Effectiveness of complete primary vaccination against COVID-19 at primary care and community level during predominant Delta circulation in Europe: multicentre analysis, I-MOVE-COVID-19 and ECDC networks, July to August 2021.

IntroductionIn July and August 2021, the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant dominated in Europe.AimUsing a multicentre test-negative study, we measured COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic infection.MethodsIndividuals with COVID-19 or acute respiratory symptoms at primary care/community level in 10 European countries were tested for SARS-CoV-2.

Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults aged 65 years and older in primary care: I-MOVE-COVID-19 project, Europe, December 2020 to May 2021.

We measured COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection at primary care/outpatient level among adults ≥ 65 years old using a multicentre test-negative design in eight European countries. We included 592 SARS-CoV-2 cases and 4,372 test-negative controls in the main analysis. The VE was 62% (95% CI: 45-74) for one dose only and 89% (95% CI: 79-94) for complete vaccination.

Neuraminidase characterisation reveals very low levels of antiviral resistance and the presence of mutations associated with reduced antibody effectiveness in the Irish influenza 2018/2019 season.

Neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) resistance levels globally are currently low. However, as antivirals are increasingly being used, and even in the absence of selective pressure, resistance may increase or emerge. The neuraminidase (NA) genes from influenza viruses from the Irish 2018/2019 season were sequenced: 1/144 (0.

Hepatitis C Virus Core Mutations Associated with False-Negative Serological Results for Genotype 3a Core Antigen.

Genetic characterization of the genotype 3a (GT3a) hepatitis C virus (HCV) core region from HCV core antigen (HCVcAg)-negative/RNA-positive cases and HCVcAg-positive/RNA-positive controls identified significant associations between the substitutions A48T and T49A/P and failure to detect HCVcAg (P < 0.05). Polymorphisms at residues 48 and 49 in the core protein are present across all major epidemic and endemic GTs.

Self-collected buccal swabs and rapid, real-time PCR during a large measles outbreak in Wales: Evidence for the protective effect of prior MMR immunisation.

Background: We describe the laboratory response to a large measles outbreak that occurred during 2012-2013 centred in mid and west Wales, UK.

Objectives: To demonstrate the impact of rapid measles testing on the management of a large outbreak, to show the complex molecular epidemiology and determine the role of previous MMR immunisation on a large cohort of exposed people.

Study Design: Results from oral fluid antibody testing and self-collected buccal swabs tested by real-time PCR were reconciled and analysed to determine level of agreement and to calculate MMR vaccine efficacy during the outbreak.

Seroepidemiology and phylogenetic characterisation of measles virus in Ireland, 2004-2013.

Background: Ireland is classified as an area of high measles incidence. A World Health Organisation-European Region strategic plan exists for measles elimination by 2015.

Objectives: To retrospectively investigate measles outbreaks using all patient samples (sera and oral fluid) received for measles laboratory diagnosis and characterise the genetic diversity of circulating measles genotypes in Ireland.

Hepatitis C virus in Vietnam: high prevalence of infection in dialysis and multi-transfused patients involving diverse and novel virus variants.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a genetically diverse pathogen infecting approximately 2-3% of the world's population. Herein, we describe results of a large, multicentre serological and molecular epidemiological study cataloguing the prevalence and genetic diversity of HCV in five regions of Vietnam; Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa and Can Tho. Individuals (n=8654) with varying risk factors for infection were analysed for the presence of HCV Ab/Ag and, in a subset of positive specimens, for HCV RNA levels (n=475) and genotype (n=282).

A multicentre molecular analysis of hepatitis B and blood-borne virus coinfections in Viet Nam.

Hepatitis B (HBV) infection is endemic in Viet Nam, with up to 8.4 million individuals estimated to be chronically infected. We describe results of a large, multicentre seroepidemiological and molecular study of the prevalence of HBV infection and blood-borne viral coinfections in Viet Nam.

Identification of novel inter-genotypic recombinants of human hepatitis B viruses by large-scale phylogenetic analysis.

Recombination plays an important role in the evolutionary history of Hepatitis B virus (HBV). We performed a phylogenetic analysis of 3403 full-length HBV genome sequences isolated from humans to define the genotype. The genome sequences were divided into 13 sub-datasets, each approximately 250 bp in length.

HIV type 1 coreceptor tropism, CCR5 genotype, and integrase inhibitor resistance profiles in Vietnam: implications for the introduction of new antiretroviral regimens.

In Vietnam, where an estimated 280,000 people will be HIV-positive by 2012, recommended antiretroviral regimens do not include more recently developed therapeutics, such as Integrase inhibitors (INI) and coreceptor antagonists. This study examined HIV-1 coreceptor tropism and INI drug resistance profiles, in parallel with CCR5 genotypes, in a cohort of 60 HIV-positive individuals from different regions of Vietnam. No evidence of INI resistance was detected.

Deaths associated with human adenovirus-14p1 infections, Europe, 2009-2010.

Human adenovirus (HAdV) serotype 14 is rarely identified. However, an emerging variant, termed HAdV-14p1, recently has been described in the United States in association with outbreaks of acute respiratory disease with high rates of illness and death. We retrospectively analyzed specimens confirmed positive for HAdV by immunofluorescence, virus culture, or real-time PCR during July 1, 2009-July 31, 2010, and describe 9 cases of HAdV-14p1 infection with characteristic mutations in the fiber and E1A genes that are phylogenetically indistinguishable from the viruses previously detected in the United States.

Prevalence of HIV type 1 antiretroviral drug resistance mutations in Vietnam: a multicenter study.

The prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations (DRMs) was determined for a cross-section of individuals (n=8654) in five centers across Vietnam (Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, and Can Tho) between 2008 and 2009. Following serological screening for HIV infection, HIV-1 viral load was determined, using an in-house real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Samples with quantifiable viral loads [all either commercial sex workers (CSW) or intravenous drug users (IDU)] underwent DRM analysis.

First report of sudden death due to myocarditis caused by adenovirus serotype 3.

Myocarditis is a rare cause of sudden death in childhood. We describe the sudden death of a child from viral myocarditis, which we demonstrate was likely caused by an uncontrolled inflammatory response to a disseminated adenovirus serotype 3 infection originating in the tonsil.

Significant prevalence and genetic diversity of norovirus infection in Irish children.

Pediatric gastroenteritis places a considerable disease burden on children of the developed world. The national surveillance of gastroenteritis in Ireland is a combined virological and epidemiologic surveillance program. The objectives of this study were to characterize the norovirus (NoV) genotypes associated with viral gastroenteritis in children View Article and Find Full Text PDF