Characteristics of medically attended influenza infection across age groups before the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon.

Background: Influenza represents a significant global health burden for individuals and society. This study assessed the burden of medically attended influenza at a tertiary medical center in Lebanon to describe the demographics, risk factors, and outcomes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients who tested positive for the influenza virus during three seasons between July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019, at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

The impact of vaccination on the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease from a nationwide surveillance program in Lebanon: an unexpected increase in mortality driven by non-vaccine serotypes.

Background: The impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) on the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and serotype distribution was examined across age groups from data collected by the Lebanese Inter-Hospital Pneumococcal Surveillance Program.

Methods: Between 2005 and 2020, 593 invasive isolates were collected from 79 hospitals throughout Lebanon. Serotypes and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles were identified, and trends compared over 3 eras: PCV7, post-PCV7/ pre-PCV13, and PCV13 eras.

Placement of Labcor Pulmonary Conduit Results in a High Incidence of Postoperative Fever.

Background: Fever in the postoperative period in cardiac patients is common. The purpose of this study is to recognize the risk factors for prolonged postoperative fever in cardiac patients with pulmonary conduit insertion.

Methods: Patients were identified retrospectively by looking at the procedure code for pulmonary conduit insertion between June 2009 and December 2015 at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

The burden of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection in Lebanon between 2008 and 2016: a single tertiary care center experience.

Background: Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Following the 2009 pandemic, there was widened interest in studying influenza burden in all regions. However, since data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remain limited, we aimed to contribute to the understanding of influenza burden in Lebanon.

Molecular epidemiology and genetic characterization of influenza B virus in Lebanon during 2016-2018.

Background: Influenza B viruses are a major cause of serious acute respiratory infections in humans.

Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from subjects with influenza-like illness during October 2016-June 2018 and screened for influenza A and B. The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of the Lebanese influenza B specimens were sequenced and phylogenetically compared with the vaccine strains and specimens from the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Europe.

Detection of ON1 and novel genotypes of human respiratory syncytial virus and emergence of palivizumab resistance in Lebanon.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections in children and immunocompromised individuals. A multi-center surveillance of the epidemiologic and molecular characteristics of RSV circulating in Lebanon was performed. The attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins were analyzed and compared to those reported regionally and globally.

Prevalence and characteristics of acute respiratory virus infections in pediatric cancer patients.

Background: Patients with pediatric cancer have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality because of respiratory viral infections than other patient populations.

Objectives: To investigate the causative viruses of respiratory infections and their burden among patients with pediatric cancer in Lebanon.

Study Design: Nasopharyngeal swabs along with clinical and demographic data were collected from patients with pediatric cancer presenting febrile episodes with upper respiratory tract symptoms.

Meningococcal quadrivalent tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-TT, Nimenrix™): A review of its immunogenicity, safety, co-administration, and antibody persistence.

Introduction: Meningococcal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with reported epidemics and outbreaks in different parts of the world. Despite the availability of antimicrobial therapy, challenges remain in early recognition and prevention of disease. Several vaccines have been developed to date aiming at preventing disease spread.