Serological Tests Research Articles

A prospective study on Rickettsia infections in Central India

Rickettsial infections are under-reported in India. The actual disease burden has been underestimated as non-specific serological tests are mostly used to diagnose these infections. The aim of this study was the detection of Rickettsia infections in clinical specimens by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.A study was established to analyse blood samples taken from pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) or undifferentiated fever cases. A total of 69 such patients, were referred/walked-in to our diagnostic centre, Indore, India between October 2021 and May 2023. The blood samples were collected in EDTA lavender (purple) top tube.Of the tested samples, 14 patients (20.3%) were positive for Rickettsia infection.Gender wise distribution revealed higher incidence (57%) of Rickettsial infections in male patients. Children were majorly infected (50% of cases); multiple infection was also noted in them, though severity was not high. Severe clinical manifestation including hospitalization was also noted in some patients. Few reports are available from India on molecular diagnosis of Rickettsia infection. Early-stage molecular diagnosis will help to stave off and prevent serious complications.

Prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B Infection Among Detainees in a French Administrative Detention Centre.

In France, migrants constitute a significant proportion of people diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV). This study estimated the prevalence of these three viruses among detainees at a French administrative detention centre (CRA), through systematic Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) screening. This prospective, single-centre, cross-sectional, pilot study included detainees at the Nîmes CRA from February to December 2022. The primary endpoint was HIV, HCV and HBV prevalence determined by RDT. Secondary outcomes were: co-infections; study acceptability, reasons for non-inclusion, causes of non-contributory samples; and concordance between serological tests and RDT. Among the 350 people agreeing to participate of 726 eligible, five refused the RDT, leaving 345 analysable participants for a participation rate of 47.5% (345/726). Participants were predominantly male (90%) with an average age of 31 years. The most common country of origin was Algeria (34%). Twenty (6%) had taken drugs intravenously and 240 (70%) had had unprotected sex within a median of 4.92 [1.08; 15] months. Virus prevalence was: 0% HIV; 4.64 [2.42; 6.86] % HCV; and 2.32 [1.01; 4.52] % HBV. Eleven (73%) of the RDT HCV positive cases were confirmed serologically. RDT detected one false-positive HCV case, as an anti-HCV Ac serological test was negative. Of the eight patients with positive HBV RDT, one declined the serology testing, thus 100% (7/7) of the tested RDT positive cases were confirmed by serology. The study highlighted the need to screen detainees for HIV, HCV and HBV infection and suitability of RDTs.

Filariasis-Associated Secondary Membranous Nephropathy: A Rare Presentation

Parasitic infections like filariasis are uncommon causes of secondary membranous nephropathy (MN) which requires serological tests to detect circulating Wuchereria bancrofti antigens for its diagnosis or the identification of microfilariae in the capillary lumen on kidney biopsy. The immunochromatographic card tests is simple, non invasive and has high sensitivity and specificity. We report a case of 30 year old lady who presented to us with nephrotic syndrome which on kidney biopsy showed features of membranous nephropathy with negative staining for Anti PLA2R, THSD7A and exostosin. A thorough workup was done to find out any secondary cause of MN where she was found positive with filiarial antibody test. Hence, a diagnosis of secondary membranous pattern nephropathy was considered for which she was treated with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and other supportive medications which on follow up showed marked resolution of proteinuria.

Seroprevalence and molecular characterization of viral hepatitis and HIV co-infection in the Central African Republic.

The Central African Republic (CAR) is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of viral hepatitis infection in the world. Coinfection with HIV increases the morbidity and mortality beyond that of mono-infection with either hepatitis or HIV. The present study describes the geographic distribution of viral hepatitis infections and molecular characterization of these viruses in the CAR. Out of 12,599 persons enrolled during the fourth Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey of 2010 in the CAR, 10,621 Dried Blood Spot (DBS) samples were obtained and stored at -20°C. Of these DBS, 4,317 samples were randomly selected to represent all regions of the CAR. Serological tests for hepatitis B, D, and C viruses were performed using the ELISA technique. Molecular characterization was performed to identify strains. Of the 4,317 samples included, 53.2% were from men and 46.8% from women. The HBsAg prevalence among participants was 12.9% and that HBc-Ab was 19.7%. The overall prevalence of HCV was 0.6%. Co-infection of HIV/HBV was 1.1% and that of HBV/HDV was 16.6%. A total of 77 HBV, 6 HIV, and 6 HDV strains were successfully sequenced, with 72 HBV (93.5%) strains belonging to genotype E and 5 (6.5%) strains belonging to genotype D. The 6 HDV strains all belonged to clade 1, while 4 recombinants subtype were identified among the 6 strains of HIV. Our study found a high prevalence of HBV, HBV/HDV and HBV/HIV co-infection, but a low prevalence of HCV. CAR remains an area of high HBV endemicity. This study's data and analyses would be useful for establishing an integrated viral hepatitis and HIV surveillance program in the CAR.

