Molecular detection of ceftriaxone resistance in clinical specimens: a tool for public health control.

Objectives: This study aimed to validate and implement a rapid screening assay for molecular detection of the -60 allele that is associated with ceftriaxone resistance in for use on both isolate lysates and clinical specimen DNA extracts.

Methods: A real-time (RT)-PCR was adapted to include a species-specific confirmation target and a commercially available internal control to monitor for PCR inhibition.The modified assay was validated using -positive (n=24) and -negative (n=42) clinical specimens and isolate lysates.

Identification of 2 Novel Subtypes of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 8 and a Potential New Genotype Successfully Treated With Direct Acting Antivirals.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has high genetic diversity and is classified into 8 genotypes and >90 subtypes, with some endemic to specific world regions. This could compromise direct-acting antiviral efficacy and global HCV elimination.

Methods: We characterized HCV subtypes "rare" in the United Kingdom (non-1a/1b/2b/3a/4d) by means of whole-genome sequencing via a national surveillance program.

A novel candidate hepatitis C virus genotype 4 subtype identified by next generation sequencing full-genome characterization in a patient from Saudi Arabia.

Background And Aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health concern, being a leading cause of chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus is classified into 8 genotypes and 93 subtypes, each displaying distinct geographic distributions. Genotype 4 is the most predominant in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean and is associated with high rates of hepatitis C infection worldwide.

Coevolved Multidrug-Resistant HIV-1 Protease and Reverse Transcriptase Influences Integrase Drug Susceptibility and Replication Fitness.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (InSTIs) are recommended agents in first-line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We examined the evolution of drug resistance mutations throughout HIV-1 and the effects on InSTI susceptibility and viral fitness. We performed single-genome sequencing of full-length HIV-1 in a highly treatment-experienced patient, and determined drug susceptibility of patient-derived HIV-1 genomes using a phenotypic assay encompassing full-length gene.

Clinical evaluation of a Hepatitis C Virus whole-genome sequencing pipeline for genotyping and resistance testing.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate clinically a hepatitis C virus (HCV) whole-genome, next-generation sequencing (NGS) pipeline that is agnostic to viral genotype.

Methods: Performance of the NGS pipeline was assessed through comparison of results with Sanger sequencing (SS) of partial HCV genomes.

Results: There was 98.