Adenovirus Burden in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Monitoring Versus Symptoms-Based Testing-A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

Background: Adenovirus infection (AdVi) causes significant morbidity and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) recipients.

Methods: This retrospective study of 131 patients (2020-2024) compared systematic monitoring in high-risk patients versus symptom-based testing in standard-risk patients.

Results: The 1-year incidence of AdV DNAemia was 19.

Cytomegalovirus DNA Doubling Time for Early Identification of Clinically Significant Infection Episodes in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Undergoing Primary Letermovir Prophylaxis: A Multicenter Study.

Background: Letermovir (LMV) prophylaxis currently represents the first-line strategy for preventing clinically significant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (CsCMVi) in CMV-seropositive recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). A wide variety of CMV DNA thresholds for LMV interruption and preemptive antiviral therapy (PET) inception are in place across transplantation centers.

Methods: We evaluated the potential of CMV DNA doubling time (dt) in plasma to distinguish between CsCMVi and abortive CMV infection in allo-HSCT recipients on primary LMV prophylaxis.

On-line aptamer affinity solid-phase extraction capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry for procalcitonin analysis as a sepsis protein biomarker.

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by organ and tissue damage, primarily caused by bacterial infection, remains a leading cause of global mortality. This study introduces an integrated analytical method for the purification, enrichment, separation, identification, and quantification of procalcitonin (PCT), a key biomarker for sepsis, using on-line aptamer affinity solid-phase extraction capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (AA-SPE-CE-MS). The method employed SPE microcartridges packed with magnetic bead particles functionalized with a PCT-selective aptamer.

Neutralizing Antibody and T-Cell Spike Targeted Responses Following Receipt of a Monovalent Omicron JN.1-Adapted mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Immunosuppressed and Healthy Individuals.

We evaluated homologous neutralizing antibody (NtAb) and T-cell responses after receipt of a JN.1-adapted mRNA vaccine in a mixed population comprising healthy controls (HC) (n = 15), end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (n = 17), and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (allo-HCT) (n = 13). Most participants (42/45) were SARS-CoV-2-experienced at the time of immunological testing.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain-Targeted Specific Peripheral Memory B Cells in Patients With End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Replacement Therapy Following COVID-19 Vaccination.

Memory B cells (MBCs) are responsible for maintaining long-lasting functional B-cell immune responses. Little is known about the kinetics of peripheral blood (PB) SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced MBCs in end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing replacement therapies. We investigated this issue in this prospective, observational cohort study including 27 patients (9 females and 18 males; median age, 68.

Evaluation of the VIDAS Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-IGRA for Assessing CMV-Specific T-Cell Responses in Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed Individuals.

We compared the performance of the VIDAS Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) with that of laboratory-developed flow cytometry for intracellular cytokine staining (FC-ICS) for the assessment of CMV-specific interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-producing T-cell responses (CMV-CMI). A total of 147 blood specimens from 78 adult participants were collected: 11 healthy controls, 34 hematological patients (HP), of which 32 had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), and 33 Kidney transplant recipients. Of the 147 specimens, 96 tested positive, 24 negative, 25 indeterminate, and 2 were invalid by the VIDAS CMV IGRA.

Resolution of complex mixtures of duplex and antiparallel triplex DNA structures by capillary electrophoresis and multivariate analysis.

Triplex DNA structures, which are formed by the addition of an extra strand to a target B-DNA duplex, have attracted increasing interest due to their analytical and therapeutic applications. These structures are classified into parallel and antiparallel, depending on the orientation of the Triplex-Forming Oligonucleotide (TFO) relative to the B-DNA duplex. Whereas the formation of parallel triplexes is easily detected by monitoring spectral changes in the UV region, the formation of antiparallel triplexes produces small or even no spectral variations, which makes their detection difficult and uncertain.

Estimating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB.1.5 Spike-Directed Functional Antibody Levels From an Anti-Receptor Binding Domain Wuhan-Hu-1-Based Commercial Immunoassay Results.

We investigated whether antibody concentrations measured in plasma using the Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S assay (targeting the receptor binding domain, RBD) could estimate levels of Wuhan-Hu-1 and Omicron XBB.1.5 spike-directed antibodies with neutralizing ability (NtAb) or those mediating NK-cell activity.