First Report of Seropositivity to Trypanosoma cruzi in Mexican Afro-Descendants from Guerrero and Oaxaca States

Mexican Afro-descendant is a population poorly studied in many aspects, between them the infectious diseases that they suffer. This population is mainly found in the country’s Pacific (Oaxaca and Guerrero states) and Atlantic (Veracruz) coast. In these regions, a diversity of triatomine vectors of the Chagas disease is found. Also, all the genotypes of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs have been reported. That is why the present study aimed to study the presence of antibodies against T. cruzi and cardiac pathology associated with the Chagas disease in the Mexican Afro-descendant population of Guerrero and Oaxaca. ELISA, Western blot, and recombinant antigen’s ELISA were used to evaluate the seropositivity of these communities. Furthermore, an electrocardiographic study and evaluation of risk factors associated with T. cruzi infection in the Oaxaca and Guerrero populations were conducted. 26.77% of the analyzed population was positive for two serological tests. These percentages are higher than the previously reported for the mestizo population in similar studies. Electrocardiographic results showed cardiac disorder associated with the Chagas disease in the population. Also, risk factors were identified associated with the men’s activities in the outdoor working areas.

Clinical application value of metagenome next-generation sequencing in pulmonary diffuse exudative lesions: a retrospective study

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the clinical application value of Metagenome Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) for pulmonary diffuse exudative lesions.MethodsFrom January 1, 2014, to November 31, 2021, 136 cases with chest radiologic presentations of pulmonary diffuse exudative lesions admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital were included in the study; of those, 77 patients underwent mNGS pathogen detection. Based on the pathogen detection outcomes and clinical diagnoses, patients were categorized into an infection group (IG) and a non-infection group (NIG). A comparison was made between the diagnostic efficacy of the mNGS technique and traditional culture methods. Meanwhile, 59 patients clinically identified as having infectious pulmonary diffuse exudative lesions but who did not receive mNGS testing were designated as the non-NGS infection group (non-IG). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients in both the IG and non-IG, with a 30-day all-cause mortality endpoint used for follow-up.OutcomesWhen compared to conventional culture methods, mNGS demonstrated an approximate 35% increase in sensitivity (80.0% vs 45.5%, P<0.001), without significant disparity in specificity (77.3% vs 95.5%, P=0.185). Under antibiotic exposure, the positivity rate detected by mNGS was notably higher than that by traditional culture methods, indicating that mNGS is less affected by exposure to antibiotics (P<0.05). Within 30 days, the all-cause mortality rate for patients in the IG versus the non-IG was 14.55% and 37.29%, respectively (P<0.05). Following a COX regression analysis to adjust for confounding factors, the analysis revealed that a CURB-65 score ≥3 points (HR=3.348, P=0.001) and existing cardiovascular disease (HR=2.473, P=0.026) were independent risk factors for these patients. Conversely, mNGS testing (HR=0.368, P=0.017) proved to be an independent protective factor.ConclusionmNGS technology makes it easier to pinpoint the cause of pulmonary diffuse infectious exudative lesions without much interference from antibiotics, helping doctors spot and diagnose these issues early on, thereby playing a key role in helping them decide the best treatment approach for patients. Such conclusions may have a bias, as the performance of traditional methods might be underestimated due to the absence of complete results from other conventional diagnostic techniques like serological testing and PCR.

Simplified molecular diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: Laboratory evaluation of miniature direct-on-blood PCR nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay.

Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in resource-limited endemic regions is currently based on serological testing with rK39 immunochromatographic tests (ICTs). However, rK39 ICT frequently has suboptimal diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, treatment monitoring and detection of VL relapses is reliant on insensitive and highly invasive tissue aspirate microscopy. Miniature direct-on-blood PCR nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay (mini-dbPCR-NALFIA) is an innovative and user-friendly molecular tool which does not require DNA extraction and uses a lateral flow strip for result read-out. This assay could be an interesting candidate for more reliable VL diagnosis and safer test of cure at the point of care. The performance of mini-dbPCR-NALFIA for diagnosis of VL in blood was assessed in a laboratory evaluation and compared with the accuracy of rK39 ICTs Kalazar Detect in Spain and IT LEISH in East Africa. Limit of detection of mini-dbPCR-NALFIA was 650 and 500 parasites per mL of blood for Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum, respectively. In 146 blood samples from VL-suspected patients from Spain, mini-dbPCR-NALFIA had a sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity 97.2%, while Kalazar Detect had a sensitivity of 71.2% and specificity of 94.5%, compared to a nested PCR reference. For a sample set from 58 VL patients, 10 malaria patients and 68 healthy controls from Ethiopia and Kenya, mini-dbPCR-NALFIA had a pooled sensitivity of 87.9% and pooled specificity of 100% using quantitative PCR as reference standard. IT LEISH sensitivity and specificity in the East African samples were 87.9% and 97.4%, respectively. Mini-dbPCR-NALFIA is a promising tool for simplified molecular diagnosis of VL and follow-up of treated patients in blood samples. Future studies should evaluate its use in endemic, resource-limited settings, where mini-dbPCR-NALFIA may provide an accurate and versatile alternative to rK39 ICTs and aspirate microscopy.

Typhus Fever- A Diagnosis Often Missed as A Cause of Fever.

Background: In tropical countries epidemic and endemic typhus are sometimes missdiagnosed as typhoid fever. Typhus infection is emerging in the subcontinent and clinically presents as nonspecific febrile illness. So high index of clinical suspicion is essential and the objective of the study was to detect typhus infection as a cause of febrile illness. Materials &Method: This is a prospective observational study done from January to December 2019. A total 50 patients of different age groups were taken randomly who were suffering from fever for more than 7 days. All relevant investigations including CBC, Dengue serological test, Widal test, urine routine examination and C/S, blood C/S, chest x-ray were done. Patients not responding to conventional antibiotic therapy and having persistent fever were further investigated for typhus fever with Weil-Felix test. Results: Out of 50 patients 35 were male; age range was 2 to 12 years. Mean duration of fever was 10 days. Blood for CBC showed nonspecific findings, Blood culture and urine for c/s were negative for bacterial growth, dengue serological tests were negative, chest x-ray were normal (except 2 patients had pneumonia). Weil-Felix tests were positive in all cases. 12 cases were positive for both Widal test and Weil-Felix test and in 8 cases blood c/s were also positive with Weil-Felix test. Treatment changed to Doxycycline or Azithromycin in cases of typhus fever. Conclusion: Typhus fever should be taken into account in the management of febrile illness who were admitted without a confirmed cause of fever. BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2022; VOL 46 (2) : 54-57

Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 among Pregnant Women in South-Western Romania

Background: Pregnancy-related infections with the human herpes simplex virus (HSV) strains HSV-1 and HSV-2 are particularly noteworthy. There are numerous reported examples of intrapartum transmission of herpes infection, notwithstanding the extreme rarity of intrauterine transfer from mother to fetus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies in pregnant women in the western region of Romania. Methods: Pregnant women who presented for routine pregnancy monitoring at Romania’s County Clinical Emergency Hospital in Craiova between 2013 and 2016 and 2019 and 2022 were included in the study. In order to find anti-HSV-1/2 IgG antibodies, we conducted serological testing on the patients and gathered demographic information from them. Results: HSV-1 seroprevalence was shown to have declined in rural areas and increased in urban areas, with values between 2013 and 2016 being 89.30% and those between 2019 and 2022 being 84.96%, respectively. Women over 35 who were pregnant had the highest seroprevalence. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 decreased from 16.16% in 2013–2016 to 12.43% in 2019–2022, and both rural and urban areas continued to experience this declining trend. Similarly, pregnant women over 35 years old had the highest frequency of HSV-1 infections. Conclusions: Establishing educational programs and other actions to reduce the transmission rate and ultimately the prevalence of the disease can be made easier with knowledge about the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections.

