Impact of Preservation Method and 16S rRNA Hypervariable Region on Gut Microbiota Profiling.

Proper preservation of stool samples to minimize microbial community shifts and inactivate infectious agents is important for self-collected specimens requiring shipment to laboratories when cold chain transport is not feasible. In this study, we evaluated the performance of six preservation solutions (Norgen, OMNI, RNAlater, CURNA, HEMA, and Shield) for these aspects. Following storage of human stool samples with these preservatives at room temperature for 7 days, three hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene (V1-V2, V3-V4, and V4) were amplicon sequenced.

Diversity of macaque microbiota compared to the human counterparts.

Studies on the microbial communities in non-human primate hosts provide unique insights in both evolution and function of microbes related to human health and diseases. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiling, we examined the oral, anal and vaginal microbiota in a group of non-captive rhesus macaques (N = 116) and compared the compositions with the healthy communities from Human Microbiome Project. The macaque microbiota was dominated by Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria; however, there were marked differences in phylotypes enriched across body sites indicative of strong niche specialization.

Frequent Genetic Mismatch between Vaccine Strains and Circulating Seasonal Influenza Viruses, Hong Kong, China, 1996-2012.

The World Health Organization selects influenza vaccine compositions biannually to cater to peaks in temperate regions. In tropical and subtropical regions, where influenza seasonality varies and epidemics can occur year-round, the choice of vaccine remains uncertain. Our 17-year molecular epidemiologic survey showed that most influenza A(H3N2) (9/11) and B (6/7) vaccine strains had circulated in East Asia >1 year before inclusion into vaccines.

Age-specific seroprevalence of dengue infection in Hong Kong.

A newly developed dengue virus vaccine (chimeric yellow fever virus-tetravalent dengue vaccine [CYD-TDV]) has recently been licensed for clinical use. The World Health Organization recommends vaccination for populations with seroprevalence of at least 70% to maximize public health impact. This study aimed to delineate the seroprevalence of dengue infection in Hong Kong.

Increased Detection of Emergent Recombinant Norovirus GII.P16-GII.2 Strains in Young Adults, Hong Kong, China, 2016-2017.

A new recombinant norovirus GII.P16-GII.2 outnumbered pandemic GII.

Clinical features and seasonality of parechovirus infection in an Asian subtropical city, Hong Kong.

Background: The epidemiology of human parechovirus (HPeV) in Asia remains obscure. We elucidated the prevalence, seasonality, type distribution and clinical presentation of HPeV among children in Hong Kong.

Methods: A 24-month prospective study to detect HPeV in children ≤36 months hospitalized for acute viral illnesses.

Ancient Evolution and Dispersion of Human Papillomavirus 58 Variants.

Human papillomavirus 58 (HPV58) is found in 10 to 18% of cervical cancers in East Asia but is rather uncommon elsewhere. The distribution and oncogenic potential of HPV58 variants appear to be heterogeneous, since the E7 T20I/G63S variant is more prevalent in East Asia and confers a 7- to 9-fold-higher risk of cervical precancer and cancer. However, the underlying genomic mechanisms that explain the geographic and carcinogenic diversity of HPV58 variants are still poorly understood.

Global Spread of Norovirus GII.17 Kawasaki 308, 2014-2016.

Analysis of complete capsid sequences of the emerging norovirus GII.17 Kawasaki 308 from 13 countries demonstrated that they originated from a single haplotype since the initial emergence in China in late 2014. Global spread of a sublineage SL2 was identified.

Bacteriophage transfer during faecal microbiota transplantation in infection is associated with treatment outcome.

Objective: Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective for the treatment of recurrent infection (CDI). Studies have shown bacterial colonisation after FMT, but data on viral alterations in CDI are scarce. We investigated enteric virome alterations in CDI and the association between viral transfer and clinical outcome in patients with CDI.

Anti-inflammatory effects of adjunctive macrolide treatment in adults hospitalized with influenza: A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: - Macrolides can ameliorate inflammation in respiratory diseases, providing clinical benefits. Data in influenza is lacking.

Method: - A randomized, open-label, multicenter trial among adults hospitalized for laboratory-confirmed influenza was conducted.

Complete Genome Sequence of an Emergent Recombinant GII.P16-GII.2 Norovirus Strain Associated with an Epidemic Spread in the Winter of 2016-2017 in Hong Kong, China.

A new recombinant norovirus, GII.P16-GII.2, emerged in the winter of 2016-2017.

IFITM3, TLR3, and CD55 Gene SNPs and Cumulative Genetic Risks for Severe Outcomes in Chinese Patients With H7N9/H1N1pdm09 Influenza.

Background: We examined associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IFITM3, TLR3, and CD55 genes and influenza clinical outcomes in Chinese.

Methods: A multicenter study was conducted on 275 adult cases of avian (H7N9) and pandemic (H1N1pdm09) influenza. Host DNA was extracted from diagnostic respiratory samples; IFITM3 rs12252, TLR3 rs5743313, CD55 rs2564978, and TLR4 rs4986790/4986791 were targeted for genotyping (Sanger sequencing).