Impact of automated nucleic acid extraction platforms on plasma Cytomegalovirus DNA loads quantitated by real-time PCR normalized to the 1st WHO international standard.

Introduction: The extent to which commercially available nucleic acid extraction platforms impact the magnitude of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA loads measured in plasma specimens by 1st WHO standard-normalized real-time PCR assays is uncertain.

Methods: This retrospective study compares the performance of Abbott m2000sp, Qiagen QIAsymphony SP, and KingFisher Flex platforms using plasma samples from allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and plasma spiked with the CMV AD169 strain. The Abbott RealTime CMV PCR assay was used for CMV DNA quantitation.

Time to positivity of Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus In Neonatal Blood Cultures as an adjunct tool to help discriminate between sepsis and contamination.

Objective: To assess the usefulness of time to positivity (TTP) to distinguish between sepsis and contamination in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates.

Study Design: Unicentric retrospective observational. Medical records of 168 patients with suspected sepsis and positive blood culture for CoNS were reviewed.

Update on Cytomegalovirus Infection Management in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients. A Consensus Document of the Spanish Group for Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy (GETH-TC).

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and in patients receiving novel hematological therapies. Its impact on morbidity and mortality necessitates effective management strategies. Despite recent advances in diagnostics and treatment, unresolved questions persist regarding monitoring and treatment, prompting the need for updated recommendations.

SARS-CoV-2-Spike T-cell response after receiving one or two Wuhan-Hu-1-based mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in elderly nursing home residents.

The effect of COVID-19 booster vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 T-cell mediated immune responses in elderly nursing home residents has not been explored in depth. Thirty-nine elderly nursing home residents (median age, 91 years) were included, all fully vaccinated with mRNA vaccines. The frequency of and the integrated mean fluorescence (iMFI) for peripheral blood SARS-CoV-2-Spike reactive IFN-γ-producing CD4 or CD8 T cells before and after the first (Pre-3D and Post-3D) and second (Pre-4D and Post-4D) vaccine booster doses was determined using flow cytometry for an intracellular staining method.

Abbott realtime MTB assay for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in respiratory specimens: a cost-benefit analysis.

Purpose: Molecular screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) can lead to rapid empirical treatment inception and reduce hospitalization time and complementary diagnostic tests. However, in low-prevalence settings, the cost-benefit balance remains controversial due to the high cost.

Methods: We used a Markov model to perform an economic analysis to evaluate the profit after implementing molecular MTB screening (Period B) compared with conventional culture testing (Period A) in respiratory samples from 7,452 consecutive subjects with presumed tuberculosis (TB).

Comparative performance of the Platelia Antigen and Galactomannan antigen Virclia Monotest immunoassays in serum and lower respiratory tract specimens: a "real-life" experience.

The Platelia Aspergillus Antigen immunoassay is the "gold standard" for Aspergillus galactomannan (GLM) measurement in sera and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). We evaluated the performance of the Aspergillus GLM antigen Virclia Monotest compared to the Platelia assay. A total of 535 specimens [320 sera, 86 bronchial aspirates (BAs), 70 BAL, and 59 tracheal aspirates (TAs)] from 177 adult patients (72 hematological, 32 Intensive Care Unit, and 73 hospitalized in other wards) were processed for GLM testing upon clinical request.

Functional antibody responses targeting the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB.1.5 in elderly nursing home residents following Wuhan-Hu-1-based mRNA booster vaccination.

The immune effector mechanisms involved in protecting against severe COVID-19 infection in elderly nursing home residents following vaccination or natural infection are not well understood. Here, we measured SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S)-directed functional antibody responses, including neutralizing antibodies (NtAb) and antibody Fc-mediated NK cell activity (degranulation and IFNγ production), against the Wuhan-Hu-1, BA.4/5 (for NtAb), and Omicron XBB.

Performance of the Roche Elecsys® IGRA SARS-CoV-2 test for the detection and quantification of virus-reactive T cells in COVID-19-vaccinated immunosuppressed patients and healthy subjects.

