Infectious Disease Screening Research Articles

Multidisciplinary approach to asylum seekers health assessment: a 5-year experience in Modena, Italy

Abstract Background Asylum seekers’ well-being represents a global health issue. They face significant challenges to their physical and mental health due to their migratory path. In the Modena province (Northern Italy), a multidisciplinary approach has been applied to the care of asylum seekers by Department of Public Health (DPH), with a team of specialists in infectious diseases, dermatology, gynaecology, obstetrics, psychology and preventive medicine. Asylum seekers receive a first visit, including medical and psychological assessment and screening for infectious diseases. Ad hoc pathways are also active for asylum seekers who need secondary-level care. This study aims to investigate the health status of asylum seekers referred to Modena Centre. Methods This cohort study enrolled asylum seekers hosted in Modena between November 2018 and May 2023. During the first visit, personal and anamnestic data were collected aided by cultural mediators, along with clinical assessment. Furthermore, Tuberculin-Skin-Test (TST) and blood tests for HBV-HCV-HIV-Syphilis were performed. Results A total of 646 migrants were included, 94% were males with a median age of 26 years (range: 15-50), the majority from Bangladesh (39%). Females were mostly from Ivory Coast (36%), median age of 30 years (range: 17-45). Most conditions were treated at the primary care level and were related to cutaneous disease (22%), only 11% of subjects required second-level diagnostics. Positive TSTs were 41% (N = 265). Of them, 55.5% (N = 147) also tested positive for QuantiFERON-TB. Screening for infectious diseases revealed positivity rates of 4% for HBsAg, 1% for HCVAb, 0.8% for HIV and 1.4% for TPPA+RPR. Conclusions The multidisciplinary approach is the innovative and strength point of this protocol for asylum seekers’ health ensuring prompt management of pathologies after their arrival. Moreover, data collection is useful for improving intake services and implementing public health programs for vulnerable individuals. Key messages • The innovation of this protocol for asylum seekers’ health lies in its multidisciplinary approach. • Clinical data collection will support health policies’ choices to protect vulnerable individuals.

Latent tubercolosis infection in the migrant population: an Italian surveillance experience

Abstract Background The Special Reception Center (“Centro Accoglienza Straordinario” or CAS in Italian) concept was born in Italy in 2014 to receive the large number of migrants arriving in Italy. There are around 3100 centres are in Italy, of which 200+ in Tuscany. Each Center’s objective is to support migrants’ social integration through Italian language and job orientation courses. On arrival at a facility, migrants undergo diagnostic and lab tests to highlight potentially infectious diseases; among these, tuberculosis is one of the most frequently encountered. Therefore, the objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infections (LTBIs) among migrants hosted in CAS centers. Methods From May-December 2023, Amiata Senese, Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana Senese Public Health Unit staff, according to national and departmental guidelines, implemented a number of health surveillance protocols, with close attention to latent tuberculosis infection. This protocol includes the Mantoux TB skin test at the CAS: in case of positivity, subjects are directed to further exams (chest X-ray, TB-IGRA blood test, infectious disease specialist consultation) in order to implement a therapy. Results From May-December 2023, 259 migrants (241 males and 18 females) received the TB skin tests. Average subject age was 26. Pakistan was the most represented nation of origin with 130 migrants (50%), followed by Bangladesh (9.7%) and Ivory Coast (7.3%). 77 migrants showed a positive TB skin test result (29.7%): of these 56 (i.e. 21.6% of the migrants screened) were also positive to the TB-IGRA blood test and treated for LTBI. Conclusions The high prevalence of LTBIs found in the referenced CAS indicates the need to continue/extend these surveillance protocols. Implementing successfully this procedure requires the involvement of a range of professionals from the socio-health sector within a process necessarily coordinated by the Disease Prevention Department. Key messages • Screening and surveillance of infectious diseases among migrant population represent a major public health issue for European health systems. • Detection and treatment of Latent Tubercolosis Infections require a multiprofessional and integrated approach, coordinated by the Disease Prevention Department.

