Characteristics of medically attended influenza infection across age groups before the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon.

Background: Influenza represents a significant global health burden for individuals and society. This study assessed the burden of medically attended influenza at a tertiary medical center in Lebanon to describe the demographics, risk factors, and outcomes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients who tested positive for the influenza virus during three seasons between July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019, at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

The impact of vaccination on the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease from a nationwide surveillance program in Lebanon: an unexpected increase in mortality driven by non-vaccine serotypes.

Background: The impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) on the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and serotype distribution was examined across age groups from data collected by the Lebanese Inter-Hospital Pneumococcal Surveillance Program.

Methods: Between 2005 and 2020, 593 invasive isolates were collected from 79 hospitals throughout Lebanon. Serotypes and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles were identified, and trends compared over 3 eras: PCV7, post-PCV7/ pre-PCV13, and PCV13 eras.

Wide Variability in the Sensitivity and Specificity of Rotavirus Immunoassay Diagnostic Kits in Practice.

Introduction: Most hospitals rely on rapid antigen-detection kits for the diagnosis of rotavirus infection. Several small studies reviewed the sensitivity and specificity of some of these kits. These studies showed discrepancy in results obtained for sensitivity and specificity that varied according to the type of kit used, area of study, and type of test used as standard for diagnosis of rotavirus infection.

Placement of Labcor Pulmonary Conduit Results in a High Incidence of Postoperative Fever.

Background: Fever in the postoperative period in cardiac patients is common. The purpose of this study is to recognize the risk factors for prolonged postoperative fever in cardiac patients with pulmonary conduit insertion.

Methods: Patients were identified retrospectively by looking at the procedure code for pulmonary conduit insertion between June 2009 and December 2015 at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

Molecular epidemiology and genetic characterization of influenza B virus in Lebanon during 2016-2018.

Background: Influenza B viruses are a major cause of serious acute respiratory infections in humans.

Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from subjects with influenza-like illness during October 2016-June 2018 and screened for influenza A and B. The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of the Lebanese influenza B specimens were sequenced and phylogenetically compared with the vaccine strains and specimens from the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Europe.

Detection of ON1 and novel genotypes of human respiratory syncytial virus and emergence of palivizumab resistance in Lebanon.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections in children and immunocompromised individuals. A multi-center surveillance of the epidemiologic and molecular characteristics of RSV circulating in Lebanon was performed. The attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins were analyzed and compared to those reported regionally and globally.

Prevalence and characteristics of acute respiratory virus infections in pediatric cancer patients.

Background: Patients with pediatric cancer have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality because of respiratory viral infections than other patient populations.

Objectives: To investigate the causative viruses of respiratory infections and their burden among patients with pediatric cancer in Lebanon.

Study Design: Nasopharyngeal swabs along with clinical and demographic data were collected from patients with pediatric cancer presenting febrile episodes with upper respiratory tract symptoms.

Challenges and opportunities for meningococcal vaccination in the developing world.

Meningococcal disease continues to be a life threatening infection with high morbidity and mortality even in appropriately treated patients. Meningococcal vaccination plays a major role in the control of the disease; however, implementing vaccination remains problematic in the developing world. The objective of this review is to identify the challenges facing the use of meningococcal vaccines in the developing world in order to discuss the opportunities and available solutions to improve immunization in these countries.

Epidemiology and characteristics of urinary tract infections in children and adolescents.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in the pediatric population. Over the last two decades, antibiotic resistance is increasing significantly as extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms are emerging. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive view of the epidemiologic characteristics of UTIs in hospitalized children, examine the risk factors of UTIs caused by ESBL-producing organisms, and determine the resistance patterns in the isolated organisms over the last 10 years.