Neurological features of Hansen disease: a retrospective, multicenter cohort study

To elucidate the neurological features of Hansen disease. The medical records of patients with confirmed Hansen disease transferred from the neurology department were reviewed, and all medical and neurological manifestations of Hansen disease were assessed. Eleven patients with confirmed Hansen disease, 10 with newly detected Hansen disease and 1 with relapsed Hansen disease, who visited neurology departments were enrolled. The newly detected patients with Hansen disease were classified as having lepromatous leprosy (LL, n = 1), borderline lepromatous leprosy (BL, n = 2), borderline leprosy (BB, n = 2), borderline tuberculoid leprosy (BT, n = 1), tuberculoid leprosy (TT, n = 2), or pure neural leprosy (PNL, n = 2). All of the patients with confirmed Hansen were diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy (100.00%, 11/11). The symptoms and signs presented were mainly limb numbness (100.00%, 11/11), sensory and motor dysfunction (100.00%, 11/11), decreased muscle strength (90.90%, 10/11), and skin lesions (81.81%, 9/11). Nerve morphological features in nerve ultrasonography (US) included peripheral nerve asymmetry and segmental thickening (100.00%, 9/9). For neuro-electrophysiology feature, the frequency of no response of sensory nerves was significantly higher than those of motor nerves [(51.21% 42/82) vs (24.70%, 21/85)(P = 0.0183*)] by electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies. Nerve histological features in nerve biopsy analysis included demyelination (100.00%, 5/5) and axonal damage (60.00%, 3/5). In addition to confirmed diagnoses by acid-fast bacteria (AFB) staining (54.54%, 6/11) and skin pathology analysis (100.00%, 8/8), serology and molecular technology were positive in 36.36% (4/11) and 100.00% (11/11) of confirmed patients of Hansen disease, respectively. It is not uncommon for patients of Hansen disease to visit neurology departments due to peripheral neuropathy. The main pathological features of affected nerves are demyelination and axonal damage. The combination of nerve US, EDX studies, nerve biopsy, and serological and molecular tests can improve the diagnosis of Hansen disease.

Comparative Analysis of Nucleocapsid Antibody Levels, Neutralizing Antibodies, and Spike receptor-binding Domain in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Patients

ABSTRACT Introduction: Serological testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is crucial for detecting antibodies generated in response to infection. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) target the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (S-RBD) and can exist in the forms of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA. This study aimed to assess specific antibody responses to the nucleocapsid protein (N), S-RBD, and NAbs and correlate them with the clinical spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted at the Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Indonesia. We examined 48 patients with confirmed COVID-19 of varying severity (mild, moderate, severe, and critical) on treatment days 0, 3, and 6. We measured nucleocapsid antibodies, S-RBD, and neutralization using the chemiluminescence immunoassay method. The comparative analysis of IgM, IgG, NAB, and S-RBD levels is adjudicated using the independent t-test. Results: Specific antibody levels on treatment days 0, 3, and 6 showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Notably, significant differences were observed in comparisons such as severe recovery versus severe death groups on day 0 in IgG, mild versus severe recovery on day 3 in IgM, moderate versus severe recovery, severe recovery versus severe death, and mild versus severe recovery on day 3, as well as on day 6 in anti-S-RBD, and mild versus severe recovery on day 3 and day 6 in neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the dynamic antibody responses during COVID-19 treatment and their relevance for clinical outcomes.

COMPARISON SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII, RUBELLA, AND CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IN MUŞ PROVINCE BEFORE AND DURING COVID-19

COMPARISON SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII, RUBELLA, AND CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IN MUŞ PROVINCE BEFORE AND DURING COVID-19

A recombinant chimeric antigen constructed with B-cell epitopes from Mycobacterium leprae hypothetical proteins is effective for the diagnosis of leprosy

The diagnosis if leprosy is difficult, as it requires clinical expertise and sensitive laboratory tests. In this study, we develop a serological test for leprosy by using bioinformatics tools to identify specific B-cell epitopes from Mycobacterium leprae hypothetical proteins, which were used to construct a recombinant chimeric protein, M1. The synthetic peptides were obtained and showed good reactivity to detect leprosy patients, although the M1 chimera have showed sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) values higher than 90.0% to diagnose both paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) leprosy patients, but not those developing tegumentary or visceral leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, Chagas disease, malaria, histoplasmosis and aspergillosis, in ELISA experiments. Using sera from household contacts, values for Se and Sp were 100% and 65.3%, respectively. In conclusion, our proof-of-concept study has generated data that suggest that a new recombinant protein could be developed into a diagnostic antigen for leprosy.

