Circulation and Codetections of Influenza Virus, SARS-CoV-2, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, and Other Respiratory Viruses During 2022-2023 Season in Latvia.

This retrospective study analysed the routine data obtained by multiplex real-time RT-qPCR methods for respiratory virus detection. A total of 4814 respiratory specimens collected during 1 September 2022-31 August 2023 were included in the study. A total of 38% of the specimens were positive for at least one target, with the incidence maximum (82%) for the small children (age group 0-4 years).

Multiplexed RT-qPCR Coupled with Whole-Genome Sequencing to Monitor a SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant of Concern in a Hospital Laboratory Setting in Latvia.

At the end of 2021, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern (VOC) displaced the previously dominant Delta VOC and enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic challenges worldwide. Respiratory specimens submitted to the Riga East University Hospital Laboratory Service by the central and regional hospitals of Latvia from January to March 2022 that were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA were tested by commercial multiplexed RT-qPCR targeting three of the Omicron VOC signature mutations: ΔH69/V70, E484A, and N501Y. Of the specimens tested and analyzed in parallel by whole-genome sequencing (WGS), 964 passed the internal quality criteria (genome coverage ≥90%, read depth ≥400×) and the Nextstrain's quality threshold for "good".

Hepatitis A virus subgenotypes in Latvia, 2008-2021.

Background: In Latvia outbreaks of the HAV were observed between 2008 and early 2010 and again in 2017-2018. However, the risks of introducing and spreading infection still exist, as the virus spreads easily when personal hygiene is not followed.

Methods: To determine the spread of HAV subgenotypes in the territory of Latvia the VP1/P2A genomic region of HAV was amplified and sequenced for 259 case serum samples.

Molecular epidemiological typing of isolates identifies a novel association between genogroup G10557 (G7072) and decreased susceptibility to cefixime, Germany, 2014 to 2017.

BackgroundEmerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenges gonorrhoea treatment and requires surveillance.AimThis observational study describes the genetic diversity of isolates in Germany from 2014 to 2017 and identifies multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) genogroups associated with AMR or some patient demographics.Methods1,220 gonococcal isolates underwent AMR testing and NG-MAST.

Antimicrobial resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Germany: low levels of cephalosporin resistance, but high azithromycin resistance.

Background: The widespread antimicrobial resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a serious problem for the treatment and control of gonorrhoea. Many of the previously effective therapeutic agents are no longer viable. Because N.

Phylogenetic structure of European Enteritidis outbreak correlates with national and international egg distribution network.

Outbreaks of Enteritidis have long been associated with contaminated poultry and eggs. In the summer of 2014 a large multi-national outbreak of Enteritidis phage type 14b occurred with over 350 cases reported in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, France and Luxembourg. Egg supply network investigation and microbiological sampling identified the source to be a Bavarian egg producer.

The potential risks and impact of the start of the 2015-2016 influenza season in the WHO European Region: a rapid risk assessment.

Background: Countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region are reporting more severe influenza activity in the 2015-2016 season compared to previous seasons.

Objectives: To conduct a rapid risk assessment to provide interim information on the severity of the current influenza season METHODS: Using the WHO manual for rapid risk assessment of acute public health events and surveillance data available from Flu News Europe, an assessment of the current influenza season from 28 September 2015 (week 40/2015) up to 31 January 2016 (week 04/2016) was made compared with the 4 previous seasons.

Results: The current influenza season started around week 51/2015 with higher influenza activity reported in eastern Europe compared to Western Europe.

International external quality assessment study for molecular detection of Lassa virus.

Lassa virus (LASV) is a causative agent of hemorrhagic fever in West Africa. In recent years, it has been imported several times to Europe and North America. The method of choice for early detection of LASV in blood is RT-PCR.