The importance of microbiology reference laboratories and adequate funding for infectious disease surveillance.

Microbiology reference laboratories perform a crucial role within public health systems. This role was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this Viewpoint, we emphasise the importance of microbiology reference laboratories and highlight the types of digital data and expertise they provide, which benefit national and international public health.

Comparison of whole genome sequencing typing tools for the typing of Belgian Legionella pneumophila outbreaks isolates.

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) marks a turning point for outbreak investigations for microorganisms related to public health matters, like Legionella pneumophila (Lp). Here, we evaluated the available Lp WGS typing tools for isolates of previously documented Belgian outbreaks, as well as small groups of related and non-related isolates. One reference strain and 77 clinical and environmental isolates were evaluated.

Prosthetic Joint Infection: Case Report and a Review of the Literature.

Prosthetic joint infections caused by are uncommon, with the majority of cases being attributed to . This case report represents the third instance of a prosthetic hip infection caused by following an episode of gastroenteritis and, notably, in an immunocompetent patient. The infection was successfully managed by surgical debridement and lavage with retention of the prosthesis and 12 weeks of antibiotics.