Predicting antibiotic susceptibility in urinary tract infection with artificial intelligence-model performance in a multi-centre cohort.

Objective: To develop an artificial intelligence model to predict an antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in patients with urinary tract infection (UTI).

Materials And Methods: 26 087 adult patients with culture-proven UTI during 2015-2020 from a university teaching hospital and three community hospitals in Hong Kong were included. Cases with asymptomatic bacteriuria (absence of diagnosis code of UTI, or absence of leucocytes in urine microscopy) were excluded.

Spread of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols via two connected drainage stacks in a high-rise housing outbreak of COVID-19.

Vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) along a vertical column of flats has been documented in several outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Guangdong and Hong Kong. We describe an outbreak in Luk Chuen House, involving two vertical columns of flats associated with an unusually connected two-stack drainage system, in which nine individuals from seven households were infected. The index case resided in Flat 812 (8th floor, Unit 12), two flats (813, 817) on its opposite side reported one case each (i.

Deep learning model for prediction of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production in community-onset Enterobacteriaceae bacteraemia from a high ESBL prevalence multi-centre cohort.

Adequate empirical antimicrobial coverage is instrumental in clinical management of community-onset Enterobacteriaceae bacteraemia in areas with high ESBL prevalence, while balancing the risk of carbapenem overuse and emergence of carbapenem-resistant organisms. It is unknown whether machine learning offers additional advantages to conventional statistical methods in prediction of ESBL production. To develop a validated model to predict ESBL production in Enterobacteriaceae causing community-onset bacteraemia.

Rapid adaptation and continuous performance evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 envelope gene (E-gene) real-time RT-PCR assays to support the hospital surge in test demand.

We describe the timely adaption of both published WHO E-gene protocol and commercially available LightMix Modular E-gene assay to the test platform (ABI 7900 Fast real-time analyzer and TaqMan Fast One-step Virus Master Mix) available in an accredited tertiary hospital laboratory with an on-going evaluation to ensure the provision of quality service within the time constraint. The LightMix Modular E-gene was slightly more sensitive when compared to the WHO E-gene, both analytically and diagnostically. The assay was recommended for screening of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Comparison of Captia Measles IgG Assay with Vidas® Measles IgG Assay for determination of immune protection status against measles virus.

Background: Correlation of the assay cut-off values for Captia Measles IgG and the Vidas® Measles IgG assays with the World Health Organization recommended immunoprotective level of ≥120 mIU/mL is not stated by the manufacturers. Lack of such information may affect interpretation of immune protection (IP) for measles.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the relative performance of the Captia Measles IgG assay and the Vidas® Measles IgG assay for determination of IP against measles virus.

Prevalence survey on catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in public hospitals in Hong Kong 2018.

We conducted a survey of 16,914 patients to determine the point prevalence of healthcare-associated catheter-associated urinary tract infection (HA-CAUTI) and urinary catheter care in public hospitals in Hong Kong. Overall HA-CAUTI prevalence was 0.27%.

Performance evaluation of the re-standardized Abbott Architect anti-HBs assay.

Background: As defined by World Health Organization (WHO), an antibody level of ≥ 10mIU/mL to hepatitis B virus confers protection. With the launching of Abbott anti-HBs assay re-standardized to the 2 WHO International Reference Preparation, a positive bias in antibody level would be anticipated. Manufacturer provides limited data for samples around the immune cut-off which has potential implication on vaccine guidance.

Higher Viral Load of Emerging Norovirus GII.P16-GII.2 than Pandemic GII.4 and Epidemic GII.17, Hong Kong, China.

We compared viral load of emerging recombinant norovirus GII.P16-GII.2 with those for pandemic GII.

Comparison of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV Assay to in-house Flu/RSV triplex real-time RT-PCR for rapid molecular detection of Influenza A, Influenza B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in respiratory specimens.

This study compared the performance of the commercially available Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV assay to an in-house FluAB/RSV triplex real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of influenza A/B viruses and respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) from both nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) and nasopharyngeal flocked swab (NPS). A total of 20 external quality assurance (EQA) samples and 172 clinical respiratory samples were tested prospectively using both the Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV assay and the in-house FluAB/RSV triplex assay. For the EQA samples, concordance rate was 100 % when tested with both assays.