ANÁLISE ACERCA DO CONHECIMENTO DE GESTANTES E PUÉRPERAS SOBRE A IMPORTÂNCIA DA TRIAGEM NEONATAL EM UMA UNIDADE DE SAÚDE E SEUS IMPACTOS QUANDO NEGLIGENCIADA

Neonatal screening based on the “heel prick test” biological matrix is a fundamental test performed in newborns for the screening of genetic, metabolic, and infectious diseases that can lead to health problems or irreversible deficiencies if neglected. The heel prick test is a public health policy adopted in many countries, including Brazil, and is widely recognized as one of the most important procedures in preventive medicine, in order to guarantee comprehensive care and universal access. Thus, the National Neonatal Screening Program (PNTN) was created in 2001, to promote and implement screening actions with a special focus on prevention, early intervention, and monitoring of children whose disease is included in the program's criteria. It is necessary that the health team guide the pregnant woman during the prenatal period, and the puerperal women, as well as their respective companions, on how and where to perform the “heel prick test”, highlighting its purpose to ensure effective awareness. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze the level of knowledge about neonatal screening in pregnant and postpartum women in the public health network. As well as introduce them to the importance of tracking in a timely manner to manage positive cases through monitoring and follow-up during treatment.

Transfusion reaction patterns by blood component

Abstract Introduction/Objective Blood transfusion is becoming safer by continuous improvement of donor screening, patient identification, blood management, and infectious disease screening. This study was conducted to examine the rate and characteristics of transfusion reactions in the setting of universal leukoreduction of cellular products as well as pathogen reduction and/or irradiation of apheresis platelets. Methods/Case Report Data from the blood bank database for a 5-year period from 1/1/2019 to 12/31/2023 was collected. Transfusion reaction data as reported to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) was analyzed. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) A total of 134,552 transfusions and 491 transfusion reactions were reported over the study period, resulting in the overall transfusion reaction rate of 0.36%. Allergic reaction was the most common reaction (38%), followed by febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR, 30%), delayed serologic transfusion reaction (DSTR, 14%), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO, 10%), and transfusion-associated dyspnea (TAD, 4%). Platelets had the highest rate of transfusion reaction at 0.61% (n=167 of 27,180), red blood cells (RBC) at 0.35% (n=289 of 82,963), plasma at 0.13% (n=24 of 19,114), and cryoprecipitate at 0.06% (n=3 of 5295). The most common reaction associated with platelet transfusion was allergic reaction (64%, n=107), while FNHTR was the most common reaction associated with RBC transfusion (37%, n=106). By severity, 9 (2%) reactions were life-threatening, 21 (4%) were severe, 374 (75%) were non-severe, and 87 (18%) were not determined. Of life-threatening reactions, allergic reactions were the most common (5 of 9), while TACO was the most common severe reaction (9 of 21). Platelets were the most commonly implicated component in life- threatening reactions (4 allergic and 2 TACO), and RBCs were more commonly implicated in severe reactions. Conclusion Platelet transfusions were associated with a higher rate of transfusion reactions and life-threatening allergic reactions compared to other blood components.

Consensus Statements on Assessments and Vaccinations Prior to Commencement of Advanced Therapies for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Given the introduction of new advanced therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), expanded risk mitigation strategies are essential. To create a comprehensive set of statements on assessment procedures and vaccinations before starting monoclonal antibodies, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors or sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) modulators for IBD. We examined literature, guidelines and drug product information regarding vaccination and assessment recommendations for initiating advanced IBD therapies. Using a modified Delphi approach, delegates voted anonymously on the acceptability of these statements prior to and following consensus discussion. We developed eight statements on the domains of infectious diseases screening, vaccinations and assessments prior to commencing JAK inhibitors and S1P modulators. Six statements received agreement. Pre-advanced therapy screening for infectious diseases was established, and the vaccination protocol was revised. Malignancy, cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk assessments are necessary before initiating JAK inhibitors. Those starting S1P modulators need cardiac and ophthalmic assessments. These consensus statements combine vaccination and assessments on the currently available advanced therapies for IBD as a single comprehensive document that may reduce IBD complications associated with use of advanced therapies. Knowledge gaps identified during the consensus process will provide further research opportunities.

