Estimation of antimicrobial resistance of Belgium, 2022.

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) of (MG) is a growing concern worldwide and surveillance is needed. In Belgium, samples are sent to the National Reference Centre of Sexually Transmitted Infections (NRC-STI) on a voluntary basis and representative or robust national AMR data are lacking.AimWe aimed to estimate the occurrence of resistant MG in Belgium.

Undisclosed interference in 25-OH-Vitamin D immunoassay on Liaison XL analyzer when using heparin plasma tubes.

This study investigates the impact of sample type on the measurement of 25-OH-vitamin D using the Liaison XL (Diasorin) and Cobas e801 (Roche). This investigation was motivated by the need to optimize sample volume usage, which led us to adopt the use of heparin plasma, an alternative proposed by Diasorin in their specification. Discordant and unexplainable results were observed, prompting us to evaluate the effect of sample type on the accuracy of the 25-OH-vitamin D measurements.

Nationwide Harmonization Effort for Semi-Quantitative Reporting of SARS-CoV-2 PCR Test Results in Belgium.

From early 2020, a high demand for SARS-CoV-2 tests was driven by several testing indications, including asymptomatic cases, resulting in the massive roll-out of PCR assays to combat the pandemic. Considering the dynamic of viral shedding during the course of infection, the demand to report cycle threshold (Ct) values rapidly emerged. As Ct values can be affected by a number of factors, we considered that harmonization of semi-quantitative PCR results across laboratories would avoid potential divergent interpretations, particularly in the absence of clinical or serological information.

Optimization of serologic diagnosis of celiac disease in the pediatric setting.

Background: The clinical presentation of celiac disease (CD) varies between children. The objective of this study was to document the pre-test probability for CD based on symptoms and routine laboratory test and to evaluate the performance of two IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) assays. We critically reviewed the concept of using multiples of the manufacturer's upper limit of normal (ULN), as proposed in the ESPGHAN guidelines (if IgA tTG is >10 times ULN, no biopsy is needed).

Candida and its dual lifestyle as a commensal and a pathogen.

Candida spp. are part of the normal vaginal microflora in 20-30% of healthy women. However, if the balance between these yeasts and the host is disturbed, Candida spp.