Publications by authors named "Gary McAuliffe"

The aims of this study were to evaluate the performance and workflow characteristics of a laboratory-developed test to detect Treponema pallidum on the Hologic Panther Fusion system compared with an existing commercial assay. A Hologic Panther Fusion-based real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was optimised for T. pallidum (TP RT-PCR) using previously published primer and probe sequences and validated with a simplified preprocessing protocol.

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Background New Zealand has among the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium in the world. The aim of this study was to correlate treatment outcomes with 23S rRNA and parC mutations associated with macrolide and fluroquinolone resistance, respectively, in a cohort of sexual health clinic patients. Methods Laboratory and clinical data were collected for patients with M.

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Background: New Zealand's (NZ) complete absence of community transmission of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) after May 2020, likely due to COVID-19 elimination measures, provided a rare opportunity to assess the impact of border restrictions on common respiratory viral infections over the ensuing 2 years.

Methods: We collected the data from multiple surveillance systems, including hospital-based severe acute respiratory infection surveillance, SHIVERS-II, -III and -IV community cohorts for acute respiratory infection (ARI) surveillance, HealthStat sentinel general practice (GP) based influenza-like illness surveillance and SHIVERS-V sentinel GP-based ARI surveillance, SHIVERS-V traveller ARI surveillance and laboratory-based surveillance. We described the data on influenza, RSV and other respiratory viral infections in NZ before, during and after various stages of the COVID related border restrictions.

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Article Synopsis
  • Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) can lead to serious heart conditions, prompting New Zealand to implement a rheumatic fever prevention program (RFPP) from 2011 to 2016 to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for group A streptococcal (GAS) infections in children.
  • A study analyzed data from over 12 million dispensing records from 2005 to 2018 to assess changes in penicillin antibiotic dispensing rates, comparing regions participating in the RFPP with control regions.
  • Results indicated a 4.3% increase in amoxicillin dispensing in RFPP regions, suggesting that the program improved adherence to antibiotic use, although overall penicillin dispensing rates declined due to a drop in another medication
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Objective: Circulation patterns of influenza and other respiratory viruses have been globally disrupted since the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the introduction of public health and social measures (PHSMs) aimed at reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission.

Methods: We reviewed respiratory virus laboratory data, Google mobility data and PHSMs in five geographically diverse regions in Australia and New Zealand. We also described respiratory virus activity from January 2017 to August 2021.

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This study was performed to validate a dried blood spot (DBS) method for the serological screening of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C. It included 250 paired DBS and serum samples and 116 unpaired DBS samples from 366 unique patients from two laboratories between 8 October and 2 November 2021. As determined by original test request, these were tested using a DBS method for HIV Ag/Ab (n=216), anti-treponemal Ab (n=166), hepatitis B sAg (n=100), and hepatitis C Ab (n=100) Elecsys assays on the Roche Cobas automated platform.

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Aim: To compare detection of SARS-CoV-2 from paired nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) and saliva using molecular methods in common use for testing swabs in New Zealand.

Method: Samples from individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin were tested at the local laboratories using methods previously established for these sample types.

Results: One hundred and ninety-six paired samples from unique individuals were tested, with 46 (23%) positive from either sample type, of which 43/46 (93%) tested positive from NPS, and 42/46 (91%) from saliva, indicating no significant difference in performance between sample types (p=0.

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Aim: To assess the sensitivity and potential utility of five RATs and the IDNow, Liat and Oxsed nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) in our population.

Method: 39 retrospective and contrived SARS-CoV-2 positive samples were tested in parallel by standard RT-PCR and RAT. A second group of 44 samples was tested by standard RT-PCR, rapid RT-PCR and two isothermal NAAT assays.

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We describe three cases with viral strains that demonstrate impaired N2-gene detection on the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay, with two previously undescribed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): C29197T and G29227T. We propose that these SNPs are likely responsible since they are in close proximity to the previously described C29200T/C29200A SNPs, already shown to abolish N2-gene detection by the Xpert assay. Whether these SNPs abolish N2-gene detection by the Xpert assay individually or only in combination requires more work to elucidate.

