NK Cell-Monocyte Cross-talk Underlies NK Cell Activation in Severe COVID-19.

NK cells in the peripheral blood of severe COVID-19 patients exhibit a unique profile characterized by activation and dysfunction. Previous studies have identified soluble factors, including type I IFN and TGF-β, that underlie this dysregulation. However, the role of cell-cell interactions in modulating NK cell function during COVID-19 remains unclear.

Multi- and extensively drug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from South African children under 5 years old with diarrhoea.

Background: Globally, millions of children die as a result of diarrhoea and/or antimicrobial resistant infections. Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) are responsible for a substantial proportion of cases of diarrhoea in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Effective treatments (including the use of antimicrobials) are therefore essential.

Application of a Novel Proteomic Microarray Reveals High Exposure to Diarrhoeagenic among Children in Zambia Participating in a Phase I Clinical Trial.

Diarrhoeagenic (DEC) significantly contributes to the burden of diarrhoea among children. Currently, there is no approved vaccine against DEC, but several vaccines against the enterotoxigenic (ETEC) pathotype are in advanced clinical trial stages, including the ETVAX vaccine, undergoing evaluation in Zambia. This study reports on the reactivity of antibodies from ETVAX vaccine and placebo recipients in a phase I clinical trial to proteins derived from (DEC) other than ETEC.

Health Science Students' Perceptions of Hand Hygiene Education and Practice in a South African University: Introducing the University Hand Hygiene Improvement Model.

Hand hygiene serves as a critical preventative measure against the spread of acquired infections in healthcare facilities and is an integral component of patient safety programs. While healthcare students in training are typically introduced to the principles underlying hand hygiene, the translation of this understanding into practice is often lacking, and compliance has remained low. This study aimed to evaluate health science students' in biomedical sciences, chiropractic and emergency medical care, environmental health, complementary medicine, medical imaging and radiation sciences, nursing, optometry, podiatry, and sports and movement studies perceptions regarding hand hygiene education (knowledge and attitude) and practice at a university in South Africa.