Pre-marital HIV screening in Jayapura Regency: A phenomenological study

Background: Premarital screening is a series of examinations that prospective bridal couples must undergo. Infectious disease screening is one of the important screening steps that prospective brides and grooms must carry out, including examination for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV-AIDS. Premarital HIV screening is carried out to prepare for a healthy and planned pregnancy and prevent HIV transmission in the family. Purpose: To explore phenomenologically the efforts to implement premarital screening in Jayapura Regency Method: The research approach is qualitative with a phenomenological research paradigm. Participants in this research were couples who were getting married, people in charge of the Infectious Disease Management program at the Community Health Center, and Persons in Charge of Infectious Disease Management at the Jayapura Regency Health Service. The sampling technique used a purposive sampling technique of 6 informants. Result: This research produced 3 themes, namely: premarital HIV screening in perception, the urgency of implementing premarital HIV screening and factors influencing the implementation of premarital screening. Perceptions of premarital screening were obtained from informants' statements regarding the understanding and purpose of the examination. From several categories, 3 themes were obtained, one of which was policy. Policies are obtained from 9 categories and 2 sub-themes schematically. Conclusion: The concept map resulting from the exploration of the premarital screening program in Jayapura Regency can be a reference or indicator in formulating a premarital screening program. Premarital screening program design can be carried out by analyzing the situation of need or urgency in Jayapura Regency. Suggestion: Support or strong reasons based on data are needed so that this program can be a recommendation for stakeholders.

Blood donor questionnaires and infectious disease screening in Latin American countries.

Blood donor questionnaires are tools used to screen prospective blood donors to determine their eligibility. There are limited data regarding blood donor questionnaires and infectious disease screening of the blood supply in Latin American countries. This study aimed to survey donor centres in Latin American countries to learn more about blood donor screening and infection assessment. An international team of transfusion medicine professionals including medical directors and supervisors who work or collaborate with Latin American donor centres, called 'Comité de Investigación en Medicina Transfusional', designed a survey (16 questions) to characterize blood donor eligibility in Latin America. Eighty-two institutions from 14 Latin American countries responded to the survey. Most donor centres (66%; 54 of 82) had a donor deferral percentage between 5% and 25%, and the most common causes of deferrals were low haemoglobin and high-risk behaviour. Most donors in blood centres were directed family donors compared with voluntary donors. Infection evaluation included mostly serologic assessment (81%; 30 of 37) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Treponema pallidum and Trypanosoma cruzi rather than nucleic acid tests (5%; 2 of 37). Heterogeneity exists in donor selection and infectious disease screening in Latin American countries. This survey provides valuable information to understand Latin American blood centre practices.

DECODE: Contamination-Free Digital CRISPR Platform for Point-of-Care Detection of Viral DNA/RNA.

