24°C and 27°C. However, at 30°C, the infection rates in the second to fifth instar nymphs were lower compared to those at the other temperatures. Tissue‐specific analyses indicated that the thorax, midgut, and ovary serve as primary loci for rice stripe virus proliferation. Temperature significantly affects small brown planthopper development and rice stripe virus epidemiology. Accelerated development rates at higher temperatures may result in increased population turnover, whereas reduced rice stripe virus transmission efficiency under these conditions could alter viral spread dynamics. These findings are vital for developing pest management strategies that consider temperature fluctuations and climate change.

P-34. Patients’ Survey of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination among Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients in Japan after Suspension of Proactive Recommendation

Abstract Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are known to have a high incidence of cervical cancer. The main reason for this is considered to reflect the high rate of Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and inadequate HPV clearance due to immunosuppressive status. Japan has been facing a problem of low HPV vaccination rates due to the suspension of proactive recommendations for routine HPV vaccination for more than eight years because of the negative media campaign. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that inhibit HPV vaccination among SLE patients to develop strategies for improving HPV vaccination rate. Figure Sources of medical information for HPV vaccinated and unvaccinated participants. We asked which informational tools participants use to gather medical information. The most trusted sources are indicated by dark bars; others are indicated by light bars. * indicates significant differences between HPV vaccinated and unvaccinated participants (p<0.05, chi-square test). (a): Answers by HPV vaccinated participants. (b): Answers by HPV unvaccinated participants. HPV, Human papilloma virus; SNS, Social networking service; TV, Television Methods We conducted a questionnaire survey of female SLE patients aged 18-45 years attending our hospital to analyze factors related to HPV vaccination. Results We obtained responses of 83 participants. Only 5 (6.0%) were received HPV vaccination, 15 (18.1%) were uncertain of their vaccine history, and 27 (32.5%) had never even heard of HPV vaccination. The reasons for unvaccinated against HPV were "don't know" with 24 participants, "missed opportunity" with 15, and "troublesome, somehow" with 8. The most trusted source of medical information for the unvaccinated was their physician (47, 60.3%) (Figure). Among the unvaccinated, those who wished to be vaccinated in the future were positively correlated with “trust of vaccine benefit” (r=0.515. p=0.014) and “accurate knowledge about HPV vaccine” (r=0.614, p=0.002), and negatively correlated with “negative attitudes toward vaccination and vaccine policy” (r=-0.562, p=0.007). Conclusion HPV vaccination rate among SLE patients in Japan was extremely low. The main reason was lack of knowledge. The most effective solution is considered to provide accurate information and adequate recommendations of HPV vaccination by attending physicians. Disclosures Yoshiaki Gu, MD, PhD, MPH, MSD K.K.: Grant/Research Support

P-1266. Understanding Factors that Influence Patients’ Decision to Seek Care for Flu-Like Symptoms in Emergency Departments During Seasonal Respiratory Viral Surges

Abstract Background Emergency departments (EDs) are directly impacted by seasonal surges in rates of respiratory viral infection and transmission with increased rates of ED visits for flu-like symptoms. It remains unclear as to why patients assigned lower acuity (level 3,4 and 5) based on standardized triage scoring systems opt to seek care within the emergency department in lieu of alternative healthcare venues for flu-like symptoms. We conducted an exploratory quality improvement study to develop further understanding of patient-related factors for seeking ED care, including patient perception of illness severity, and how this correlated with final ED disposition. Methods Patients were recruited from the adult ED using convenience sampling, from 2 major urban hospital centers based on a chief complaint related to flu-like symptoms and a triage score of 3, 4, or 5 (indicating non-emergent clinical status). Patients were asked to complete a structured survey to assess self-perception of current illness severity and reasons for seeking care in the ED. Following survey completion, EMR chart review was performed to collect information about patient’s clinical course, , diagnosis, and disposition. Results 100 subjects were enrolled; over half (55%, n=55) graded their symptoms as being ‘severe’ or ‘very severe’ on presentation. Survey results demonstrated that desire for fast access to care (n = 80); testing with same-day results (n = 81); and worry that symptoms may evolve into a more serious condition (n = 81) were the top three most commonly reported reasons for seeking care in the ED. 24/100 participants were admitted and 76 were discharged. Rates of self-reported ‘severe’ or ‘very severe’ illness were nearly identical amongst those who were discharged 43/76 (57%) versus those who admitted 12/24 (50%). . Conclusion Amongst lower acuity patients presenting to the ED during flu season, the vast majority sough care in the ED due to a desire to be seen quickly and a concern for having serious illness. We observed surprisingly high rates of hospital admission (25%); patients’ perception of having a more severe illness was similar amongst those discharged (versus admitted) suggesting that patients are not able to reliably predict a need for urgent ED evaluation. Disclosures Richard E. Rothman, MD, PhD, abbvie: Grant/Research Support|CEPHEID: Advisor/Consultant|CEPHEID: Grant/Research Support|CEPHEID: Honoraria

