Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
-
Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Jun 2020
Comparative StudyRapid and visual detection of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) by a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay.
To evaluate a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and compare it with RT-PCR. ⋯ These results demonstrate that we developed a rapid, simple, specific and sensitive RT-LAMP assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection among clinical samples. It will be a powerful tool for SARS-CoV-2 identification, and for monitoring suspected patients, close contacts and high-risk groups.
-
The 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a new human coronavirus which is spreading with epidemic features in China and other Asian countries; cases have also been reported worldwide. This novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is associated with a respiratory illness that may lead to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), COVID-19 shows some peculiar pathogenetic, epidemiological and clinical features which to date are not completely understood. ⋯ There is still much more to know about COVID-19, especially as concerns mortality and its capacity to spread on a pandemic level. Nonetheless, all of the lessons we learned in the past from the SARS and MERS epidemics are the best cultural weapons with which to face this new global threat.
-
Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Jun 2020
Multicenter StudyEmerging non-13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) serotypes causing adult invasive pneumococcal disease in the late-PCV13 period in Spain.
An early reduction of adult invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) was observed after the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) introduction for children in Spain. We analysed the epidemiology of adult IPD in the late-PCV13 period. ⋯ The initial decrease of adult IPD observed after PCV13 introduction for children has been balanced by the rise of non-PCV13 serotypes. The spread of antibiotic-resistant lineages related to non-PCV13 serotypes (11A and 24F) could be a threat for the treatment of serious pneumococcal diseases.
-
Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · May 2020
ReviewPrimary HPV-based cervical cancer screening in Europe: implementation status, challenges, and future plans.
Cytology-based screening has been a cornerstone of cervical cancer prevention for decades. Following extensive evidence demonstrating higher sensitivity and accuracy, lower variability and better reproducibility of human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening compared with conventional or liquid-based cytology, recent European guidelines strongly recommend primary HPV-based screening over standard cytology-based screening. In addition, HPV-based screening offers the possibility of self-sampling and makes possible longer screening intervals in women with negative screening results. ⋯ HPV-based screening is best suited in organized population-based screening settings. In 2019, cervical cancer screening policies across Europe vary greatly. Experience in countries with national and regional HPV-based screening already implemented is generally very positive. Urgent action is needed in many European countries, especially those with suboptimal opportunistic cytology-based cervical cancer screening.
-
Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Apr 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialA simplified blood culture sampling protocol for reducing contamination and costs: a randomized controlled trial.
Blood culture contamination carries risks for patients, such as unnecessary antimicrobial therapy and other additional hazards and costs. One method shown to be effective in reducing contamination is initial blood specimen diversion during collection. We hypothesized that initial blood specimen diversion without a designated device or procedure would suffice for reduction in blood culture contamination rate. ⋯ We offer this novel approach as a simple, cost-effective measure to reduce risks to patient safety from contaminated blood cultures, without the need for using costly devices.