Rapid and precise nucleic acid testing at the point-of-care (POC) is essential for effective screening and management of infectious diseases. Current polymerase-based molecular diagnostics often suffer from potential cross-contamination issues, particularly in POC settings. Here, we introduce DECODE, a contamination-free nucleic acid detection platform integrating digital microfluidics (DMF) for nucleic acid extraction and a digital CRISPR amplification-free assay for pathogen detection. The digital CRISPR assay demonstrates sensitivity, detecting target DNA and RNA in the reaction mixture at concentrations of 10 and 5 copies/μL, respectively. Leveraging DMF-extracted samples enhances the performance of the digital CRISPR amplification-free assay. DECODE offers a sample-to-result workflow of 75 min using compact devices. Validation studies using clinical samples confirm DECODE's robust performance, achieving 100% sensitivity and specificity in detecting HPV18 from cervical epithelial cells and influenza A from nasal swabs. DECODE represents a versatile, contamination-free detection platform poised to enhance integrated public health surveillance efforts.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Incidence, STI Screening, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Preexposure Prophylaxis Uptake in United States Veterans With Opioid Use Disorder in Long Island, New York.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) confers increased risk of contracting bloodborne and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Limited data exist on infectious disease screening and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) usage among United States Veterans (USVs) with OUD, including persons who inject drugs (PWID). This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), bacterial STIs, and PrEP uptake in USVs with OUD, including PWID. A retrospective chart review of USVs with OUD seeking care at Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center between 2012 and 2022 was completed. Sociodemographics, HIV, HCV, STI testing rates and diagnosis, and PrEP uptake were compared between USVs, stratified by injection drug use history. We identified 502 USVs with OUD; 43% had a history of injection drug use. Overall, 2.2% of USVs had HIV and 28.7% had HCV. An STI was diagnosed in 10% of USVs, most frequently syphilis (1.8%). PWID were more likely to be tested for HIV (93.5% PWID vs. 73.1% non-PWID; P < .001), HCV (95.8% PWID vs. 80.8% non-PWID; P < .001), and syphilis (80% PWID vs. 69.2% non-PWID; P = .006). Total gonorrhea and chlamydia testing rates were 31.9% and 33.7%, respectively, without difference between the groups. PrEP was prescribed in 1.2% of USVs. In USVs with OUD, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening occurred less frequently than syphilis, HCV, and HIV. PWID were more likely to be screened for HIV, HCV, and syphilis. PrEP uptake was low. Both PWID and non-PWID may benefit from increased STI screening and linkage to PrEP.

Rapid Scale-Up of Screening for Early Detection of Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) in Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) during the 2022 Outbreak in Uganda

Background: The Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) and implementing partners instituted an infection prevention and control (IPC) response strategy during the Uganda SVD outbreak in 2022 that involved rapid enhancement of screening capacity at HCFs. Rapid scale-up of screening for infectious diseases, such as SVD, is critical for early identification and triage of suspected or confirmed cases in HCFs. We describe the rapid deployment of a multimodal IPC strategy implemented in response to the SVD outbreak and the resulting impact on screening measures at HCFs. Methods: We implemented a multimodal IPC strategy in HCFs from five high risk districts to improve screening practices from November 2022–January 2023. The strategy included training health workers (HCWs) identified as IPC mentors; establishing screening areas; and providing screening supplies and communication materials. The three-day training utilized an MoH standardized training package with didactic and practice sessions. The mentors then cascaded screening information and skills to other HCWs through onsite trainings and mentorships and established screening areas. Baseline and endline (3 months after baseline) cross-sectional assessments were conducted using the MoH IPC Assessment Tool adapted from the WHO Ebola IPC Scorecard. The five main screening parameters assessed included presence of ≥ 1 meter distance between screener and the person screened, availability of a functional handwashing facility and infrared thermometer, correct record of each person’s temperature, and appropriate referral process for those suspected of having SVD to holding areas. IPC capacity was measured through the summation of each of these parameter results and calculated as an overall percentage. IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software was used for data analysis and a paired t-test done to determine any significant findings between mean scores (percentage) at baseline and endpoint. Results: A total of 296 IPC mentors were trained, screening information was cascaded to 3,899 HCWs, and screening areas were established in 1,135 HCFs. Based on the screening results from the MoH IPC assessment tool, capacity improved from 44% (SD=37) at baseline to 67% (SD=34) at endpoint. Screening capacity improved from baseline to endpoint among level II and public HCFs from 33% (SD=35) to 60% (SD=35) (p &lt; 0 .05) and from 54% (SD=38) to 76% (SD=31) (p &lt; 0 .05), respectively. Conclusion: Rapid implementation of a multimodal IPC strategy was successful in enhancing screening capacity across Uganda’s HCFs during a SVD response, which is critical for early identification of infected patients to interrupt transmission. This multimodal approach should be recommended for future response actions.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patients Aged from 15 to 40 Years.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the hearing characteristics and causes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in patients aged from 15 to 40 years, focusing on audiological outcomes one year after the diagnosis. Methods: The medical records of individuals with SSNHL who were referred to our tertiary-level audiologic center were reviewed. All patients had undergone comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, including high-resolution 3D-FLAIR delayed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and screening for coagulation, infectious, and autoimmune diseases. Results: Overall, 56 patients (mean age 28.1 ± 7.6 years) were included in the study. The hearing threshold in the affected ear improved significantly from 56.0 ± 18.0 dB at the diagnosis to 46.9 ± 22.3 dB after one year (p = 0.02). The degree of hearing loss, audiometric configurations, hearing improvements, and adherence to hearing treatments showed considerable variability among patients. Aural fullness, tinnitus, and hyperacusis were the predominant symptoms associated with SSNHL, and their prevalence decreased significantly over time. The diagnostic protocol led to the identification of the specific cause of SSNHL in 75% (42/56) of patients. The known etiology was found to be otological (39.3%), infectious (21.4%), autoimmune (7.1%), vascular (5.4%), or neoplastic (1.8%). In particular, Menière's disease (n = 12), isolated cochlear endolymphatic hydrops (n = 6), HSV-1 (n = 5), and EBV (n = 4) infections were the most frequent causes of SSNHL. Conclusions: The identification of the specific etiology of SSNHL may facilitate a more personalized approach to management and treatment.

