Epidemiology and genetic diversity of linezolid-resistant Enterococcus clinical isolates in Belgium from 2013 to 2021.

Objectives: Linezolid-resistant opportunistic human pathogens Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are emerging health threats as limited therapeutic options remain. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, resistance mechanisms, and genetic diversity of linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) isolated between 2013 and 2021 and received at the Belgian National Reference Centre (NRC) for Enterococci.

Methods: Linezolid susceptibility testing was performed upon request on 2458 submitted enterococci strains.

Genital Infection Caused by Serovar Hvittingfoss: A Case Report.

Background: Nontyphoidal serovars predominantly cause gastrointestinal infections. However, other clinical presentations, including urogenital infections, have been reported, although they are rather rare.

Case Presentation: This case is about a 33-year-old woman diagnosed with serovar Hvittingfoss ( Hvittingfoss) bacteremia and endometritis six days post uterine aspiration in the context of a missed abortion.

Evaluation of Saliva as a Matrix for RT-PCR Analysis and Two Rapid Antigen Tests for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2.

The use of saliva for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sparks debate due to presumed lower sensitivity and lack of standardization. Our aim was to evaluate the performance characteristics of (i) saliva collected by the ORAcollect device as a matrix for SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and (ii) 2 saliva rapid antigen tests (AgRDT). From 342 ambulatory individuals, both a nasopharyngeal swab and saliva sample via ORAcollect were obtained for a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test.

Nationwide Harmonization Effort for Semi-Quantitative Reporting of SARS-CoV-2 PCR Test Results in Belgium.

From early 2020, a high demand for SARS-CoV-2 tests was driven by several testing indications, including asymptomatic cases, resulting in the massive roll-out of PCR assays to combat the pandemic. Considering the dynamic of viral shedding during the course of infection, the demand to report cycle threshold (Ct) values rapidly emerged. As Ct values can be affected by a number of factors, we considered that harmonization of semi-quantitative PCR results across laboratories would avoid potential divergent interpretations, particularly in the absence of clinical or serological information.

Laboratory analysis of two Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant outbreaks in the Port of Antwerp.

Introduction: The B.1.617.

Evaluation of the SARS-CoV-2 positivity ratio and upper respiratory tract viral load among asymptomatic individuals screened before hospitalization or surgery in Flanders, Belgium.

Introduction: The incidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in the Belgian community is mainly estimated based on test results of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-like symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity ratio and distribution of viral loads within a cohort of asymptomatic patients screened prior hospitalization or surgery, stratified by age category.

Materials/methods: We retrospectively studied data on SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR detection in respiratory tract samples of asymptomatic patients screened pre-hospitalization or pre-surgery in nine Belgian hospitals located in Flanders over a 12-month period (1 April 2020-31 March 2021).

Monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: screening algorithm with single nucleotide polymorphism detection for the rapid identification of established and emerging variants.

Objectives: To evaluate a testing algorithm for the rapid identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that includes the use of PCR-based targeted single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection assays preceded by a multiplex PCR sensitive to S-Gene Target Failure (SGTF).

Methods: PCR SNP assays targeting SARS-CoV-2 S-gene mutations ΔH69-V70, L452R, E484K, N501Y, H655Y and P681R using melting curve analysis were performed on 567 samples in which SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected by a multiplex PCR. Viral whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to confirm the presence of SNPs and to identify the Pangolin lineage.

Symptomatic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Reinfection of a Healthcare Worker in a Belgian Nosocomial Outbreak Despite Primary Neutralizing Antibody Response.

Background: It is currently unclear whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection will remain a rare event, only occurring in individuals who fail to mount an effective immune response, or whether it will occur more frequently when humoral immunity wanes following primary infection.

Methods: A case of reinfection was observed in a Belgian nosocomial outbreak involving 3 patients and 2 healthcare workers. To distinguish reinfection from persistent infection and detect potential transmission clusters, whole genome sequencing was performed on nasopharyngeal swabs of all individuals including the reinfection case's first episode.

Adiponectin and ischemia-reperfusion injury in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Models of experimental ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in adiponectin knockout animals have shown that adiponectin mediates protection against the development of IR injury. However, the role of adiponectin in IR injury in humans is largely unknown.

Methods: In a total of 234 ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, baseline circulating total adiponectin concentration was correlated with IR injury after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and with major adverse cardiac events (MACE, death and cardiac hospitalization) during one year of follow up.