P-2284. "Low Incidence of Bacterial and Viral Infection after Robotic Surgery Kidney Transplant"

Abstract Background Kidney and kidney-pancreas transplantation should benefit patients with end-stage kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. Immunosuppressive medication are required to prevent rejection and maintain graft. However, immunosuppression increases the risk of infection. Surgical procedures also lead to inflammation post-kidney transplant, which results in opportunistic viral/fungal infections. Robotic surgery is well established to be less invasive and cause less harm in the short term for patients. However, it has never been investigated for infectious disease complications post-kidney transplantation. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study conducted at a large kidney transplant center in the US. We included all recipients who had received kidney or kidney-pancreas transplants through robotic surgery between November 15th, 2022, and March 14th, 2023. We investigated the incidence of infection and its pathogen and the duration from transplant to infection for bacterial, fungal, and viral etiologies within 6 months post transplantation. Results Thirty-four, and 2 kidney and kidney/pancreas transplants were performed during the study period. Thirteen (36.1%) and 4 (11.1%) of urine culture positivity (predominantly Pseudomonas and E.coli) and bacteremia were identified. The causative pathogen of 4 bacteremia includes two Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, and Morganella. Only 6/36 (16.7%) and 3/36 (8.3%) of clinically significant CMV and BK Polyomavirus DNAemia, which required treatment, including adjusting immunosuppression, were identified. Six cases of SARS-CoV-2 and one case of influenza were also identified. Conclusion We conducted a retrospective cohort study regarding infections after robotic kidney and kidney/pancreas transplant surgery. A very low surgical site infection and relatively low BK Polyoma viral infection rate were noted. Further study should be required to compare the incidence between robotic and traditional surgery. Disclosures Yoichiro Natori, MD, Eurofin/Viracor: Honoraria|Nobel Pharma: Advisor/Consultant

Orsay virus infection rate declines with age in C. elegans.

The intracellular pathogen response is regulated by multiple pals genes in C. elegans . How such responses change with age is largely unknown. Thus, we investigated potential age-dependent changes in the immune response to the C. elegans -specific Orsay virus . When animals were exposed to equal viral concentrations, the expression of known immune-response pals genes and viral RNAs was lower in aged populations than in young adults. However, when young and aged populations were infected with equal viral loads, pals gene expression did not change with age. Therefore, aged C. elegans experience a decline in viral infection rate.

Evaluation of Yellow Fever Virus Infection in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes from Pakistan with Distinct Knockdown Resistance Genotypes.

Yellow fever (YF) is an acute hemorrhagic disease endemic to Africa and Latin America; however, no cases have been reported in Asian regions with high Aedes aegypti infestation. Factors such as environmental conditions and genetic variations in the yellow fever virus (YFV) strains and mosquito populations may explain this absence. Mosquito populations have undergone strong selective pressure owing to the excessive use of insecticides. This pressure has led to the spread of alterations, such as knockdown-resistant mutations (kdr), which, while conferring resistance to pyrethroids, also induce various physiological side effects in the insect. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether the presence of kdr mutations influences the infectivity of YFV mosquitoes. This study evaluated the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti from Pakistan with distinct kdr genotypes to different YFV strains under laboratory conditions. Ae. aegypti from a Pakistani colony were exposed to YFV strains (PR4408/2008 and ES504/2017) along with the Rockefeller strain. After 14 days, RNA and DNA were extracted for viral RNA detection (qPCR) and kdr genotyping (TaqMan qPCR and HRM for T1520I and F1534C SNPs). Pakistani Ae. aegypti were orally susceptible to YFV, with infection rates of 83.7% (PR4408/2008) and 61.3% (ES504), respectively, similar to Rockefeller. Two kdr genotypes (II + CC and TI + FC) were identified, with no significant differences in viral infection or dissemination rates. The Ae. aegypti population from Asia is capable of YFV infection and dissemination, regardless of kdr genotype.