On-site SNP discrimination of Monkeypox viral DNA at room temperature using dCas9-enhanced extended-gate field-effect transistor

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was heightened concern about the sudden spread of viral diseases. As the threat of coronavirus transmission began to diminish, a subsequent outbreak caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) emerged in Europe and North America. Notably, MPXV infection tends to be transmitted through sexual contact, increasing the difficulty of tracing the infection route through passive testing. As a result, there is a pressing need for cost-effective, precise, and rapid on-site screening techniques to detect MPXV. Recently, the CRISPR system, known as a genome editing tool, has been used as a rapid on-site diagnostic tool for detecting nucleic acids mostly through the use of Cas12a and Cas13a. Intriguingly, deficient Cas9 (dCas9) can recognize specific double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sequences and bind to complementary DNA sequences. Here, we devised an innovative digital field-diagnosis platform that can be readily employed in clinical settings. This platform combines an ultrasensitive field-effect transistor (FET) with the dCas9 system, enabling quantitative analysis of biomarkers. Our dCas9-EG-FET can directly detect viral dsDNA without any amplification or pretreatment. When the dCas9 of our dCas9-EG-FET system recognizes the specific target viral DNA, the EG-FET system provides voltage differences by using FET features that measure the ion concentration on the surface of the FET sensor. Furthermore, it takes only 20 min to detect MPXV DNA using our dCas9-EG-FET system at room temperature (RT), and this system can be used to effectively distinguish single-point mutations with high sensitivity. Our findings suggest that the use of a CRISPRCas-based biosensor could lead to an effective strategy for screening for infectious diseases.

A Comparative Study of "Grafting to" and "Grafting from" Conjugation Methods for the Preparation of Antibody-Temperature-Responsive Polymer Conjugates.

Early diagnosis of infectious diseases is still challenging particularly in a nonlaboratory environment or limited resources areas. Thus, sensitive, inexpensive, and easily handled diagnostic approaches are required. The lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is commonly used in the screening of infectious diseases despite its poor sensitivity, especially with low pathogenic loads (early stages of infection). This article introduces a novel polymeric material that might help in the enrichment and concentration of pathogens to overcome the LFIA misdiagnosis. To achieve this, we evaluated the efficiency of introducing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) into immunoglobulin G (IgG) as a model antibody using two different conjugation methods: grafting to (GT) and grafting from (GF). The IgG-PNIPAAm conjugates were characterized using SDS-PAGE, DLS, and temperature-responsive phase transition behavior. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the GF method was more efficient in introducing the polymer than the GT method, with calculated polymer introduction ratios of 61% and 34%, respectively. The GF method proved to be less susceptible to steric hindrance and more efficient in introducing high-molecular-weight polymers into proteins. These results are consistent with previous studies comparing the GT and GF methods in similar systems. This study represents an important step toward understanding how the choice of polymer incorporation method affects the properties of IgG-PNIPAAm conjugates. The synthesized polymer allowed binding and enrichment of mouse IgG that was used as a model antigen with a clear LFIA band. On the basis of our findings, this system might help in improving the sensitivity of simple diagnostics.

Awareness of premarital screening for genetics and infectious diseases among the College students of Abha KSA

Awareness of premarital screening for genetics and infectious diseases among the College students of Abha KSA

Review of advanced practice nurse role in infection throughout the hematopoietic stem cell transplant journey.

Prolonged periods of immunosuppression during hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) can result in serious infectious complications and contribute to transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Adherence to standardized pre and postinfection screening guidelines, prescribed medications, and early identification of infectious symptoms through comprehensive patient and family education are crucial to minimizing infectious complications. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are key members of the multidisciplinary care team in the HSCT specialty, maintaining a specialized skillset and scope of practice which includes a holistic based, preventative medicine and risk mitigation approach. This review sought to describe the role of the APN in HSCT care and to further examine existing APN led models of care which focus on infection prevention and education throughout the HSCT treatment journey. No studies specifically examined the APN role in infectious diseases risk assessment, screening, and management throughout the HSCT journey were identified throughout our review, however, there was considerable evidence to demonstrate the benefits of APN led care in the oncology and solid organ transplantation specialty which led to improvements in continuity of care, overall patient outcomes, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. The key themes identified in our review, were the role of the APN in the delivery of comprehensive patient and family education, the role of the APN in supporting, mentoring, and educating junior medical and nursing teams, the collaboration between the APN and the multidisciplinary care team, and the role of the APN in prompt recognition, triage, and management of treatment related complications, such as infection.

Synergistic photoinduced charge transfer resonance from porous ZIF-67 decorated violet phosphorus array for SERS immunoassay of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

As a rapid, highly sensitive, and user-friendly technique, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has an extraordinary appeal to home self-test of COVID-19 during the post pandemic era. However, most of the existing SERS substrates have been still criticized in stability, repeatability, and sample enrichment. To address these obstacles, a novel non-metallic SERS substrate with porous surfaces and array geometry was developed by in-situ growing ZIF-67 particles on two-dimensional violet phosphorus (VP) matrix. Chemical enhancement was prominently promoted by the synergistic photoinduced charge transfer resonance in the hybrid band structure of the ZIF-67@VP substrate, facilitating a noble metal-similar enhancement factor of 6.11 × 107. The biocompatible ZIF-67@VP porous array with attractive enhancement capability and high anchoring efficiency was further utilized to monitoring SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in practical saliva samples based on a sandwich immunostructure, achieving a limit of detection of 1.7 ng/mL assisted by black phosphorus nanosheets. This nonmetallic immunoassay strategy with exceptional sensitivity and specificity is predicted to extend the utilization of SERS obstacle in daily infectious disease screening.

Recent advance on fiber optic SPR/LSPR-based ultra-sensitive biosensors using novel structures and emerging signal amplification strategies