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Serology is now a well-established diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of COVID-19 infections in New Zealand. Using local and international experience, we provide an overview of serological response to infection and vaccination as well as the use and interpretation of antibody tests in our setting. We also discuss the potential future role of post-vaccination serology testing as a correlate of immunity.

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Serology is now a well-established diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of COVID-19 infections in New Zealand. Using local and international experience, we provide an overview of serological response to infection and vaccination as well as the use and interpretation of antibody tests in our setting. We also discuss the potential future role of post-vaccination serology testing as a correlate of immunity.

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During New Zealand's first outbreak in early 2020 the Southern Region had the highest per capita SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was initially limited by a narrow case definition and limited laboratory capacity, and cases may have been missed. Our objectives were to evaluate the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG nucleocapsid assay, alongside spike-based assays, and to determine the frequency of antibodies among PCR-confirmed and probable cases, and higher risk individuals in the Southern Region of New Zealand.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study analyzed PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases in New Zealand from February to June 2020 to understand how viral loads change over time in the upper respiratory tract (URT) after symptom onset.
  • - Among 123,124 tested samples, findings showed a peak in viral load shortly after symptoms began, with a positivity rate of 93.2% during the first 10 days of illness, and significantly lower rates afterward.
  • - Results suggest that testing early in the symptom onset period is most effective, with Ct values indicating potential infectivity; however, high Ct values do not rule out recent infection or infectivity in some cases.
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Objectives: Circulating antibodies are important markers of previous infection and immunity. Questions remain with respect to the durability and functionality of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This study explored antibody responses in recovered COVID-19 patients in a setting where the probability of re-exposure is effectively nil, owing to New Zealand's successful elimination strategy.

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Utilising diverse molecular platforms has formed a solid foundation in New Zealand's COVID-19 response. We evaluated multiple extraction and PCR assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. We included 65 positive samples which were run on the Panther Fusion using a laboratory developed test (LDT, E gene target).

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Antimicrobial resistance of (NG) is of global public health concern. The aim of this study was to explore demographic and behavioural factors associated with antimicrobial susceptibility of NG to ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Gonococcal isolates (n = 391) from clients attending the Auckland Sexual Health Service, New Zealand, from July 2014 - June 2015 (n = 206), and July 2017 - June 2018 (n = 185), were tested for susceptibility to ceftriaxone and azithromycin.

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Aim: There is concern the low incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children reflects under-testing in this population. This study sought to describe the age-distribution of SARS-CoV-2 testing in the Northern Region of New Zealand.

Methods: A retrospective single-centre review of all SARS-CoV-2 tests performed at LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital, between 12 February and 18 April 2020.

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Aim: The diagnostic sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test has not been determined. This has led to a degree of uncertainty in the interpretation of results, particularly in patients tested repeatedly. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of patients who initially tested negative, and subsequently tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

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Aim: To assess whether trimethoprim remains an appropriate empiric treatment for uncomplicated cystitis in women 15-55 years old.

Methods: General practitioners in Auckland, Nelson-Marlborough, Otago and Southland were invited to participate in this audit of current practice. Participating general practitioners were asked to submit urine to the laboratory for microscopy and culture from any woman aged 15-55 years presenting with uncomplicated cystitis.

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Molecular screening has increased detection of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). However, it is difficult to isolate the organism for epidemiological typing. We applied a molecular method for direct detection of nine O types from 110 stx positive faeces samples and compared the results with conventional isolate based methods.

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Our retrospective study compared genotypic antimicrobial resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium-positive specimens collected from 48 community and 33 sexual health clinic (SHC) patients. Macrolide resistance was similar in community (75%) and SHC (76%) patients. We observed no significant difference in fluoroquinolone resistance between community (19%) and SHC (27%) patients (p = 0.

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