External quality assessment of molecular detection and variant typing of SARS-CoV-2 in European expert laboratories in 2023.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of laboratory preparedness. Regular monitoring of diagnostic tools via external quality assessments (EQAs) is key to maintaining robust public health response service. We hereby conducted a third SARS-CoV-2 EQA assessing the diagnostic capabilities of European expert public health laboratories.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 variant mutations on susceptibility to monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs: a non-systematic review, April 2022 to October 2024.

BackgroundMonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antiviral drugs have emerged as additional tools for treatment of COVID-19.AimWe aimed to review data on susceptibility of 14 SARS-CoV-2 variants to mAbs and antiviral drugs authorised in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries.MethodsWe constructed a literature review compiling 298 publications from four databases: PubMed, Science Direct, LitCovid and BioRxiv/MedRxiv preprint servers.

Antigenic changes in influenza A(H3N2) driven by genetic evolution: Insights from virological surveillance, EU/EEA, week 40/2023 to week 9/2024.

BackgroundDuring the 2023/24 influenza season in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), influenza viruses A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B/Victoria viruses were co-circulating.AimWe aimed to describe the circulating influenza viruses by (sub)type, genetic clade, antigenic group and antiviral susceptibility in that season in the EU/EEA.MethodsWe collected surveillance data from EU/EEA countries through weekly submissions to The European Surveillance System (TESSy).

Co-circulation of seasonal influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B/Victoria lineage viruses with further genetic diversification, EU/EEA, 2022/23 influenza season.

BackgroundInfluenza viruses can cause large seasonal epidemics with high healthcare impact and severity as they continually change their virological properties such as genetic makeup over time.AimWe aimed to monitor the characteristics of circulating influenza viruses over the 2022/23 influenza season in the EU/EEA countries. In addition, we wanted to compare how closely the circulating viruses resemble the viral components selected for seasonal influenza vaccines, and whether the circulating viruses had acquired resistance to commonly used antiviral drugs.

Amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells reduce inflammation and improve lung function following transplantation in a porcine model.

Background: Lung transplantation is hindered by low donor lung utilization rates. Infectious complications are reasons to decline donor grafts due to fear of post-transplant primary graft dysfunction. Mesenchymal stem cells are a promising therapy currently investigated in treating lung injury.