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.

Molecular Identification of Cutaneous Alternariosis in a Renal Transplant Patient.

Cutaneous alternariosis is a rare condition, caused by an uncommon opportunistic pathogen. The most frequently affected individuals are immunosuppressed patients, e.g.

Heads or Tails: Genotyping of Hepatitis C Virus Concerning the 2k/1b Circulating Recombinant Form.

As different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes respond differently to initiated therapy, correct HCV genotyping is essential. A potential risk for misclassification of the intergenotypic HCV circulating recombinant form (CRF) 2k/1b strains exists, depending on the genotyping method used. The aim was to investigate the differences in HCV genotyping methods with regard to CRF 2k/1b and to gain insight in the prevalence of the CRF 2k/1b.

Let's not forget herpes simplex virus in case of fulminant hepatic failure.

Fulminant herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is a rare condition, which is usually identified only after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) or at autopsy. The most commonly affected individuals are immunosuppressed patients, although HSV hepatitis can occur in immunocompetent patients as well. A high degree of suspicion combined with early diagnostic modalities may improve survival.