Intra-host SARS-CoV-2 diversity in immunocompromised people living with HIV provides insight into the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2.

Unlabelled: Ongoing viral evolution in immunocompromised individuals with persistent infection may facilitate the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and emergence of variants of concern (VOC). This study was conducted in the Western Cape Province of South Africa where the HIV prevalence is around 8%, with limited information on the frequency of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection, the pattern of evolution in these individuals, and if these variants contribute to the diversity of circulating viruses. This study investigated 75 individuals with two or more SARS-CoV-2 diagnoses at least one month apart.

Carbapenemase-encoding genes in critical gram-negative bacteria isolated from ICU patients with infections and/or gastrointestinal carriage, and environmental samples in the amhara National Regional state, Ethiopia.

Effective infection control requires identifying and eliminating carbapenemase-producing (CP) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in high-risk groups like intensive care unit (ICU) patients and from contaminated environmental surfaces. This study aimed to describe the diversity of carbapenemase-encoding genes among critical GNB isolates from ICU patients with infection and/or gastrointestinal (GI) colonization, as well as from ICU environmental surfaces in the Amhara National Regional state, Ethiopia.A total of 169 carbapenem-resistant isolates were identified, including 26 from infections, 82 from GI colonization, and 61 from environmental samples.

Telehealth Acceptance and Perceived Barriers Among Health Professionals: Pre-Post Evaluation of a Web-Based Telehealth Course.

Background: The rapid expansion of telehealth underscores the need for comprehensive telehealth education among health care professionals. Despite increasing recognition of telehealth's importance, many practitioners remain underprepared, particularly in navigating legal aspects, technology, and patient engagement.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a web-based telehealth training course on health care professionals' telehealth acceptance and their perceived barriers to telehealth adoption.

Enhancing employee well-being through a culturally adapted training program: a mixed-methods study in South Africa.

Introduction: Structured, well-being interventions are under-researched in non-Western workplaces. This study evaluates training program-a participatory, multi-component training intervention-on employee well-being, engagement and stress in South Africa.

Methods: Employing an exploratory, quasi-experimental, explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, we collected quantitative data from 50 South African respondents across three delivery formats (four half-days online, two full-days in classroom, and four half-days in classroom) at pre-training and 3 months post-training using five validated scales (PSS-4, UWES-3, SWLS, FS, WEMWBS-14).

Spatial organization within social ambrosia beetle nests limits spread of infectious disease.

Ambrosia beetles are social, fungal-farming insects that nest within tree xylem. Their close living conditions make them potentially vulnerable to microbial infectious diseases. We show that the insect pathogenic fungus effectively infects and kills adults, even within sawdust-based colony habitats.