Objectives Non-typhoid Salmonella infection is a major agent of food-borne outbreaks as well as individual cases worldwide. However, few studies on drug-resistant Salmonella strains, especially those recovered from young children, are available. Therefore, we determined the prevalence and characteristics of cephalosporin-resistant Salmonella isolates in the south-west region of Korea over a five-year

We investigated the incidence of 15 respiratory viruses among 2991 children with acute respiratory infections in Novosibirsk city, Russia, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2013–2020). Viral infections were detected in 72.5% cases. The incidence of human coronavirus was 2% (Alphacoronaviruses, 63%; Betacoronaviruses, 37%).

Background/purpose This study aimed to investigate the in vitro susceptibilities of carbapenem-non-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CNSPA) and Acinetobacter baumannii (CNSAB) isolates to cefiderocol, novel β-lactamase inhibitor (BLI) combinations, new tetracycline analogues, and other comparative antibiotics. Methods In total, 405 non-duplicate bacteremic CNSPA (n = 150) and CNSAB (n = 255) isolates

Objectives To explore the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility among clinically important Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in Taiwan. Methods From 2016 through 2018, a total of 5,458 GNB isolates, including Escherichia coli (n=1,545), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=1,255), Enterobacter species (n=259), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=1,127), Acinetobacter baumannii complex (n=368), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Background/Purpose Mass screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is important to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pooling samples can increase the number of tests processed. LabTurbo AIO 48 is an automated platform that allows ribonucleic acid extraction and sample analysis on the same instrument. We created a novel pooling assay on this platform

Background Millions of people throughout the world suffer from parasite infections. Traditionally, technicians use manual eye inspection of microscopic specimens to perform a parasite examination. However, manual operations have limitations that hinder the ability to obtain precise egg counts and cause inefficient identification of infected parasites on co-infections. The technician requirements for

Background A comprehensive study of respiratory pathogens was conducted in an area with a low prevalence of COVID-19 among the adults quarantined at a tertiary hospital. Methods From March to May 2020, 201 patients suspected lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) were surveyed for etiologies by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR: FilmArray TM Respiratory Panel) test combination with cultural

Background Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major pathogen for community-acquired pneumonia and frequently causes outbreaks in children. M. pneumoniae-specific antibody response is detected upon acute infection and the serology is widely used in the clinical setting. Nevertheless, the cellular basis for antigen-specific antibody response to acute M. pneumoniae infection is largely undetermined in children

Background and objective Studies have reported an increased tuberculosis (TB) incidence among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This nationwide nested case–control study investigated the risk of active TB due to nosocomial exposure and its correlation with the delay in TB treatment in hemodialysis patients. Methods Adult (aged ≥20 years) patients with incident ESRD over 2000–2010 were identified

A number of pneumococcal carriage studies in children has been conducted in recent years. However, summary data of carriage prevalence and serotype distribution from South East Asia Region (SEAR) are limited. This may lead to misconception that S. pneumoniae vaccine-types are uncommon in the region. Systematic reviews of pneumococcal carriage and the distribution of serotypes are critically important

Background Expansion of the single sequence type 3 (ST3) was associated with a high macrolide resistance rate among Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Korea during the 2014–2016 epidemic. This study investigates the macrolide resistance rate and genetic diversity of the subsequent epidemic of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in 2019–2020. Methods The culture for M. pneumoniae was developed from 1,228 respiratory samples

We report a prosthetic joint septic arthritis case caused by Gordonia jacobaea in an immunocompromised woman with catheter-related bacteraemia, supporting Gordonia species as opportunistic emerging human pathogens. Microbiological diagnosis was challenging and required molecular methods for accurate identification. The patient responded well to catheter replacement, knee prothesis lavage and antibiotics

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause tissue-invasive diseases in various organs after primary infection or through reactivation of latent-to-lytic switch over a lifetime. The number of individuals who are at risk of CMV diseases, such as elderly or immunocompromised patients, is constantly increasing; however, recent epidemiological changes associated with CMV disease have not been fully evaluated

Background Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of a sexually transmitted disease in humans. The virulence of the parasite depends on multiple factors, including the presence of endosymbiotic dsRNA viruses. The presence of Trichomonasviruses (TVV) was associated with more severe genital symptoms, increased proinflammatory host reactions, and modulated parasite sensitivity to metronidazole.

