Publications by authors named "Meghan Starolis"

Article Synopsis
  • The recent outbreaks of human mpox and borealpox, including a reported death, have increased awareness about the Poxviridae family's zoonotic risks.
  • This review focuses on various poxviruses that impact humans, covering their pathogenesis, epidemiology, and diagnostic techniques.
  • Treatment options for poxviruses are not addressed in this review.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Unlabelled: Cancer patients are at risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes due to impaired immune responses. However, the immunogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination is inadequately characterized in this population. We hypothesized that cancer vs non-cancer individuals would mount less robust humoral and/or cellular vaccine-induced immune SARS-CoV-2 responses.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Molecular microbiology assays have a higher cost of testing compared to traditional methods and need to be utilized appropriately. Results from these assays may also require interpretation and appropriate follow-up. Electronic tools available in the electronic health record and laboratory information system can be deployed both preanalytically and postanalytically to influence ordering behaviors and positively impact diagnostic stewardship.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The introduction of in vitro diagnostic multiplex molecular panels has significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing gastrointestinal infections caused by viruses.
  • These panels are easy to use and widely available, but there are drawbacks such as high laboratory costs, limited reimbursement options, and the risk of overusing the tests.
  • The review highlights the viral pathogens commonly included in these panels and discusses both the benefits and challenges surrounding their use in clinical settings.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • GIPs are advanced diagnostic tools for detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens quickly, but their high cost and poor insurance coverage raise questions about their utilization in clinical practice.* -
  • This review discusses the challenges of using GIPs from both physician and laboratory perspectives, aiming to help clinicians decide when to use GIPs and assist labs in potentially adding them to their services.* -
  • The findings offer valuable guidelines on factors like patient settings, appropriate panel selection, result interpretation, and reimbursement issues, highlighting both the advantages and complexities of GIPs.*
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious, life-threatening condition linked to COVID-19 that affects multiple organs and shows signs of immune system activation.
  • The exact cause of MIS-C and the severe organ damage it causes are not fully understood, but it has been linked to the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), which can remain dormant in the body and may reactivate during inflammatory responses.
  • A case study revealed a strong correlation between high HHV-6 levels and a specific form of the virus (iciHHV-6) in a MIS-C patient, suggesting that more research is needed to investigate the potential role of iciHHV-6 in the syndrome's development.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Arboviruses are spreading globally and pose a growing threat to human health, leading to serious diseases and neurological issues when humans become infected.
  • Recent outbreaks, like Zika and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, have had severe public health consequences, including fetal abnormalities and fatalities.
  • The review emphasizes the need for effective laboratory diagnostics and ongoing vaccine development to help manage and respond to arboviral infections effectively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF