Immunogenicity and safety of the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pneumococcal infections are a serious health issue associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy, effectiveness, immunogenicity, and safety of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)15 compared to other pneumococcal vaccines or no vaccination in children and adults. We identified 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Global impact of ten-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on invasive pneumococcal disease in all ages (the PSERENADE project): a global surveillance analysis.

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) that are ten-valent (PCV10) and 13-valent (PCV13) became available in 2010. We evaluated their global impact on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) incidence in all ages.

Methods: Serotype-specific IPD cases and population denominators were obtained directly from surveillance sites using PCV10 or PCV13 in their national immunisation programmes and with a primary series uptake of at least 50%.

Virus-Induced Host Chemokine CCL2 in COVID-19 Pathogenesis: Potential Prognostic Marker and Target of Anti-Inflammatory Strategy.

A wide variety of inflammatory mediators, mainly cytokines and chemokines, are induced during SARS CoV-2 infection. Among these proinflammatory mediators, chemokines tend to play a pivotal role in virus-mediated immunopathology. The C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), also known as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine and strong chemoattractant of monocytes, macrophages and CD4+ T cells bearing C-C chemokine receptor type-2 (CCR2).

Prospective antimicrobial stewardship interventions by multidisciplinary teams to reduce neonatal antibiotic use in South Africa: The Neonatal Antimicrobial Stewardship (NeoAMS) study.

Background: Hospitalized neonates are vulnerable to infection and have high rates of antibiotic utilization.

Methods: Fourteen South African neonatal units (seven public, seven private sector) assembled multidisciplinary teams involving neonatologists, microbiologists, pharmacists, and nurses to implement prospective audit and feedback neonatal antimicrobial stewardship (NeoAMS) interventions. The teams attended seven online training sessions.

Candida parapsilosis: A systematic review to inform the World Health Organization fungal priority pathogens list.

Candida parapsilosis is globally distributed and recognised for causing an increasing proportion of invasive Candida infections. It is associated with high crude mortality in all age groups. It has been particularly associated with nosocomial outbreaks, particularly in association with the use of invasive medical devices such as central venous catheters.

Clinical, phenotypic, and genotypic characteristics of ESBL-producing bloodstream infections from Qatar.

Background: Resistant infections are a major global public health challenge particularly for multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates manifesting as bloodstream infections (BSIs).

Objectives: To evaluate clinical, phenotypic, and genotypic characteristics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing BSIs from Qatar.

Methods: Phenotypic ESBL from adult patients presenting with positive BSIs were collected between January 2019 to May 2020.

Epidemiology, Clinical, and Microbiological Characteristics of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteremia in Qatar.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global healthcare threat with significant clinical and economic consequences peaking at secondary and tertiary care hospitals where multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR GNB) lead to poor outcomes. A prospective study was conducted between January and December 2019 for all invasive bloodstream infections (BSIs) secondary to MDR GNB in Qatar identified during routine microbiological service to examine their clinical, microbiological, and genomic characteristics. Out of 3238 episodes of GNB BSIs, the prevalence of MDR GNB was 13% (429/3238).

Tuberculosis and Takayasu's arteritis: An enigmatic association.

There is indirect evidence signifying a potential link between tuberculosis and Takayasu's arteritis (TAK); however, the exact mechanism and relationship between TKA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) remain to be elucidated. This case intends to highlight the association between TB and TKA, as early detection can avoid devastating consequences.

Epidemiology, microbiological, clinical characteristics, and outcome of complex infections in non-cystic fibrosis adult patients from Qatar.

Objectives: species infections are associated with diverse and challenging clinical presentations because of distinct virulence and antimicrobial resistance factors. The study aims to evaluate the epidemiology, microbiological, and clinical outcomes of complex (Bcc) infections in non-cystic fibrosis (CF) patients from Qatar.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on adult patients across all hospitals at Hamad Medical Corporation between January 2012 and December 2018 to evaluate clinically relevant Bcc in non-CF adult patients.

-associated infective endocarditis: Case series, literature review, and genetic study.

Key Clinical Message: -associated endocarditis is a rare occurrence, raising diagnostic challenges, and is often associated with considerable morbidity. However, vigilance can prevent devastating consequences.

Abstract: -associated endocarditis is rarely reported but often associated with considerable morbidity.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Pan-Drug-Resistant Isolated in Qatar.