Background To explore the development of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms and clinical application in predicting the clinical outcome of SARS-COV-2 patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed on the hospitalized patients with SARS-COV-2 recruited from four hospitals in Hubei Province, China from 18 January to 10 March 2020. The patients with CNS symptoms were determined. Data

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) plays an important role in immune responses to infections, especially in the development of acquired immunity. Given the high degree of polymorphisms that HLA molecules present, some will be more or less effective in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection. We wanted to analyze whether certain polymorphisms may be involved in the protection or susceptibility to COVID-19. To do

Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes diseases mostly in immunocompromised individuals. Recently, hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains also cause severe disease in healthy individuals. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is the major virulence determinant in hypervirulent K. pneumoniae and protects the cell against the bactericidal activity of the immune system

Background The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) has rapidly increased. This study aimed to assess the effect of Coptis chinensis and its compounds on the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of eight antibiotics against CRKP. Methods Cell cultures were used to investigate the effects of C. chinensis and its compounds on the MICs of eight antibiotics against CRKP. The

Purpose In this study, we aimed to assess the geographic distribution and molecular characteristics of β-lactamases among Enterobacterales isolates causing intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) from 2015 to 2018 in the Asia-Pacific region. Method Isolates were investigated for extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC β-lactamases, and carbapenemases using multiplex PCR assays and full-gene DNA sequencing

Background /purpose. Superspreading events (SSEs) are pivotal in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to investigate an SSE of COVID-19 in a hospital and explore the transmission dynamics and heterogeneity of SSE. Methods We performed contact tracing for all close contacts in a cluster. We did nasopharyngeal or throat swabbing for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR. Environmental survey was performed

Background Bacillus cereus is a well-known pathogen for self-limited foodborne illness, and rarely an opportunistic pathogen associated with invasive infections among immunocompromised patients. Nosocomial outbreaks have been rarely reported. Methods Between August and November 2019, four preterm neonates in neonatal care units of a medical center developed late-onset B. cereus bacteremia. An investigation

Background Macrophages play crucial roles in immune responses during the course of schistosomal infections. Methods We currently investigated influence of immunocompetent changes in macrophages via microarray-based analysis, mRNA expression analysis, detection of serum cytokines, and subsequent evaluation of the immune phenotypes following the differentiation of infection-induced lymphocytes in a unique

The non-protein thiol glutathione is protective against infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and, together with the transcription factor NRF2 (the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), plays a crucial role in counteracting MTB-induced redox imbalance. Many genes implicated in the antioxidant response belong to the NRF2-signalling pathway, whose central role in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis

Background Thermo-tolerant Campylobacter species are the major cause of foodborne diseases worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance determinants in C. jejuni and C. coli isolates, and to investigate the relationship between these two traits. Methods A total of 132 Campylobacter isolates from poultry were tested for the presence of 13 virulence

Background /purpose. Morbidity and mortality from typhoid and paratyphoid fever remain an important problem for public health authorities in developing countries. In countries with lower incidences, most cases occur in travelers who visit regions in which typhoid and paratyphoid fever is highly endemic. The aim was to evaluate the source and transmission dynamics of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in

Background Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterial pathogen that colonizes the human nasopharynx. Colonization is frequently reported to be high in young children. In this study, we investigated the nasopharyngeal (NP) carriage rate, serotype distribution, and antibiotic susceptibility of S. pneumoniae in children under five years of age in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Methods NP swab specimens

Objective We aimed to analyze clinical outcomes from patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia that received either baricitinib plus dexamethasone or dexamethasone monotherapy. Methodology We performed a retrospective comparative study. Data from hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia (saturation <93%, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates) that were treated with baricitinib plus dexamethasone

We described a strategy for preventing virus transmission within hospitals through screening and advanced isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. Patients were screened and admitted to the adult advanced isolation unit from February to April 2020. Our process minimized exposure without delaying proper treatment and prevented virus transmission within the hospital.

