Publications by authors named "R Lopez Abad"
Article Synopsis
- Factor H-Binding Protein (fHbp) is essential for the effectiveness of MenB-fHbp vaccines, as its expression on bacteria is crucial for inducing a strong immune response.* -
- A study analyzing 451 invasive group B meningococcal strains found that 92% expressed fHbp above a critical threshold, indicating they could potentially be targeted by the vaccine.* -
- While regions like England, Wales, and Italy showed high fHbp expression, Spain had more lower-expressing strains, suggesting variations in vaccine coverage and the need for improved predictive methods based on genetic factors.*
Background: Regular quality-assured whole-genome sequencing linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and patient metadata is imperative to elucidate the shifting gonorrhoea epidemiology, both nationally and internationally. We aimed to examine the gonococcal population in the European Economic Area (EEA) in 2020, elucidate emerging and disappearing gonococcal lineages associated with AMR and patient metadata, compare with 2013 and 2018 whole-genome sequencing data, and explain changes in gonococcal AMR and gonorrhoea epidemiology.
Methods: In this retrospective genomic surveillance study, we analysed consecutive gonococcal isolates that were collected in EEA countries through the European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (Euro-GASP) in 2020, and made comparisons with Euro-GASP data from 2013 and 2018.
Background: Children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) are at high risk of meningococcal infections and may present lower immune responses to vaccines. The objectives of this study were to assess the immunogenicity of the quadrivalent Men ACWY-TT vaccine (Nimenrix) in CALHIV after a two-dose schedule and to describe possible HIV-related factors that may affect the immunogenic response.
Methods: A multicenter prospective study was designed, including CALHIV followed in five hospitals in Madrid, between 2019 and 2021.
Article Synopsis
- The IRIS Consortium investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on invasive diseases caused by specific bacteria over a four-year period, comparing data from before and during the pandemic.
- Laboratories from 30 countries provided surveillance data, revealing a significant decrease in cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis during the pandemic, while Streptococcus agalactiae cases remained unchanged.
- An estimated 36,289 cases of invasive bacterial disease were prevented due to COVID-19 containment measures during the first two years of the pandemic.