Biomarkers with ultralow concentration in the actual samples play a vital role in the clinical disease diagnosis, infectious disease screening, food security, and environmental monitoring. Fiber optic (FO)-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensors attract immense attention for in situ, and rapid detection due to their merits of miniaturized devices, easy integration, and low cost, showing great promising for point of care point-of-caring test. In order to achieve ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers, great effort focused on design of a sensitive FO-based biosensor on the aspect of novel FO probes and signal amplification strategies. Firstly, novel FO probes, including gating and new structure-based, were develop to adjust the light propagation and allow intensely interaction between the light and metal film or nanoparticles, which excites strong SPR or LSPR for sensitive biosensor. Then, nanomaterials on FO surface improved the intensity of electromagnetic fields or provided a good scaffold to modify with more recognition element for signal amplification. Nucleic acid circuits get rid of the limitation of the signal-to-target ratio of 1:1 and exhibited high efficiency to amplify the signal. These efforts have also led to the application of FO-SPR and LSPR sensors for detection of various targets, such as cells, nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. In the review, we summarized the important progress of the ultrasensitive FO-based biosensor about emerging FO probes and signal amplification strategies, also discussed its opportunities and challenges for the point-of-caring test. The review aims to promote the application of the FO-SPR and LSPR from experiments to real samples.

Prevalence of infectious diseases, immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases and chronic medical conditions among Ukrainian refugees in Germany – A cross sectional study from the German Network University Medicine (NUM)

BackgroundVulnerability to infectious diseases in refugees is dependent on country of origin, flight routes, and conditions. Information on specific medical needs of different groups of refugees is lacking. We assessed the prevalence of infectious diseases, immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases, and chronic medical conditions in children, adolescents, and adult refugees from Ukraine who arrived in Germany in 2022. MethodsUsing different media, we recruited Ukrainian refugees at 13 sites between 9–12/2022. An antigen test for acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, serologies for a range of vaccine-preventable diseases, as well as interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) for tuberculosis (TB), and SARS-CoV-2 were performed. We assessed personal and family history of chronic medical conditions, infectious diseases, vaccination status, and conditions during migration. ResultsOverall, 1793 refugees (1401 adults and 392 children/adolescents) were included. Most participants were females (n = 1307; 72·3%) and from Eastern or Southern Ukraine. TB IGRA was positive in 13% (n = 184) of the adults and in 2% (n = 7) of the children.Serology-based immunological response was insufficient in approximately 21% (360/1793) of the participants for measles, 32% (572/1793) for diphtheria, and 74% (1289/1793) for hepatitis B. ConclusionsWe show evidence of low serological response to vaccine-preventable infections and increased LTBI prevalence in Ukrainian refugees. These findings should be integrated into guidelines for screening and treatment of infectious diseases in migrants and refugees in Germany and Europe. Furthermore, low immunity for vaccine-preventable diseases in Ukrainians independent of their refugee status, calls for tailor-made communication efforts.

Regression analysis of group-tested current status data

Summary Group testing is an effective way to reduce the time and cost associated with conducting large-scale screening for infectious diseases. Benefits are realized through testing pools formed by combining specimens, such as blood or urine, from different individuals. In some studies, individuals are assessed only once and a time-to-event endpoint is recorded, for example, the time until infection. Combining group testing with this type of endpoint results in group-tested current status data (Petito &amp; Jewell, 2016). To analyse these complex data, we propose methods that estimate a proportional hazard regression model based on test outcomes from measuring the pools. A sieve maximum likelihood estimation approach is developed that approximates the cumulative baseline hazard function with a piecewise constant function. To identify the sieve estimator, a computationally efficient expectation-maximization algorithm is derived by using data augmentation. Asymptotic properties of both the parametric and nonparametric components of the sieve estimator are then established by applying modern empirical process theory. Numerical results from simulation studies show that our proposed method performs nominally and has advantages over the corresponding estimation method based on individual testing results. We illustrate our work by analysing a chlamydia dataset collected by the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa.

Intestinal tuberculosis as a diagnostic challenge in a high prevalence center.

The differential diagnosis between Crohn's disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) continues to pose a diagnostic challenge, as clinical presentation can be indistinguishable, as well as findings in imaging studies and endoscopy. It is essential to make a definitive diagnosis early on, screening for possible latent infectious diseases, especially in patients from endemic areas, as inmmunosuppressive treatment can result in a fatal outcome during the course of TBI.