Association of PD-L1 positivity with Epstein Barr virus infection and microsatellite instability in gastric carcinomas with lymphoid stroma

Gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma (GCLS) is characterized by dense intra-and peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration and a high rate of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection, suggesting being a promising candidate for immunotherapy. We investigated correlations between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathologic factors, including EBV positivity and microsatellite instability (MSI) status in GCLSs. The study included resected 214 GCLSs and 300 gastric adenocarcinomas (GACs) for control. Epstein Barr Virus encoding region in situ hybridization (EBER ISH), immunohistochemistry for PD-L1 and HER2, dual-colored in situ hybridization for HER2, and MSI analysis were performed. EBV positivity was found in 181 (85%) of 214 GCLSs. MSI analysis demonstrated that 0.6% of EBV + GCLSs and 54.5% of EBV-GCLSs were MSI-high compared to 7% of EBV-GACs. Approximately 3% and 3.9% of HER2 amplifications were found in EBV- and EBV + GCLSs compared to 13% of EBV-GACs. PD-L1 expression with ≥ 1, ≥ 5, and ≥ 10 combined positive scores (CPS) were observed in 81.8%, 70.2%, and 55.3% of EBV + GCLSs. PD-L1 expression with ≥ 10 CPS was observed in 21.2% of EBV-GCLSs, predominantly in MSI-H tumors (85.7%). EBV positivity and MSI are associated with PD-L1 positivity rates in patients with GCLS who may respond better to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors but not anti-HER2 inhibitors.

Modeling marburg virus control with limited hospital beds: a fractional approach

Abstract The Marburg virus is a serious global health threat due to its high mortality rate and rapid transmission. Effective control measures, such as hospital beds, are vital but often limited by inadequate healthcare resources. This study aims to address this challenge by developing a fractional-order epidemic model for Marburg virus, which considers the effects of limited hospital beds on transmission dynamics. We present a model to provide a more accurate understanding of Marburg virus transmission patterns and prevalence incorporating the memory effect through a fractional-order approach. The study explores the impact of constrained healthcare resources on virus progression and calculates the basic reproduction number using the next-generation matrix technique. Further analysis of the model’s global dynamics is conducted using reproduction numbers, the Lyapunov functional approach, and the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, shedding light on how hospital bed availability influences disease progression.We also apply Hyers-Ulam stability criterion to find the stability of the model and obtain numerical solutions through a fractional Lagrange two-step interpolation method. The fractional-order Marburg virus model, by accounting for memory effects, offers a more nuanced understanding of the disease dynamics compared to classical models. Our results demonstrate that increasing hospital bed availability significantly reduces Marburg virus infection rates. This approach highlights the value of fractional calculus in epidemiological modeling, offering significant insights into optimal control measures and strategies to improve public health outcomes during Marburg virus outbreaks.

Epidemiological characteristics and meteorological factors of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in hospitalized children in eastern Guangdong, China

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the most common issue in pediatric clinical practice. They pose a significant public threat, with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Aiming at understanding the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory pathogens and their risk factors among children in eastern Guangdong, China. Samples obtained from 15,993 children hospitalized with ARIs in eastern Guangdong Province were tested for 14 pathogens via multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from May 2019 to July 2023. The number of hospitalizations for ARIs was correlated with pathogens, age, meteorological parameters, and the pandemic of COVID-19. The data were analyzed by different statistical methods. Among all the samples, the positive rate with ARIs accounted for 68.94% (11,026/15,993) in hospitalized patients. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (24.49%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) (20.54%), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (14.16%) were the top three pathogens with the greatest infection rates. Among hospitalized patients, there were more single infections in pediatric patients (40.91%, P < 0.001). Compared with bacterial infection and mixed infection, the detection rate of virus infection was higher in pediatric (36.04%, P < 0.001). Age-related increases in Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection (r = 0.729, P < 0.001) and decreases in RSV infection were observed (r = 0.88, P < 0.001). The virus infection peaked at six months, and the bacterial infection and mixed infection peaked at 1–3 years. Viral pathogens are on the rise in the post-pandemic era. The prevalence of SP infection was more influenced by the Air Quality Index (AQI), RSV infections were more clearly influenced by temperature, and Influenza A virus (IAV) infections were more strongly correlated with both the AQI and relative humidity (P < 0.001). This study highlights the need of keeping an eye on monitoring meteorological factors in assessing hospitalizations for pediatric ARIs in eastern Guangdong, China, especially RSV- and SP-associated hospitalizations.