Hepatitis B infection acquired after haematopioetic stem cell transplant through horizontal mode.

A 22 month old child with thalassaemia major received unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation. She was born to mother of HBsAg carrier and received hepatitis B immunoglobulin at birth and hepatitis B vaccination. She was HBsAg negative and anti-HBs positive before transplantation.

Molecular Epidemiology and Strain Comparison between Hepatitis E Viruses in Human Sera and Pig Livers during 2014 to 2016 in Hong Kong.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes substantial morbidity and mortality in developing countries and is considered an emerging foodborne pathogen in developed countries in which it was previously not endemic. To investigate genetic association between human HEV infection and HEV-contaminated high-risk food in Hong Kong, we compared local virus strains obtained from hepatitis E patient sera with those surveyed from high-risk food items during 2014 to 2016. Twenty-four cases of laboratory-confirmed human HEV infections were identified from January 2014 to March 2016 in our hospitals.

Rotavirus vaccine effectiveness in Hong Kong children.

Background: Rotavirus is a common infectious cause of childhood hospitalisation in Hong Kong. Rotavirus vaccines have been used in the private sector since licensure in 2006 but have not been incorporated in the government's universal Childhood Immunisation Programme. This study aimed to evaluate rotavirus vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation.

Ad Hoc Influenza Vaccination During Years of Significant Antigenic Drift in a Tropical City With 2 Seasonal Peaks: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Health Care Practitioners.

We evaluated the acceptability of an additional ad hoc influenza vaccination among the health care professionals following seasons with significant antigenic drift.Self-administered, anonymous surveys were performed by hard copy questionnaires in public hospitals, and by an on-line platform available to all healthcare professionals, from April 1st to May 31st, 2015. A total of 1290 healthcare professionals completed the questionnaires, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals working in both the public and private systems.

Reduced Diagnostic Performance of Two Norovirus Antigen Enzyme Immunoassays for the Emergent Genogroup II Genotype 17 Kawasaki 2014 Variant.

Two commonly used norovirus enzyme immunoassays have reduced diagnostic performance, with clinical sensitivities ranging from 11% to 35% for the detection of the recently emerging genogroup II genotype 17 (GII.17) Kawasaki 2014 variant that caused the majority of infections in Asia during the winter of 2014 to 2015. False-negative results can compromise infection control and patient management.

Rapid emergence and predominance of a broadly recognizing and fast-evolving norovirus GII.17 variant in late 2014.

Norovirus genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) has been the predominant cause of viral gastroenteritis since 1996. Here we show that during the winter of 2014-2015, an emergent variant of a previously rare norovirus GII.

Hospitalization Incidence, Mortality, and Seasonality of Common Respiratory Viruses Over a Period of 15 Years in a Developed Subtropical City.

Information on respiratory viruses in subtropical region is limited.Incidence, mortality, and seasonality of influenza (Flu) A/B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), and parainfluenza viruses (PIV) 1/2/3 in hospitalized patients were assessed over a 15-year period (1998-2012) in Hong Kong.Male predominance and laterally transversed J-shaped distribution in age-specific incidence was observed.

Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Recombinant GII.Pe_GII.17 Norovirus Strain from Hong Kong in 2015.

The complete genome sequence of a novel recombinant GII.Pe_GII.17 norovirus strain, tentatively named GII.

Clinical Implications of Antiviral Resistance in Influenza.

Influenza is a major cause of severe respiratory infections leading to excessive hospitalizations and deaths globally; annual epidemics, pandemics, and sporadic/endemic avian virus infections occur as a result of rapid, continuous evolution of influenza viruses. Emergence of antiviral resistance is of great clinical and public health concern. Currently available antiviral treatments include four neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, laninamivir), M2-inibitors (amantadine, rimantadine), and a polymerase inhibitor (favipiravir).

Virus Genotype Distribution and Virus Burden in Children and Adults Hospitalized for Norovirus Gastroenteritis, 2012-2014, Hong Kong.

We conducted a 2-year hospital-based study on norovirus gastroenteritis among children and adults between August 2012 and September 2014. A total of 1,146 norovirus cases were identified. Young children (aged ≤ 5 years) accounted for a majority (53.

False-positive PCR detection of cyclovirus Malawi strain VS5700009 in human cerebrospinal fluid.

Background: Cyclovirus (CyCV) Malawi strain VS5700009 has recently been discovered and reported in clinical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Further epidemiological and case-control studies are warranted. The availability of a highly sensitive and specific detection assay for this new virus is thus crucial.

High Viral Load and Respiratory Failure in Adults Hospitalized for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections.

A prospective study among adults hospitalized for polymerase chain reaction-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus infections (n = 123) showed frequent occurrence of lower respiratory-tract complications causing respiratory insufficiency (52.8%), requirement for assisted ventilation (16.3%), and intensive care unit admission/death (12.