Background /Purpose: Avian trichomonosis is a parasitic infection that affects a wide range of avian species, including free-ranging and pet birds worldwide, and Trichomonas gallinae has been considered as the only causative agent for decades. The sequence of the 5.8S ribosomal RNA with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions was widely used for identifying genotypes and determining inter-specific

Clostridioides difficile is one of the most common nosocomial gastrointestinal pathogens, and recurrence is a problematic issue because approximately 20–30% of patients experience at least one episode of recurrence, even after treatment with a therapeutic drug of choice for C. difficile infection (CDI), such as vancomycin. CDI recurrence has a multifactorial complex mechanism, in which gut microbiota

Making the correct diagnosis of a patient seeking medical attention is the ultimate goal of a practicing physician, irrespective of whether the cause of the patient's condition is infectious or non-infectious. Antigen detection tests can be used to aid in the diagnosis of various infectious-related disorders including COVID-19 where it has become especially important due to the serious nature of this

Despite aggressive efforts on containment measures for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic around the world, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is continuously spreading. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an effective antiviral agent. To date, considerable research has been conducted to develop different approaches to COVID-19 therapy. In addition to early

Background The emergence of carbapenem-non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae (CnSE) infections is a public health threat. This study investigated the risk factors and clinical impact of bacteremia due to CnSE. Material and methods The study was conducted at three hospitals in southern Taiwan between January 1, 2017, and October 31, 2019. Only the first episode of CnSE bacteremia from each adult was included

Background/Purpose Growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) protein is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration in response to inflammatory processes. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection induces a chronic inflammatory condition and combination of antiretroviral therapy improves immune function and decreases the inflammatory state. The aim of this study was to assess the

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifests symptoms as common etiologies of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). During the pandemic of COVID-19, identifying the etiologies correctly from patients with RTI symptoms was crucial not only in disease control but preventing healthcare system from collapsing. By applying sensitive PCR-based molecular assays, we detected the etiologic agents

Background /purpose: Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia and other invasive diseases, and is a leading cause of mortality in the elderly population. The present study aimed to provide current antimicrobial resistance and epidemiological profiles of S. pneumoniae infections in Taiwan. Methods A total of 252 nonduplicate S. pneumoniae isolates were collected from patients admitted to 16 hospitals

Background Atherosclerosis and vascular inflammatory response have been considered as risk factors for non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) vascular infection. The study aims to assess the risk of vascular infection by measuring atherosclerosis severity, NTS vascular infection (NTSVI) score, and serum levels of inflammatory markers in people with NTS bacteremia. Methods A prospective observational study

Background We investigated the effect of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway on CD8+ T cell immunity through Eomesodermin (Eomes) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with invasive candidiasis (IC) and in a mouse model. Methods We evaluated quantitative changes in parameters of the mTOR/phosphorylated ribosomal S6 kinase (pS6K) pathway and immune system at the onset of infection in ICU

Background /Purpose: Schistosomiasis is an important tropical disease caused by Schistosoma. Although the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has been intensively studied, the choice of effective treatment is still inadequate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of using Casticin to treat Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. Methods BALB/c mice were divided into three groups – control

Background The environment may facilitate transmission of health care-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the pathogen is frequently shed by patients. However, the molecular characteristics and genetic relatedness between clinical and environmental MRSA isolates remain largely unclear in the clinical setting. Methods A total of 100 hospitalized patients with MRSA infection

Patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) are at risk of TB development. IGRA-positive patients showed significant decrease in quantitative IGRA result with alterations in CD3+CD4+CD45RO+, NK cell, and monocyte subsets immediately upon HD procedure. Our result suggested that the timing of IGRA testing is crucial in end-stage renal disease population.

Purpose To clarify and investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection in Taiwan’s communities. Methods HDV infection in patients with chronic hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection was examined using an anti-HDV antibody in Yonghe Cardinal Tien Hospital (YCTH), a district hospital in Taiwan. Clinical characteristics of anti-HDV-positive and anti-HDV-negative patients

The ichromaTM IGRA-TB (Boditech Med Inc., Chuncheon, Republic of Korea) is an automated fluorescent immunoassay-based point-of-care interferon-gamma release assay for detecting latent tuberculosis infection. We evaluated this assay with 408 health care workers, and demonstrated its acceptable performances comparing to QuantiFERON-TB Gold-Plus (QFT-Plus; Qiagen, Germantown, MD).