Bimodal Seasonality and Alternating Predominance of Norovirus GII.4 and Non-GII.4, Hong Kong, China, 2014-2017.

We report emerging subtropical bimodal seasonality and alternating predominance of norovirus GII.4 and non-GII.4 genotypes in Hong Kong.

Surveillance of antibiotic resistance among common Clostridium difficile ribotypes in Hong Kong.

Incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is rapidly increasing and it poses a major health burden globally. However, data regarding the epidemiology of CDI in Asia are limited. We aimed to characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of common ribotypes of toxigenic C.

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.

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.

High mortality in adults hospitalized for active tuberculosis in a low HIV prevalence setting.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of adults hospitalized for tuberculosis in a higher-income region with low HIV prevalence.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all adults hospitalized for pulmonary and/or extrapulmonary tuberculosis in an acute-care hospital in Hong Kong during a two-year period. Microscopy and solid-medium culture were routinely performed.

Admission Screening of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus with Rapid Molecular Detection in Intensive Care Unit: A Three-Year Single-Centre Experience in Hong Kong.

Background. The admission screening of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by rapid molecular assay is considered to be an effective method in reducing the transmission of MRSA in intensive care unit (ICU). Method.

A "pre-seasonal" hospital outbreak of influenza pneumonia caused by the drift variant A/Victoria/361/2011-like H3N2 viruses, Hong Kong, 2011.

Background: Beginning from late 2011 and early 2012, increasing circulation of antigenically drifted influenza A/Victoria/361/2011-like H3N2 viruses within genotype 3 of the A/Victoria/208/2009 clade have been reported in multiple European countries and elsewhere. Whether these emerging viruses are associated with increased disease severity is unclear.

Objectives: To report the clinical and virological findings of a moderately severe hospital outbreak of A/Victoria/361/2011-like viruses that occurred in November 2011 in Hong Kong.

Complications and outcomes of pandemic 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in hospitalized adults: how do they differ from those in seasonal influenza?

Background: It is unclear whether pandemic 2009 influenza A (pH1N1) infection caused more significant disease among hospitalized adults than seasonal influenza.

Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in adults hospitalized with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed pH1N1 infection in 2 acute-care general hospitals from June 2009 to May 2010 (n = 382). Complications and outcomes were described and compared with those in a seasonal influenza cohort (2007-2008, same hospitals; n = 754).

Possible role of aerosol transmission in a hospital outbreak of influenza.

Background: We examined the role of aerosol transmission of influenza in an acute ward setting.

Methods: We investigated a seasonal influenza A outbreak that occurred in our general medical ward (with open bay ward layout) in 2008. Clinical and epidemiological information was collected in real time during the outbreak.

Viral loads and duration of viral shedding in adult patients hospitalized with influenza.

Background: The goal of this study was to characterize viral loads and factors affecting viral clearance in persons with severe influenza.

Methods: This was a 1-year prospective, observational study involving consecutive adults hospitalized with influenza. Nasal and throat swabs were collected at presentation, then daily until 1 week after symptom onset.

An audit of risk factors for wound infection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement.

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiology of surgical site infection in cardiac surgery patients operated on in 2006.

Design: Retrospective study of a case-control sample.

Setting: Cardiac surgery unit of a university teaching hospital in Hong Kong.

Fecal viral concentration and diarrhea in norovirus gastroenteritis.

Fecal viral concentrations of 40 patients infected with norovirus genogroup GII.4 correlated with diarrhea duration and frequency of vomiting. Higher viral concentration and older age were independently associated with prolonged diarrhea (> or =4 days).

Longitudinally tracking fluoroquinolone resistance and its determinants in penicillin-susceptible and -nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in Hong Kong, 2000 to 2005.

Of 1,388 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates collected from 2000 to 2005, 10.5% had a ciprofloxacin MIC of >/=4.0 mug/ml and 1.

Molecular epidemiology and household transmission of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Hong Kong.

This study evaluated the clinical and epidemiologic features of individuals with community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in Hong Kong from January 2004 through December 2005. Twenty-four episodes of skin and soft tissue infections and 1 episode of meningitis due to CA-MRSA were identified. CA-MRSA infections or carriage was found in 6 (13%) of 46 household contacts.