[Genomic Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Isolates Obtained from Antalya, Türkiye].

As the number of coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19) cases have decreased and measures have started to be implemented at an individual level rather than in the form of social restrictions, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) still maintains its importance and has already taken its place in the spectrum of agents investigated in multiplex molecular test panels for respiratory tract infections in routine diagnostic use. In this study, we aimed to present mutation analysis and clade distribution of whole genome sequences from randomly selected samples that tested positive with SARS-CoV-2 specific real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test at different periods of the pandemic in our laboratory with a commercial easy-to-use kit designed for next-generation sequencing systems. A total of 84 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab samples of COVID-19 suspected patients which were sent for routine diagnosis to the medical microbiology laboratory and detected as SARSCoV-2 RNA positive with rRT-PCR were randomly selected from different periods for sequence analysis.

Temporal Dynamics and (Para)Clinical Factors Associated With (Long) Viral RNA Shedding in COVID-19 Nonhospitalized Individuals - The COVID-HOME Study.

Understanding temporal patterns and determinants of RNA shedding is important to comprehend SARS-CoV-2 transmission and improve biosafety/isolation guidelines. Nonhospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals and household members were enrolled between March 2020 and June 2021 and followed prospectively ≥ 3 weeks during acute disease and at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18-months to obtain (para)clinical data and biospecimens. Flow cytometry-based surrogate assay (FlowSA) detected viable SARS-CoV-2.

International external quality assessment study for detection of monkeypox virus by PCR supporting laboratory preparedness during the 2022-2023 mpox outbreak and beyond.

Background: Diagnostic capabilities and correspondent External Quality Assessments (EQA) are key for outbreak preparedness. To support diagnostic facilities with a quality assessment of newly established monkeypox virus (MPXV) molecular diagnostic workflows, Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics (QCMD) and the Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB) piloted an international EQA study conducting four challenges from autumn 2022 to summer 2023 during the global mpox outbreak.

Objectives: To assess the performance (sensitivity/specificity) of molecular assays used by diagnostic laboratories.

High-Density Lipoprotein Particles and Torque Teno Virus in Stable Outpatient Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Torque teno virus (TTV) is emerging as a potential marker for monitoring immune status. In transplant recipients who are immunosuppressed, higher TTV DNA loads are observed than in healthy individuals. TTV load measurement may aid in optimizing immunosuppressive medication dosing in solid organ transplant recipients.