Evaluation and control strategy analysis of influenza cases in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China from 2018 to 2022.

According to World Trade Organization (WTO) statistics, the incidence of seasonal influenza in China has been on the rise since 2018. The aim of this study was to identify and investigate the influence of factors related to the incidence of four common types of influenza viruses. Data of patients with common cold and associated virus infections are described, and a logistic regression model based on gender, age and season was established. The relationship between virus type and the above three factors was analyzed in depth and significant (p<0.05) associations noted. We noted a fluctuation trend, with the infection rate of influenza virus showing an upward trend from 2018 to 2019 and from 2021 to 2022 and a downward trend from 2019 to 2021. The total number of cases in adolescents aged 18-30 years was higher than that in the elderly. The impact of different types of influenza virus on the population ranked from large to small, with special roles played by Influenza B/Victoria, H3N2, Influenza A/H1N1 pdm and Influenza B/Yamagata.

فرط فيرتين الدم كمتنبئ محتمل لشدة الإصابة بفيروس كورونا COVID-19 وارتفاع معدل الوفيات لدى عينة من مرضى مستشفى الحجر الصحي في مدينة أجدابيا / ليبيا

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in unprecedented global social and economic impacts. The disease is accompanied by a cytokine storm syndrome, which is an uncontrolled immune response characterized by the release of large quantities of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-8, during the progression of the illness. This response leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome and systemic organ failure. Evidence suggests that serum levels of ferritin, D-dimer, and lactate dehydrogenase also increase during disease exacerbation, indicating a heightened risk of mortality. Serum ferritin serves as a marker of lymphocytic proliferation by phagocytosis, known as a complication of viral infections. Hyperferritinemia resulting from excessive inflammation due to viral infection is associated with an increased risk of admission to the intensive care unit and shows a close correlation with poor patient recovery and higher mortality rates. This study aimed to examine the association between serum ferritin levels and the severity of viral infection and mortality rate. The results indicated that older patients (&gt;65 years) had elevated ferritin levels (876.857 ± 377.08) compared to younger patients (&lt;65 years) (634.243 ± 282.140) (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the results showed no significant difference between males and females in ferritin levels (p &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, diabetic patients and those with hypertension exhibited higher ferritin levels (710.458 ± 283.62 and 637.810 ± 256.329, respectively) compared to patients without comorbidities (502.82 ± 160.72) (p &gt; 0.05). KEYWORD: COVID-19,hyperferritinemia, potential predictor, mortality, severity.

Detection of Adenovirus Among a Sample of Hemodialysis Patients in Baghdad city

Background: Adenovirus is a DNA virus that was identified in the 1950s from cases of atypical pneumonia in military recruits. Most of the elevated serotype group has been isolated from People who are immunocompromised. While most viral infections are self-limiting, those that affect people with impaired immune systems can be significantly more hazardous and occasionally fatal. Due to increased rates of viral infection, individuals whose renal function has reached its end are suffering from impaired immune responses. The instant study was designed to detect the infection with adenovirus among HD patients in Baghdad city. Objective: To detect of adenovirus in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of ninety samples patients on maintenance HD attending the Dialysis centers of Al-Kadhimiya Educational Hospital and Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital and Al-Shu’ala General Hospital in the period from November 2023 to March 2024. Using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, serum samples were examined for the existence of adenovirus-specific immunoglobulin (IgG) and conformation by using molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Out of 90 hemodialysis patients, the seropositive result for adenovirus-IgG was 41 (68.33). While 16 (26.67) patients were positive by PCR with significant difference (p≤0.01). In addition, 22 (36.67%) patients were males and 19 (31.67%) were females. Conclusions: Patients undergoing HD are susceptible to adenovirus infection, the sero-prevalence of adenovirus in patients considered as risk factor.

