Emerging of non-vaccine Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes colonizing the nasopharynx of children under the age of five years in the 13-vallent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era in Moshi district, Tanzania. A short communication.

In this study, we describe S. pneumoniae serotype distribution before and after PCV13 rollout in Tanzania. We serotyped S.

Continuous Biosensing to Monitor Acute Systemic Inflammation, a Diagnostic Need for Therapeutic Guidance.

Continuous monitoring of acute inflammation can become a very important next step for guiding therapeutic interventions in severely ill patients. This Perspective discusses the current medical need for patients with acute inflammatory diseases and the potential of continuous biosensing technologies. First, we discuss biomarkers that could help to monitor the state of a patient with acute systemic inflammation based on theoretical studies and empirical data.

Long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 two years following infection: exploring the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Background: Severe fatigue and cognitive complaints are frequently reported after SARS-CoV-2 infection and may be accompanied by depressive symptoms and/or limitations in physical functioning. The long-term sequelae of COVID-19 may be influenced by biomedical, psychological, and social factors, the interplay of which is largely understudied over time. We aimed to investigate how the interplay of these factors contribute to the persistence of symptoms after COVID-19.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Chemokines in Clinical Samples with Graphene-Based Field-Effect Transistors.

Due to their ultra-high sensitivity, solution-gated graphene-based field-effect transistors (SG-GFET) have been proposed for applications in bio-sensing. However, challenges regarding the functionalization of GFETs have prevented their applications in clinical diagnostics so far. Here GFET sensors based on van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures of single-layer graphene layered with a molecular ≈1 nm thick carbon nanomembrane (CNM) are presented.

Interleukin 38 reduces antigen-presentation capacity and antibody production after vaccination.

The mechanisms that underpin low vaccine responses, which can lead to inadequate protection against infection, are still partially unclear. Interleukin (IL)-38 is a member of the IL-1 family, expressed by B cells among others, that regulates inflammatory responses. A recent study shows that IL-38 suppresses plasma cell generation and antibody production upon immune activation.

Salivary polyreactive antibodies and are associated with respiratory infection severity in young children with recurrent respiratory infections.

Background: Recurrent respiratory tract infections (rRTIs) are a common reason for immunodiagnostic testing in children, which relies on serum antibody level measurements. However, because RTIs predominantly affect the respiratory mucosa, serum antibodies may inaccurately reflect local immune defences. We investigated antibody responses in saliva and their interplay with the respiratory microbiota in relation to RTI severity and burden in young children with rRTIs.

Cardiovascular events after invasive pneumococcal disease: a retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: This study aims to understand the magnitude of and mechanisms underlying the development of cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We aimed to identify factors that contribute to the occurrence of CVEs within 1 year after admission and discuss implications for patient care.

Methods: A multicentered cohort study included adult patients from four Dutch hospitals who had a positive blood culture for Streptococcus pneumoniae and any type of clinical manifestation between 2012 and 2020.

Determinants of Systemic SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibody Responses to Infection and to Vaccination: A Secondary Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trial Data.

SARS-CoV-2 infections elicit antibodies against the viral spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins; COVID-19 vaccines against the S-protein only. The BCG-Corona trial, initiated in March 2020 in SARS-CoV-2-naïve Dutch healthcare workers, captured several epidemic peaks and the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines during the one-year follow-up. We assessed determinants of systemic anti-S1 and anti-N immunoglobulin type G (IgG) responses using trial data.

Survival of Environment-Derived Opportunistic Bacterial Pathogens to Martian Conditions: Is There a Concern for Human Missions to Mars?

The health of astronauts during space travel to new celestial bodies in the Solar System is a critical factor in the planning of a mission. Despite cleaning and decontamination protocols, microorganisms from the Earth have been and will be identified on spacecraft. This raises concerns for human safety and planetary protection, especially if these microorganisms can evolve and adapt to the new environment.

Effect of age and season on respiratory mucosal immune marker profiles.

