Clinical utility of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RT-PCR in a pediatric quaternary care setting.

Background: During active transcription, SARS-CoV-2 generates subgenomic regions of viral RNA. While standard SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR amplifies region(s) of genomic RNA, it cannot distinguish active infection from remnant viral genomic material. However, screening for subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) by RT-PCR may aid in the determination of actively transcribing virus.

Shining a light on the pathogenicity of health care providers' mobile phones: Use of a novel ultraviolet-C wave disinfection device.

Background: Mobile phones are known to carry pathogenic bacteria and viruses on their surfaces, posing a risk to healthcare providers (HCPs) and hospital infection prevention efforts. We utilize an Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) device to provide an effective method for mobile phone disinfection and survey HCPs about infection risk.

Methods: Environmental swabs were used to culture HCPs' personal mobile phone surfaces.

Comparison of Common Respiratory Virus Peak Incidence Among Varying Age Groups in Rhode Island, 2012-2016.

This case series study assesses the seasonality of respiratory viral infections among different age groups in Rhode Island from 2012 to 2016.

Association between multivitamin supplementation and mortality among patients with Ebola virus disease: An international multisite cohort study.

Introduction: Micronutrient supplementation is recommended in Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) care; however, there is limited data on its therapeutic effects.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with EVD admitted to five Ebola Treatment Units (ETU) in Sierra Leone and Liberia during September 2014 to December 2015. A uniform protocol was used to guide ETU care, however, due to supply limitations, only a subset of patients received multivitamins.

Seasonality of respiratory viruses and bacterial pathogens.

Background: Seasonal variation has been observed for various bacterial and viral infections. We aimed to further study seasonality of respiratory viruses and bacterial pathogens in relation to antibiotic use, as well as meteorological parameters.

Methods: An ecologic study of antibiotic exposure, meteorological parameters, detection of respiratory viruses  and clinical isolates of , Methicillin-resistant (MRSA), , and and (grouped together as gram-negative bacteria; GNB) in Rhode Island from 2012 to 2016.

Impact of Intravenous Fluid Therapy on Survival Among Patients With Ebola Virus Disease: An International Multisite Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Intravenous fluid (IVF) is a frequently recommended intervention in Ebola virus disease (EVD), yet its impact on patient outcomes remains unclear.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients with EVD admitted to 5 Ebola treatment units (ETUs) in West Africa. The primary outcome was the difference in 28-day survival between cases treated and not treated with IVF.

Prevention of hospital-acquired respiratory viral infections: Assessment of a multimodal intervention program.

A multimodal program focused on preventing nosocomial respiratory viral infections. Definite cases per 1,000 discharges increased 1.3-fold in hospital units screening visitors for respiratory viral symptoms during the 2017-2018 respiratory virus season but not during the 2016-2017 season.

Ebola Preparedness Resources for Acute-Care Hospitals in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study of Costs, Benefits, and Challenges.

OBJECTIVE To assess resource allocation and costs associated with US hospitals preparing for the possible spread of the 2014-2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in the United States. METHODS A survey was sent to a stratified national probability sample (n=750) of US general medical/surgical hospitals selected from the American Hospital Association (AHA) list of hospitals. The survey was also sent to all children's general hospitals listed by the AHA (n=60).

Characteristics and Outcomes of Pediatric Patients With Ebola Virus Disease Admitted to Treatment Units in Liberia and Sierra Leone: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: The clinical and virologic characteristics of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in children have not been thoroughly documented.

Methods: Consecutive children aged <18 years with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed EVD were enrolled retrospectively in 5 Ebola treatment units in Liberia and Sierra Leone in 2014/2015. Data collection and medical management were based on standardized International Medical Corps protocols.

Influenza Vaccine is Protective Against Laboratory-confirmed Influenza in Obese Children.

Background: Obesity emerged as a novel risk factor for severe disease during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. Murine studies indicate that obesity is associated with ineffective response to influenza vaccine, but few human studies exist. We aimed to determine if influenza vaccine is protective against laboratory-confirmed influenza in obese children.

Infectious shock and toxic shock syndrome diagnoses in hospitals, Colorado, USA.

In Colorado, USA, diagnoses coded as toxic shock syndrome (TSS) constituted 27.3% of infectious shock cases during 1993-2006. The incidence of staphylococcal TSS did not change significantly overall or in female patients 10-49 years of age but increased for streptococcal TSS.