Case report: Decreased hemoglobin and multiple organ failure caused by ceftizoxime-induced immune hemolytic anemia in a Chinese patient with malignant rectal cancer

BackgroundDrug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) is a rare but serious condition, with an estimated incidence of one in 100,000 cases, associated with various antibiotics. This study reports on a case of ceftizoxime-induced hemolysis observed in a patient in China.Case descriptionA Chinese patient diagnosed with malignant rectal cancer underwent antimicrobial therapy after laparoscopic partial recto-sigmoid resection (L-Dixon). After receiving four doses of ceftizoxime, the patient developed symptoms including rash, itchy skin, and chest distress, followed by a rapid decline in hemoglobin levels, the presence of hemoglobin in the urine (hemoglobinuria), renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Laboratory analysis revealed high-titer antibodies against ceftizoxime and red blood cells (RBCs) in the patient’s serum, including immunoglobulin M (IgM) (1:128) antibodies and immunoglobulin G (IgG) (1:8) antibodies, with noted crossreactivity to ceftriaxone. Significant improvement in the patient’s hemolytic symptoms was observed following immediate discontinuation of the drug, two plasma exchanges, and extensive RBC transfusion.ConclusionThis case, together with previous reports, underscores the importance of considering DIIHA in patients who exhibit unexplained decreases in hemoglobin levels following antibiotic therapy. A thorough examination of the patient’s medical history can provide crucial insights for diagnosing DIIHA. The effective management of DIIHA includes immediate cessation of the implicated drug, plasma exchange, and transfusion support based on the identification of specific drug-dependent antibodies through serological testing.

Triple Sensing Modes for Triggered β-Galactosidase Activity Assays Based on Kaempferol-Deduced Silicon Nanoparticles and Biological Imaging of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

β-Galactosidase (β-Gala) is an essential biomarker enzyme for early detection of breast tumors and cellular senescence. Creating an accurate way to monitor β-Gala activity is critical for biological research and early cancer detection. This work used fluorometric, colorimetric, and paper-based color sensing approaches to determine β-Gala activity effectively. Via the sensing performance, the catalytic activity of β-Gala resulted in silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs), fluorescent indicators obtained via a one-pot hydrothermal process. As a standard enzymatic hydrolysis product of the substrate, kaempferol 3-O-β-d-galactopyranoside (KOβDG) caused the fluorometric signal to be attenuated on kaempferol-silicon nanoparticles (K-SiNPs). The sensing methods demonstrated a satisfactory linear response in sensing β-Gala and a low detection limit. The findings showed the low limit of detection (LOD) as 0.00057 and 0.098 U/mL for fluorometric and colorimetric, respectively. The designed probe was then used to evaluate the catalytic activity of β-Gala in yogurt and human serum, with recoveries ranging from 98.33 to 107.9%. The designed sensing approach was also applied to biological sample analysis. In contrast, breast cancer cells (MCF-7) were used as a model to test the in vitro toxicity and molecular fluorescence imaging potential of K-SiNPs. Hence, our fluorescent K-SiNPs can be used in the clinic to diagnose breast cellular carcinoma, since they can accurately measure the presence of invasive ductal carcinoma in serologic tests.