Purpose: Comparing the performance of commercially available SARS-CoV-2 T-cell immunoassay responses may provide useful information for future observational or intervention studies as well as to their potential customers.

Method: Whole blood was collected from a total of 183 subjects fully vaccinated against COVID-19: 55 healthy controls (Group 1), 50 hematological patients (Group 2), 50 chronic kidney disease patients (Group 3), and 28 elderly nursing home residents (Group 4). Samples were tested with the Roche Elecsys® IGRA (Interferon-gamma release assay) SARS-CoV-2 test (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz, Switzerland), the Euroimmun SARS-CoV-2 test (Euroimmun, Lubeck, Germany), the SARS-CoV-2 T Cell Analysis Kit (Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany), and a flow-cytometry for intracellular cytokine (IFN-γ) staining-based immunoassay (FC-ICS).

Outcome of Human Parainfluenza Virus infection in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients: possible impact of ribavirin therapy.

Background: This retrospective study focused on analyzing community-acquired respiratory virus (CARV) infections, in particular human parainfluenza virus (hPIV) after allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) in adults recipients. It aimed to assess the impact of ribavirin treatment, clinical characteristics, and risk factors associated with lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) progression and all-cause mortality.

Patients And Methods: The study included 230 allo-SCT recipients diagnosed with hPIV between December 2013 and June 2023.

Torque Teno Virus DNA Load in Blood as an Immune Status Biomarker in Adult Hematological Patients: The State of the Art and Future Prospects.

A solid body of scientific evidence supports the assumption that Torque teno virus (TTV) DNA load in the blood compartment may behave as a biomarker of immunosuppression in solid organ transplant recipients; in this clinical setting, high or increasing TTV DNA levels precede the occurrence of infectious complications, whereas the opposite anticipates the development of acute rejection. The potential clinical value of the TTV DNA load in blood to infer the risk of opportunistic viral infection or immune-related (i.e.

Letermovir use may impact on the Cytomegalovirus DNA fragmentation profile in plasma from allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in plasma is mainly unprotected and highly fragmented. The size of the amplicon largely explains the variation in CMV DNA loads quantified across PCR platforms. In this proof-of-concept study, we assessed whether the CMV DNA fragmentation profile may vary across allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (allo-SCT), within the same patient over time, or is affected by letermovir (LMV) use.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and lateral flow immunochromatography for rapid identification of β-lactamase-gene-harboring Enterobacterales in urine specimens: Performance and cost-benefit analyses.

In this single-center prospective study, we evaluated the performance to the MALDI-ToF MS based method in conjunction with lateral flow immunochromatographic (LFIC) in urine specimens for rapid diagnosis of bacterial Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and detection of carbapenemase and/or extended-spectrum β- lactamase (ESBL) enzymes produced by the involved bacteria, compared to standard culture, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing/genotypic resistance markers characterization performed on culture-grown colonies. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis comparing this approach against standard procedures was conducted. A total of 324 urines were included in the study, of which 288 (88.

Torque Teno Virus plasma DNA load: a novel prognostic biomarker in CAR-T therapy.

Torque Teno Virus (TTV) is a single-stranded circular DNA virus which has been identified as a surrogate marker of immune competence in transplantation. In this study we investigated the dynamics of plasma TTV DNAemia in 79 adult patients undergoing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, also evaluating the impact of TTV on immunotoxicities, response and survival outcomes. After lymphodepleting therapy, TTV DNA load was found to decrease slightly until reaching nadir around day 10, after which it increased steadily until reaching maximum load around day 90.

Multi-site performance evaluation of the Alinity m Molecular assay for quantifying Epstein-Barr virus DNA in plasma samples.

Detection and monitoring of acute infection or reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are critical for treatment decision-making and to reduce the risk of EBV-related malignancies and other associated diseases in immunocompromised individuals. The analytical and clinical performance of the Alinity m EBV assay was evaluated at two independent study sites; analytical performance was assessed by evaluating precision with a commercially available 5-member EBV verification panel, while the clinical performance of the Alinity m EBV assay was compared to the RealTi EBV assay and a laboratory-developed test (LDT) as the routine test of record (TOR). Analytical analysis demonstrated standard deviation (SD) between 0.