Background: The upper respiratory tract is continuously exposed to microorganisms and noxious elements, leading to local immune responses and the secretion of immune markers. While several studies describe immune marker profiles in respiratory mucosal samples in defined patient cohorts, mucosal immune profiles from the general population during the different seasons are lacking. Such baseline profiles are essential to understand the effect of various exposures to the mucosal immune system throughout life.

The impact of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination on antibody response after COVID-19 vaccination.

Earlier studies showed that BCG vaccination improves antibody responses of subsequent vaccinations. Similarly, in older volunteers we found an increased IgG receptor-binding domain (RBD) concentration after SARS-CoV-2 infection if they were recently vaccinated with BCG. This study aims to assess the effect of BCG on the serum antibody concentrations induced by COVID-19 vaccination in a population of adults older than 60 years.

Primary Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 via Infection or Vaccination Determines Mucosal Antibody-Dependent ACE2 Binding Inhibition.

Background: Mucosal antibodies play a critical role in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections or reinfections by blocking the interaction of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on the cell surface. In this study, we investigated the difference between the mucosal antibody response after primary infection and vaccination.

Methods: We assessed longitudinal changes in the quantity and capacity of nasal antibodies to neutralize the interaction of RBD with the ACE2 receptor using the spike protein and RBD from ancestral SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan-Hu-1), as well as the RBD from the Delta and Omicron variants.

The impact of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine on adaptive and innate immune responses.

The mRNA-based BNT162b2 protects against severe disease and mortality caused by SARS-CoV-2 via induction of specific antibody and T-cell responses. Much less is known about its broad effects on immune responses against other pathogens. Here, we investigated the adaptive immune responses induced by BNT162b2 vaccination against various SARS-CoV-2 variants and its effects on the responsiveness of immune cells upon stimulation with heterologous stimuli.

Impact of infection on proteome-wide glycosylation revealed by distinct signatures for bacterial and viral pathogens.

Mechanisms of infection and pathogenesis have predominantly been studied based on differential gene or protein expression. Less is known about posttranslational modifications, which are essential for protein functional diversity. We applied an innovative glycoproteomics method to study the systemic proteome-wide glycosylation in response to infection.

Umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells induce a memory phenotype in CD4 T cells.

Inflammation is a physiological state where immune cells evoke a response against detrimental insults. Finding a safe and effective treatment for inflammation associated diseases has been a challenge. In this regard, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), exert immunomodulatory effects and have regenerative capacity making it a promising therapeutic option for resolution of acute and chronic inflammation.

Bacterial colonisation of surface and core of palatine tonsils among Tanzanian children with recurrent chronic tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnoea who underwent (adeno)tonsillectomy.

Objective: Acute and chronic tonsillitis are frequently treated with antibiotics. This study aimed to understand the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms on the surface and core of chronically infected tonsils among Tanzanian children.

Methods: The study enrolled children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

Tryptophan-like side chain holding aptamers inhibit respiratory syncytial virus infection of lung epithelial cells.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of serious and even fatal acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants and in the elderly. Potent RSV neutralization has been achieved by antibodies that selectively bind the prefusion form of the viral fusion (F) protein. We hypothesised that similar potent neutralization could be achieved using F protein targeting aptamers.

Timing and sequence of vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza (TACTIC): a single-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

Background: Novel mRNA-based vaccines have been used to protect against SARS-CoV-2, especially in vulnerable populations who also receive an annual influenza vaccination. The TACTIC study investigated potential immune interference between the mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine and the quadrivalent influenza vaccine, and determined if concurrent administration would have effects on safety or immunogenicity.

Methods: TACTIC was a single-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial conducted at the Radboud University Medical Centre, the Netherlands.

A Novel Combination of Host Protein Biomarkers to Distinguish Bacterial From Viral Infections in Febrile Children in Emergency Care.

Background: Distinguishing bacterial and viral infections based on clinical symptoms in febrile children attending the emergency department (ED) is challenging. The aim of this study is to determine a novel combination of host protein biomarkers and to assess its performance in distinguishing between bacterial and viral infection in febrile children attending EDs.

Methods: A literature search was performed to identify blood protein biomarkers able to distinguish bacterial and viral infections (May 2015-May 2019).