In secondary healthcare, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CREs), such as those observed in , are a global public health priority with significant clinical outcomes. In this study, we described the clinical, phenotypic, and genotypic characteristics of three pan-drug-resistant (PDR) isolates that demonstrated extended resistance to conventional and novel antimicrobials. All patients had risk factors for the acquisition of multidrug-resistant organisms, while microbiological susceptibility testing showed resistance to all conventional antimicrobials.

Evaluation of Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: Implementation, Process, Impact, and Outcomes, Review of Systematic Reviews.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) were introduced in healthcare as a public health priority to promote appropriate prescribing of antimicrobials, to reduce adverse events related to antimicrobials, as well as to control the escalating challenges of antimicrobial resistance. To deliver aimed outcome objectives, ASPs involve multiple connected implementation process measures. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate both concepts of ASPs.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Qatar: Prevalence and Trends before and Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global healthcare challenge with substantial morbidity, mortality, and management costs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a documented increase in antimicrobial consumption, particularly for severe and critical cases, as well as noticeable travel and social restriction measures that might influenced the spectrum of AMR. To evaluate the problem, retrospective data were collected on bacterial infections and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Qatar before and after the pandemic from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021, covering 53,183 pathogens isolated from reported infection episodes.

Sharp increase in gonorrhoea notifications among young people, EU/EEA, July 2022 to June 2023.

Gonorrhoea cases increased steeply in women aged 20 to 24 years across 15 EU/EEA countries in July to December 2022 and January to June 2023 with, respectively, 73% and 89% more cases reported than expected, based on historical data from 2015 to 2019. Smaller increases among men due to heterosexual transmission were observed in nine EU/EEA countries. Interventions to raise awareness among young people about sexually transmitted infection risks are needed, emphasising the benefit of safe sexual practices and testing.

Wastewater-based epidemiology for tracking bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance in COVID-19 isolation hospitals in Qatar.

Background: Hospitals are hotspots for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and play a significant role in their emergence and spread. Large numbers of ARGs will be ejected from hospitals via wastewater systems. Wastewater-based epidemiology has been consolidated as a tool to provide real-time information, and represents a promising approach to understanding the prevalence of bacteria and ARGs at community level.

The epidemiology and microbiological characteristics of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria in Qatar: national surveillance from the Study for Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART): 2017 to 2019.

Background: The global Study of Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART) is a surveillance program for evaluation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) from different regions including Gulf countries.

Objectives: To evaluate AMR in GNB from various clinical specimens including microbiological and genetic characteristics for existing and novel antimicrobials.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on clinical specimens from Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar, between 2017 and 2019 according to the SMART protocol.

Prevalence and genetic characterization of clinically relevant extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Introduction: Among Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), (), such as () and (), are the most clinically relevant pathogens in healthcare settings. Infections secondary to these pathogens are widely common but multidrug resistance (MDR) in has become a significant challenge with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost of management. The escalating global prevalence of MDR in has led to limited treatment options, raising an urgent need for novel antimicrobial therapy(s) and detailed studies exploring underlying resistance mechanisms.

Catastrophic complications of PVL-MRSA necrotizing pneumonia presenting as respiratory failure and rhabdomyolysis, case report and review of the literature.

Panton-Valentine leucocidin toxin-producing methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus is an important uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia; we describe a case of necrotizing pneumonia presenting as respiratory failure necessitating early initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, acute kidney injury and rhabdomyolysis, awareness, prompt recognition and appropriate management are crucial due to possible significant pathology.

A complex presentation of an uncommon disease: Gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess complicated by septic pulmonary emboli and muscle abscesses, a case report and review of the literature.

Background: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is the most common type of visceral abscess. Its variable clinical presentation depends on patient demography, underlying conditions, causative pathogens as well as the size of the abscess. Most cases are secondary to enteric pathogens that cause focal liver disease.

Microbiological and clinical characteristics of invasive Group B Streptococcal blood stream infections in children and adults from Qatar.

Introduction: Group B Streptococci (GBS) colonize almost one third of human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, particularly in females. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology, microbiological characteristics, and clinical outcomes of invasive GBS disease in Qatar from all age groups.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with confirmed GBS blood stream infections during the period between January 2015 and March 2019.