Bmc Infect Dis
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The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus varies depending on the healthcare facility, region and country. To understand its genetic diversity, transmission, dissemination, epidemiology and evolution in a particular geographical location, it is important to understand the similarities and variations in the population being studied. This can be achieved by using various molecular characterisation techniques. This study aimed to provide detailed molecular characterisation of South African mecA-positive S. aureus blood culture isolates by describing the SCCmec types, spa types and to lesser extent, the sequence types obtained from two consecutive national surveillance studies. ⋯ Although ST data was limited, thereby limiting the number of clones that could be identified, the circulating clones were relatively diverse.
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Observational Study
Kinetic changes in virology, specific antibody response and imaging during the clinical course of COVID-19: a descriptive study.
To explore the kinetic changes in virology, specific antibody response and imaging during the clinical course of COVID-19. ⋯ All COVID-19 patients in this study were self-limiting and recovered well though it may take as long as 6-8 weeks. Our findings on the kinetic changes in imaging, serum response to viral infection and viral RNA level may help understand pathogenesis and define clinical course of COVID-19.
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Observational Study
Impact of daily versus weekly service of infectious diseases consultation on hospital antimicrobial consumption: a retrospective study.
To verify whether a daily service of Infectious Diseases consultation (ID-cons) is more effective than a weekly service in reducing antibiotic (ATB) consumption without worsening of clinical outcomes. ⋯ Daily-ID-cons resulted in a more comprehensive management of the infected patient by the ID-consultant, especially in the emergency area where we also observed the highest rate of reduction of ATB-usage. No change in mortality was observed.
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The COVID-19 spread worldwide quickly. Exploring the epidemiological characteristics could provide a basis for responding to imported cases abroad and to formulate prevention and control strategies in areas where COVID-19 is still spreading rapidly. ⋯ After the closure of the outbreak city, appropriate isolation and control measures in the next 8 weeks were key to control the outbreak, which reduced the peak value and length of the outbreak. Some countries with improved epidemic situations need to develop a continuous "local strategy at entry checkpoints" to to fend off imported COVID-19.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), is a highly transmittable virus. Since the first person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was reported in Italy on February 21st, 2020, the number of people infected with SARS-COV-2 increased rapidly, mainly in northern Italian regions, including Piedmont. A strict lockdown was imposed on March 21st until May 4th when a gradual relaxation of the restrictions started. In this context, computational models and computer simulations are one of the available research tools that epidemiologists can exploit to understand the spread of the diseases and to evaluate social measures to counteract, mitigate or delay the spread of the epidemic. ⋯ Our model is an effective tool useful to investigate different scenarios and to inform policy makers about the potential impact of different control strategies. This will be crucial in the upcoming months, when very critical decisions about easing control measures will need to be taken.