Clinical Science and Epidemiology
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyInterplay of Antibody and Cytokine Production Reveals CXCL13 as a Potential Novel Biomarker of Lethal SARS-CoV-2 InfectionThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is continuing to impact the global population, and knowledge of the immune response to COVID-19 is still developing. This study assesses the interplay of different parts of the immune system during COVID-19 disease.
Observation | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyAn Observational Laboratory-Based Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Diagnostics in Benin, Western AfricaMonths after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, case numbers from Africa are surprisingly low, potentially because the number of SARS-CoV-2 tests performed in Africa is lower than in other regions. Here, we show an overload of COVID-19-related diagnostics in the central laboratory of Benin, Western Africa, with a stagnating average number of positive samples irrespective of daily sample counts.
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyA Novel N4-Like Bacteriophage Isolated from a Wastewater Source in South India with Activity against Several Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa IsolatesIn India, multidrug resistance determinants are much more abundant in community-associated bacterial pathogens due to the improper treatment of domestic and industrial effluents. In particular, a high bacterial load of the opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa in sewage and water bodies in India is well documented.
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyOXA-181-Like Carbapenemases in Klebsiella pneumoniae ST14, ST15, ST23, ST48, and ST231 from Septicemic Neonates: Coexistence with NDM-5, Resistome, Transmissibility, and Genome DiversityNeonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Treatment of sepsis in this vulnerable population is dependent on antimicrobials, and resistance to these life-saving antimicrobials is worrisome.
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyNext-Generation Sequencing Analysis of the Within-Host Genetic Diversity of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Viruses in the Upper and Lower Respiratory Tracts of Patients with Severe InfluenzaThe D222G/N substitution in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has been reported to be associated with disease severity and mortality in numerous previous studies. In the present study, 75% of lower respiratory samples contained heterogeneous influenza populations that carried different amino acids at position 222 of the HA protein, whereas all upper respiratory samples only contained the wild-type 222D....
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyMonitoring COVID-19 Transmission Risks by Quantitative Real-Time PCR Tracing of Droplets in Hospital and Living EnvironmentsSeveral studies evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. Saliva and nasopharyngeal droplets can land on objects and surfaces, creating fomites.
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyIdentification of a Chromosomal Integrated DNA Fragment Containing the rmpA2 and iucABCDiutA Virulence Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniaeThis study reported for the first time and characterized in detail the genetic features of a mobile virulence-encoding fragment located in the chromosome of a clinical virulent K. pneumoniae strain and revealed the occurrence of a transposition event mediated by IS26. This genetic structure could mediate the transposition of the virulence-encoding fragment...
Observation | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyWidespread Prevalence of Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance Gene mcr-1 in Escherichia coli from Père David's Deer in ChinaThe mcr-1 gene is widely reported around the world and has been identified on various plasmids with different replicon types. Resistance to the last-line antibiotic colistin mediated by mcr-1 still represents a threat to global public health.
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyDistinct Immunoglobulin Fc Glycosylation Patterns Are Associated with Disease Nonprogression and Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Responses in Children with HIV InfectionTo protect future generations against HIV, a vaccine will need to induce immunity by the time of sexual debut and hence requires immunization during childhood. Current strategies for a prophylactic HIV vaccine include the induction of a broadly neutralizing antibody response and the recruitment of potent effector functions of immune cells via the constant antibody Fc region.
Observation | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyDetection of Five mcr-9-Carrying Enterobacterales Isolates in Four Czech HospitalsInfections caused by carbapenemase-producing bacteria have led to the revival of polymyxins as the “last-resort” antibiotic. Since 2016, several reports describing the presence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes, mcr, in different host species and geographic areas were published.