The importance of microbiology reference laboratories and adequate funding for infectious disease surveillance.

Microbiology reference laboratories perform a crucial role within public health systems. This role was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this Viewpoint, we emphasise the importance of microbiology reference laboratories and highlight the types of digital data and expertise they provide, which benefit national and international public health.

Invasive group A streptococcal infections as a consequence of coexisting or previous viral infection in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period.

Background: Group A Streptococci (GAS) may cause infections of the pharynx and soft tissues and invasive infections in children (iGAS). A significant increase in severe iGAS infections has been reported in Europe since the fall of 2022.

Objectives: This retrospective study aims to analyse clinical data of children with invasive and non-invasive GAS infections in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, searching for predisposing factors to developing invasive infections.

COVID-19-sensitive tumour response: 2-year assessment of the SARS-CoV-2 humoral response in cancer patients in oncology hospital in Poland.

Unlabelled: Vaccination has been considered the most crucial defence against viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Numerous reports have demonstrated the effectiveness of the above vaccines in oncological patients. It has also been proven that, apart from vaccinations and oncological therapy, the course of the cancer process itself influences the magnitude of the humoral response, especially in people after infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Review of a specialist Rett syndrome clinic from 2003 to the COVID pandemic: clinic experience and carer perspectives.

Background: We have held a 'trouble-shooting' clinic for Rett syndrome patients from 2003 until the COVID pandemic in 2020. The clinic was multidisciplinary, including clinical genetics, paediatric neurology, adult learning disability psychiatry and physiotherapy. Access to specialist communication support and eye-gaze equipment was also often available.

Calceolarioside B inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 variant cell entry and modulates immune response.

This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of calceolarioside B, extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Mutong (Akebia quinata Thumb), on the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 variant. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations predicted the binding sites and interactions between calceolarioside B and the Omicron BA.

Clinical and metagenomic predicted antimicrobial resistance in pediatric critically ill patients with infectious diseases in a single center of Zhejiang.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to pediatric health; therefore, precise identification of pathogens as well as AMR is imperative. This study aimed at comprehending antibiotic resistance patterns among critically ill children with infectious diseases admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to clarify the impact of drug-resistant bacteria on the prognosis of children.

Methods: This study retrospectively collected clinical data, identified pathogens and AMR from 113 children's who performed metagenomic next-generation sequencing for pathogen and antibiotic resistance genes identification, and compared the clinical characteristic difference and prognostic effects between children with and without AMR detected.

Post-coronavirus disease 2019-associated symptoms among children and adolescents in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron era.

Purpose: Lack of a control group(s) and selection bias were the main criticisms of previous studies investigating the prevalence of post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome (PCS). There are insufficient data regarding paediatric PCS, particularly in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron era. As such, our study investigated PCS-associated symptoms in a representative control-matched cohort.

Serotype distribution of remaining invasive pneumococcal disease after extensive use of ten-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (the PSERENADE project): a global surveillance analysis.

Background: Widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) has reduced vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We describe the serotype distribution of IPD after extensive use of ten-valent PCV (PCV10; Synflorix, GSK) and 13-valent PCV (PCV13; Prevenar 13, Pfizer) globally.

Methods: IPD data were obtained from surveillance sites participating in the WHO-commissioned Pneumococcal Serotype Replacement and Distribution Estimation (PSERENADE) project that exclusively used PCV10 or PCV13 (hereafter PCV10 and PCV13 sites, respectively) in their national immunisation programmes and had primary series uptake of at least 70%.

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%.

Acute mastoiditis: 30 years review in a tertiary hospital.

Objective: Acute mastoiditis, the most common complication of acute otitis media, is approached in our study, focused on children from the Autonomous Community of Cantabria, Spain. The aim is to analyze its clinical-epidemiological characteristics and propose diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

Study Design/setting: We conducted a 30-year retrospective study on patients under 18 years of age diagnosed with acute mastoiditis in Cantabria.

HYPERVIRULENT KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE OSTEOMYELITIS IN A CHILD.

An 18-month-old boy presented with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis caused by Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring cardinal virulence genes. The condition necessitated several surgical interventions, and a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy to effectively manage the severe infection and prevent complications, highlighting the challenges posed by Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in pediatric cases.

Analysis of lung microbiota in pediatric pneumonia patients using BALF metagenomic next-generation sequencing: A retrospective observational study.

The contribution of the lung microbiota to pneumonia in children of varying severity remains poorly understood. This study utilized metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology to elucidate the characteristics of lung microbiota and their association with disease severity. This retrospective study analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) mNGS data of 92 children diagnosed with pneumonia between January 2021 and July 2022.

Cardiovascular complications in vascular connective tissue disorders after COVID-19 infection and vaccination.

Background: COVID-19 infection and vaccination have been reported to confer an elevated risk for cardiovascular events (CVE). We sought to determine whether individuals with an underlying vascular connective tissue disorder including Marfan syndrome (MFS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), or vascular Ehlers Danlos syndrome (vEDS) are at increased risk for cardiac events after COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Methods: 325 respondents self-reported data through a cross-sectional, web-based survey available from 22 November 2021, through 15 March 2022 regarding COVID-19 illness and vaccinations, the occurrence of any CVE, and adverse events following vaccination.

Effect of modified intravascular laser irradiation of blood in the oral and systemic conditions during dental treatment-A systematic review.

The aim of this study was to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of modified-ILIB (intravascular laser irradiation of blood) in the control of systemic conditions and/or oral changes during dental care. This systematic literature review study aimed to answer the question, "Is modified-ILIB an effective adjuvant therapy in the control of systemic conditions and/or oral changes in children and adults during dental treatment?". The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database under number CRD42023493800.

SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 drives osteoclastogenesis in preexisting immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 and long-term complications in bone health. Emerging clinical evidence demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces bone turnover and promotes bone loss, but the mechanism underlying worsened bone health remains elusive. This study sought to identify specific immune mediators that exacerbated preexisting IMIDs after SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

Increased incidence of Graves' disease during the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents in the United States.

Introduction: Reports in adults indicate that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and vaccination trigger the expression of autoimmune disease such as Graves' disease, but the incidence of new onset Graves' disease and its temporal relationship to the peaks of COVID-19 cases in children are unclear.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of children and adolescents with new-onset Graves' disease diagnosed between September 2017 and August 2022, N=156, mean age of 12.5 ± 4 year (y), with a range of 2.

Early Recognition of Secondary Asthma Caused by Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Children Based on Multi-Omics Signature: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To explore the types of pathogens causing lower respiratory tract infections (LTRIs) in children and construction of a predictive model for monitoring secondary asthma caused by LTRIs.

Methods: Seven hundred and seventy-five children with LTRIs treated from June 2017 to July 2024 were selected as research subjects. Bacterial isolation and culture were performed on all children, and drug sensitivity tests were conducted on the isolated pathogens; And according to whether the child developed secondary asthma during treatment, they were divided into asthma group (n = 116) and non-asthma group (n = 659); Using logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors affecting secondary asthma in children with LTRIs, and establishing machine learning (ie nomogram and decision tree) prediction models; Using ROC curve analysis machine learning algorithms to predict AUC values, sensitivity, and specificity of secondary asthma in children with LTRIs.

Environmental predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence in Catalonia (northwestern Mediterranean).

Numerous studies have explored whether and how the spread of the SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), responds to environmental conditions without reaching consistent answers. Sociodemographic factors, such as variable population density and mobility, as well as the lack of effective epidemiological monitoring, make it difficult to establish robust correlations. Here we carry out a regional cross-correlation study between nine atmospheric variables and an infection index ( ) estimated from standardized positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test cases.

Epidemiological characteristics of eleven common respiratory viral infections in children.

Background: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are one of the leading causes of hospital admissions among children. In this study, we aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of viral pathogens associated with LRTIs in hospitalized children in Yan'an; this has yet to be reported in the literature and may guide public health interventions and resource allocation in this region.

Methods: Between June 2021 and May 2023, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the results of viral detection using oral pharyngeal swabs from 4565 children with LRTIs in the Inpatient Department of Yan'an University Affiliated Hospital.

Hospitalized children with influenza A before, during and after COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study.

Context: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in late 2019, the transmission dynamics and clinical presentation patterns of influenza A (Flu A) virus have undergone changes.

Objectives: This article conducted a comparative analysis in clinical characteristics and laboratory results of pediatric patients with Flu A before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The medical records of 885 children hospitalized with Flu A virus infection at a tertiary hospital in Guangdong Province, China, were retrospectively analyzed.

Viral Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (ALRI) in Rural Bangladeshi Children Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs) remain the leading infectious cause of death among children < 5 years, with viruses contributing to a large proportion of cases. Little is known about the epidemiology and etiology of viral ALRI in rural Bangladesh.

Methods: We enrolled 3- to 23-month-old children with ALRIs attending a subdistrict hospital outpatient clinic in Sylhet district in Bangladesh.

[Network Meta-analysis of four traditional Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine in treatment of bronchopneumonia in children].

Based on network Meta-analysis, we compared the effects of four traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) injections combined with conventional treatment on clinical total effective rate, recovery time of body temperature, cough disappearance time, lung rale disappearance time, wheezing relief time, and lung shadow disappearance time of bronchopneumonia in children and evaluated the safety of the four TCM injections in the treatment of bronchopneumonia in children, so as to provide an evidence-based basis for the clinical use of medication for bronchopneumonia in children. Computer retrieval was performed on CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trial(RCT) on the treatment of bronchopneumonia in children with TCM injections. The search time limit was from the establishment of each database to 2 January 2024.

Prevalence, management, health-care burden, and 90-day outcomes of prolonged mechanical ventilation in the paediatric intensive care unit (LongVentKids): an international, prospective, cross-sectional cohort study.

Background: The number of children requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) has increased with the advancement of medical care. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of PMV worldwide, document demographic and clinical characteristics of children requiring PMV in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), and to understand variation in clinical practice and health-care burden.

Methods: This international, multicentre, cross-sectional cohort study screened participating PICUs in 28 countries for children aged >37 postgestational weeks to 17 years who had been receiving mechanical ventilation (MV; invasive or non-invasive) for at least 14 consecutive days.

SARS-CoV-2 Infections in a Triad of Primary School Learners (Grades 1-7), Their Parents, and Teachers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional and Nested Case-Cohort Study.

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as South Africa, there is paucity of data on SARS-CoV-2 infections among children attending school, including seroprevalence and transmission dynamics.

Objective: This pilot study aims to assess (1) the prevalence of self-reported or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 prior infections, COVID-19 symptoms (including long COVID), seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and general/mental health, (2) longitudinal changes in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, and (3) SARS-CoV-2 acute infections, immune responses, transmission dynamics, and symptomatic versus asymptomatic contacts in a unique cohort of unvaccinated primary school learners, their parents, teachers, and close contacts in semirural primary school settings.

Methods: Learners (grades 1-7) from primary schools in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, their parents, and teachers will be invited to enroll into the COVID kids school study (CoKiDSS).