Reduction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant infection by blocking the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants presents challenges in global efforts to transition from the pandemic to an endemic stage. The spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is pivotal for cell entry, exhibits significant mutations in its variants, potentially affecting infectivity and therapeutic efficacy. Recent findings indicate upregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, a key target in cancer therapy, by the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to investigate the activity of the EGFR pathway against SARS-CoV-2 variants and to assess the inhibitory effects of EGFR inhibitors using SARS-CoV variant pseudoviral particles to guide future therapeutic strategies. Omicron variant SARS-CoV pseudoviral particles exhibited heightened infectivity in human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2)-expressing HEK293 and A549 lung cancer cells accompanied by increased EGFR pathway activation in infected cells. Using the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, osimertinib, we observed a reduction in viral infection rates in hACE2-HEK293 and A549 cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 variant pseudoviral particles. We conducted further experiments to confirm that the reduction in infection efficacy with osimertinib treatment was not associated to a decrease in cell viability. Furthermore, this inhibitory effect of osimertinib in cell lines was corroborated in a spheroid cell culture model derived from hACE2-A549 cells. These findings suggest the potential application of EGFR-targeted antiviral therapy against highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants.IMPORTANCEThe emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants is concerning as vaccines designed for one variant need not essentially protect against other novel variants. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify therapies that can act against multiple novel variants that have heightened virulence compared with the wild type. It has been reported that the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus elicits an increased expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. We used this information and examined whether treatment with an EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib, which is already approved for clinical use in cancer therapy, can reduce the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, wild type, and Omicron and Delta variants, in two cell lines and one spheroid model. The results showed that osimertinib treatment successfully reduced infection efficacy, particularly in variants, and that this effect was not related to a reduction in cell viability, making this a promising strategy for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Xét nghiệm phân tử vi-rút Dengue, Chikungunya, Vika trong mẫu huyết thanh bệnh nhân thu thập tại bệnh viện Quân y 120 và 121 từ tháng 10/2022 đến tháng 11/2023

Infectious diseases caused by Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses are global public health issues. Vietnam is in an endemic area, so monitoring of mosquito-borne viruses needs to be performed regularly. The purpose of this study focuses on determining the circulation of Chikungunya, Zika viruses and serotype of Dengue virus in serum samples, collected from people who came for examination and from patients at the Military Hospitals №120, №121, Military region 9, Vietnam. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 615 patients visiting the hospitals. RNA viruses were determined using realtime RT-PCR technique. Test results identified 131/615 (21.3%) of serum samples positive for Dengue virus, of which serotype DENV-2 dominated with a rate of 49.6% (65/131 positive samples), followed by DENV-1 (31.3%, 41 samples), DENV- 4 (19.1%, 25 samples), no DENV-3 was detected. There were 32 samples (5.2%) positive for Zika virus, 11 samples (1.8%) positive for Chikungunya virus. Co-infection occurred between serotypes of Dengue virus (04 samples), Dengue - Chikungunya (02 samples), Dengue - Zika (08 samples). The highest rate of viral infection was recorded in the group of patients under the age of 15 (30.8%); the rate of viral infection was similar for both men and women

Expert recommendations on hepatitis B vaccination in adults

In order to achieve the target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 and to prioritize the role of hepatitis B vaccination in reducing new hepatitis B virus infections, the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association commissioned experts to develop the Expert Recommendations on Hepatitis B Vaccination in Adults to scientifically guide adult hepatitis B vaccination,build the herd immunity in population, and reduce the hepatitis B virus infection rate and incidence of hepatitis B.

Mapping disparities in viral infection rates using highly multiplexed serology.