Background To investigate antibiotic resistance of pathogens responsible for neonatal invasive bacterial infections(IBIs) in China. Methods Cross-sectional study of neonates with IBI evaluated in nine hospitals in China (January 2012 - August 2019). Antibiotic resistance patterns of pathogens responsible for neonatal IBIs were analyzed. Results Of 3770 full-term neonates who were subjected to lumbar

Background We presented the performance of a Chinese-made cryptococcal glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) antigen test using serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples in an HIV-negative Chinese population. Methods Between February 2017 and January 2019, HIV-negative patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis were recruited and followed-up every three months, including completion of a chest CT examination

We report 4 cases of neonatal sepsis caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus. The clinical course was quite similar to early-and late-onset group B streptococcus disease. None of the mothers had group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization on prenatal screening nor received intrapartum antibiotics. We proposed the sporadic distribution of S. gallolyticus sepsis among neonates was partly due to relatively

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a newly discovered coronavirus that exhibits many similarities with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, respectively). The definite pathogenesis and immunological influences of SARS-CoV-2 have not been fully elucidated. Therefore

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are one of the most common outpatient bacterial infections. Although bacterial and host factors are reported to be associated with UTI pathogenesis, little is known about the host age-related differences in bacterial virulence factors and antimicrobial susceptibility. Methods PCRs were carried out to detect K1

Purpose The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of baloxavir with other anti-influenza agents or placebo in the treatment of influenza. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane databases and clinical registration were searched from inception until February 15 2021 for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Only phase

Between March and October, 2018, 1,248 HIV-positive patients completed questionnaire interviews for cancer screening, of whom 46.9% (n=585) completed free-of-charge cancer screening. Time constraint (50.1%) was the most common reason provided for refusal to participate in cancer screening. None of the participants were diagnosed with any of the four cancers.

We report a septicemia and disseminated candidiasis due to delayed gastrointestinal mucosae repair in a patient treated with tocilizumab after anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy. Tocilizumab could have inhibited intestinal tissue repair and furthered bacteria translocation leading to the invasion of intestinal mucosa by yeasts as IL-6 is known to be involved in mucosal wound healing.

Introduction The 2015 dengue outbreak in southern Taiwan caused substantial mortality. We analyzed the causes of death among these patients. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted at a medical center in Tainan from August 2015 to December 2015. Dengue was diagnosed based on the detection of serum dengue NS1 antigen, IgM, or viral RNA in the blood. Causes of death were retrieved

Background Serum or cord blood soluble Fas ligand (FasL) has been related to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in cross-sectional and short-term follow-up studies. However, the association of cord blood soluble FasL with long-term allergic outcomes has seldom been investigated. Methods The Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children birth cohort study recruited healthy newborns upon

Background In COVID-19 patients, information regarding superinfection, antimicrobial assessment, and the value of metagenomic sequencing (MS) could help develop antimicrobial stewardship. Method This retrospective study analyzed 323 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients for co-infection rate and antimicrobial usage in the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center (SPHCC) from January 23rd to March 14th

Background Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter species have emerged as notorious pathogens causing nosocomial infections. Several phenotypic methods have been developed for detecting carbapenemase production in Enterobacteriaceae. The accuracy of these methods in the prediction of carbapenemase production in Acinetobacter species has not been studied well. Methods This retrospective study enrolled adult

Background/Purpose Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia is associated with a higher mortality rate and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay for critically ill patients. CMV infection causes transient but substantial immunosuppression for transplant recipients, increasing risk of fungal infection. The association between CMV viremia and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) for critically ill patients

Background Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or infarction in dengue cases is rare but very challenging for clinicians. We report these uncommon complications of dengue patients and focused on the significant factors associated with ICH or infarction in dengue patients. Methods This investigation was a retrospective study of 182 adult dengue patients who received brain computed tomography at three Taiwan

To confirm discrepant SARS-CoV-2-IgG results in four standard assays we applied for the first time a prototype of a coronavirus IgG-line-blot which employs antigens from seasonal coronaviruses, SARS-1 and SARS-CoV-2 combined with avidity testing as a confirmatory tool in a follow-up of five cases including pre-pandemic samples.

Objectives This study aimed to provide detailed genetic characterization of Tn6636, a multidrug-resistant and composite mobile element, in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods A total of 112 ermB-positive methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and 224 ermB-positive methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates collected from 2000 to 2015 were tested for the presence of Tn6636. Detection

Background/purpose There are limited studies on species distribution and susceptibility profiles of Aspergillus strains isolated from patients with otomycosis in China. Methods A total of 69 confirmed Aspergillus species isolates were obtained from ear swabs of patients diagnosed with otomycosis from 2017 to 2018 in northern China. Identification of these Aspergillus isolates at the species level was