Diagnostic accuracy of serological and imaging tests used in surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in adults with cirrhosis: a systematic review protocol

Background Liver cirrhosis is the largest risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and surveillance is therefore recommended among this population. Current guidance recommends surveillance with ultrasound, with or without alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). This review is part of a larger project looking at benefits, harms and costs of surveillance for HCC in people with cirrhosis. It aims to synthesise the evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of imaging or biomarker tests, alone or in combination, to identify HCC in adults with liver cirrhosis in a surveillance programme. Methods We will identify studies through a 2021 Cochrane review with similar eligibility criteria, and a database search of MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. We will include diagnostic test accuracy studies with adult cirrhosis patients of any aetiology. Studies must assess at least one of the following index tests: ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerised tomography (CT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP), lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3), a genomic biomarker, or a diagnostic prediction model incorporating at least one of the above-mentioned tests. We will assess studies for risk of bias using QUADAS-2 and QUADAS-C. We will combine data using bivariate random effects meta-analyses. For tests evaluated across varying diagnostic thresholds, we will produce pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity across the full range of numerical thresholds, where possible. Where sufficient studies compare two or more index tests, we will perform additional analyses to compare the accuracy of different tests. Where feasible, we will stratify all meta-analyses by tumour size and patient characteristics, including cirrhosis aetiology and liver disease severity. Discussion This review will synthesise evidence across the full range of possible surveillance tests, using advanced statistical methods to summarise accuracy across all thresholds and to compare the accuracy of different tests. PROSPERO registration CRD42022357163

HIV self-testing knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Asian-born gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Australia: a qualitative study

BackgroundAchieving virtual elimination of HIV transmission in Australia requires a combination of high treatment rates and high testing coverage among individuals at risk of acquiring HIV. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an additional testing approach for key populations.ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HIVST among Asian-born gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).MethodsThis qualitative study used semi-structured interviews of overseas-born GBMSM of Asian background in Australia. Participants were recruited from personal networks, social media platforms, snowballing, and the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. Twenty-five participants were purposively sampled with a range of ages and previous levels of experience with HIVST. Interview transcripts were imported into Nvivo 12 for data management.ResultsThe age of the participants ranged from 19 to 44 years, with a median of 30 years. Most were unaware of HIVST before the interview, and only a few had ever used one. All had limited sexual health knowledge (i.e., HIV testing, PrEP) before they arrived in Australia. Upon learning about HIVST during the interview, many expressed willingness to use HIVST, but in limited circumstances, such as traveling overseas, interim testing while taking on-demand PrEP, and point-of-sex testing. Almost all were open to distributing HIVST to their casual partners or friends, especially those they knew who engaged in high-risk sexual practice (i.e., condomless anal sex) and were not engaged in sexual healthcare. About half still preferred conventional serology testing because of regular HIV testing as part of PrEP prescription and the need for testing for other sexually transmitted infections.ConclusionHIVST may be an acceptable additional testing approach for HIV testing among Asian-born GBMSM. Peer education and secondary distribution may help raise HIVST awareness and use.

Overview of Novel Biomarkers for Management of Postchemotherapy Residual Masses in Testicular Cancer

The diagnosis of postchemotherapy residual masses in testicular cancer must be based on the integration of clinical, imaging, and serology tests. Further validation is needed for novel biomarkers.

Results of the external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for serological diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 detection in Sicily region (Italy), in 2020–2022

Results of the external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for serological diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 detection in Sicily region (Italy), in 2020–2022

Clinical efficacy of Dermatophagoides farina drops on allergic rhinitis in children sensitized by dust mites combined with different allergens

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) using standardized dermatophagoides farina drops for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) in children sensitized to dust mites combined with different allergens. The findings contribute to establishing a preliminary foundation for future in-depth studies on AR treatment. MethodsA total of 152 AR children undergoing SLIT were categorized into two groups based on serological test results: the inhalation group (dust mite combined with inhalation allergy) and the ingestion group (dust mite combined with ingestion allergy). The clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated by assessing the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS), total medication scores (TMS), visual analog scale scores (VAS scores), and the incidence of adverse reactions before treatment and after two years of treatment. ResultsAfter two years of treatment, TNSS, TMS, and VAS scores significantly improved compared to pre-treatment values in both the inhalation and ingestion groups (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in efficacy between the two groups after two years of treatment (p > 0.05). During the treatment period, only 15 cases (10.9%, 9 cases in the inhalation group and 6 cases in the ingestion group) experienced mild adverse reactions. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionSLIT using standardized dermatophagoides farina drops demonstrates long-term efficacy in children with AR, regardless of whether they belong to the inhalation or ingestion group, without significant differences in treatment outcomes.