Our understanding of population-level virus infection rates and associated health disparities is incomplete. In part, this is because of the high diversity of human-infecting viruses and the limited breadth and sensitivity of traditional approaches for detecting infection events. Here, we demonstrate the potential for modern, highly multiplexed antibody detection methods to greatly increase our understanding of disparities in rates of infection across subpopulations (e.g., different sexes or ethnic groups). The use of antibodies as biomarkers allows us to detect evidence of past infections over an extended period, and our approach for highly multiplexed serology (PepSeq) allows us to measure antibody responses against hundreds of viruses in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and serum positivity rate of anti-nuclear antibodies in Chongqing, China: A cross-sectional observational study.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects over 95% of the global population and is strongly associated with various autoimmune diseases. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) serve as valuable laboratory biomarkers for screening and supporting the diagnosis of various autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of EBV infection and its association with ANA. This retrospective study employed standard indirect immunofluorescence assay to determine ANA levels, EBV-specific immunofluorescence assay, or plasma EBV-DNA testing. Demographic data including gender and age were collected to observe variations in EBV infection status and ANA positivity rates among different populations. Incorporating 6492 hospitalized patients who underwent ANA antibody spectrum testing, it was observed that serum positivity rates gradually increased with age. The overall serum positivity rate of ANA in females (25.14%) was significantly higher than that in males (13.76%). Among hospitalized patients undergoing EBV-DNA testing, adults aged 21 to 40 years were least affected by EBV, with a positivity rate of 11.96%; however, as age increased, the positivity rate gradually increased. Among the 5225 patients undergoing EBV antibody spectrum testing, ANA-positive patients exhibited significantly higher serum positivity rates for Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 immunoglobulin G, Epstein-Barr virus early antigen immunoglobulin G, Epstein-Barr virus early antigen immunoglobulin A, and Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen immunoglobulin A antibodies compared to ANA-negative patients (P < .001; P < .001; P = .013; P < .001). The EBV-DNA positivity rate in ANA-positive patients was also significantly higher than in ANA-negative patients, yielding the same conclusion (P = .012). The positivity rates of ANA antibodies in patients with past EBV infection and reactivation were significantly higher than those in uninfected patients (P < .001; P = .006). The positivity rate of ANA antibodies in reactivated patients was significantly higher than that in primary infected patients and those with past infections (P < .001; P < .001). Among ANA-positive patients, the positivity rates of EBV antibody spectrum and EBV-DNA were higher compared to ANA-negative patients. The positivity rates of ANA in patients with past EBV infection and reactivation were higher than those in uninfected patients.

High infection rates and risk‐adapted prevention strategies in contemporary pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

AbstractWith recent changes in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) practices, such as the increasing use of alternative donors and ex vivo T‐cell depletion, how various risk factors interplay and affect the timeline of infections have not been well elucidated. We retrospectively reviewed the first 100 consecutive HSCT from April 2019 to October 2021 in the only pediatric HSCT center in Hong Kong. We found that the vast majority of the allogeneic transplant recipients (69/74, 93.2%) had infections after HSCT, amongst which bacterial, viral, and fungal infection rates were 35.1%, 90.5%, and 9.5%, respectively. In contrast, only 30.8% (8/26) of autologous transplant recipients had infections (rate of bacterial, viral, and fungal infection were 19.2%, 15.4%, and 3.8%, respectively). Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) and BK virus (BKV) typically occurred early after HSCT, adenovirus (ADV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) thereafter, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) throughout the entire 2.5‐year observation period. Ex vivo T‐cell depletion was a general risk factor for viral infection with HHV‐6 (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.03), BKV (HR = 3.36), CMV (HR = 4.45), and EBV (HR = 7.15); all p &lt; 0.02. Cancer in second‐complete remission compared with first‐complete remission was a risk factor for bacterial infection (OR = 6.0, 95% CI = 1.12–32.2, and p = 0.037). Patients with gut graft‐versus‐host disease were at risk for fungal infections (OR = 12.3, 95% CI = 1.33–114.4, and p = 0.027). The infection‐related mortality rate was 10.0%, which occurred only in allogeneic HSCT patients with hematological malignancies receiving cord blood (n = 4) or haploidentical HSCT (n = 6). Collectively, our findings in pediatric patients after contemporary HSCT support both time‐dependent and risk‐adapted measures against infective complications to improve transplant outcome.

HIV and hepatitis C virus-related misinformation may contribute to rising rates of infection and suboptimal clinical outcomes among persons with substance use

ABSTRACT HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates among persons, who use drugs, have risen during the US overdose crisis. We elicited patient perspectives about these interconnected infections to identify the areas of misinformation that might prevent appropriate management. We used in-depth interviews and thematic analysis of coded data collected from patients (N = 24) at detox and from key informants (N = 10). Seventy-one per cent reported injecting drugs. We found that patient narratives included misinformation about HIV and HCV transmission, natural history and treatment. Some participants thought that activities such as sharing drinkware or food with persons with HIV could lead to infection, while others believed that mainly men who have sex with men were at risk. Despite significant improvements in treatment, some participants still believed that HIV was a fatal condition, while others noted that treatment was only necessary at later stages. Some participants thought that HCV was a common, mild infection that might not need immediate attention, and others stated that individuals who were actively using drugs were ineligible for treatment. The current study exposes a considerable level of misinformation about HIV prevention and about the importance and benefits of HCV therapy. Educational interventions are necessary to counter misinformation identified.