Microorganisms Linked to Health Care-Associated Infections: Modernization of Terminology Resources for Reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network.

The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) needed a modernized approach to manage resources containing standardized terminology that specify microorganism data submitted electronically for legacy reporting. Health care-associated infections (HAIs) reported to NHSN require the submission of data regarding specific microorganisms attributed to the patient's condition. Data on microorganisms submitted to the NHSN electronically must use the SNOMED CT terminology standard.

Evaluation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Case Definitions in a Prospective Cohort of Healthcare Personnel in Peru.

Background: Public health agencies employ case definitions for influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections to optimize surveillance, monitor disease trends, and inform decision-making, particularly in limited resource settings.

Methods: Using a prospective healthcare personnel cohort in two hospitals in Lima, Peru (July 2022-June 2023), we compared and evaluated the performance of three symptom profiles of three common surveillance case definitions to identify influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections: influenza-like illness, coronavirus disease 2019-like illness (CLI), and acute respiratory infection. Participants with an acute respiratory illness reported symptom progression twice weekly.

Applying principles to practice: cleaning and disinfection of extended reality equipment used in healthcare settings.

The use of extended reality (XR) for education of healthcare personnel (HCP) is increasing. XR equipment is reusable and often shared between HCP in clinical areas; however, it may not include manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU) in healthcare settings. Considerations for the selection of equipment and development of cleaning and disinfection protocols are described.

Estimated density of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto-infected Ixodes scapularis nymphs in the eastern United States.

Background: Most vector-borne disease cases reported in the United States are caused by pathogens spread by blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis. Of these, a majority are Lyme disease cases caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.

Heterogeneity across mammalian- and avian-origin A(H1N1) influenza viruses influences viral infectivity following incubation with host bacteria from the human respiratory tract.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are primarily transmitted between mammals by the respiratory route and encounter bacteria in the respiratory tract before infecting susceptible epithelial cells. Previous studies have shown that mammalian-origin IAV can bind to the surface of different bacterial species and purified bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), but despite the broad host range of IAV, few studies have included avian-origin IAV in these assessments. Since IAVs that circulate in humans and birds are well adapted to replication in the human respiratory and avian gastrointestinal tracts, respectively, we investigated the ability of multiple human and avian A(H1N1) IAVs to associate with bacteria and their surface components isolated from both host niches.

Infectivity duration of HCoV-OC43, a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2, in artificial bodily fluids on stainless steel simulating common nonporous surfaces.

We investigated the infectivity and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces by enlisting human beta-coronavirus OC43 as a surrogate. This study evaluated its stability on nonporous stainless steel surfaces under two absolute humidity (AH) conditions when embedded in three mucin concentrations to mimic natural contamination with bodily fluids commonly occurring in healthcare environments.Stainless steel coupons were inoculated with OC43 in artificial saliva with mucin concentrations of 0%, 0.

Risk factors for joint bleeding in severe hemophilia A and B: analysis of the Community Counts longitudinal surveillance cohort.

Joint bleeding is the primary determinant of end-stage arthropathy in hemophilia; joint bleeding has greatly decreased with the use of prophylaxis and introduction of highly effective therapies. This study aimed to determine current risk factors for joint bleeding in persons with severe hemophilia A or B. Demographic, treatment, and bleeding outcome data from Community Counts, a US national surveillance project, were analyzed.

Seasonal variations in child mortality during the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone.

Purpose: Under-five mortality is a key indicator of child health, and a measure of the quality of healthcare in a country. Seasonality affecting under-five deaths is not well understood. We reviewed seasonal variations of mortality among infants under one year, children under five years, and stillbirths in Sierra Leone using data collected continuously during the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.

Opinion: Ecologists and entomologists wanted! An open invitation to alpha-gal syndrome research.

In this Opinion, the authors investigated peer-reviewed publications on alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), also known as red meat allergy, since its first description in the literature in 2009 to October 2024 to understand academic discipline and geographic affiliation of associated authors. We raise the issue of disproportionate contribution between medical disciplines and ecology/entomology disciplines and emphasize the positive future impacts of increased collaboration between the fields to address current gaps in our fundamental knowledge of this unique tick-borne disease.

An epigenome-wide association study in the case-control study to explore early development identifies differential DNA methylation near ZFP57 as associated with autistic traits.

Background: Quantitative measures of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related traits can provide insight into trait presentation across the population. Previous studies have identified epigenomic variation associated with ASD diagnosis, but few have evaluated quantitative traits. We sought to identify DNA methylation patterns in child blood associated with Social Responsiveness Scale score, Second Edition (SRS).

Safety and immunogenicity of novel live attenuated type 1 and type 3 oral poliomyelitis vaccines in healthy adults in the USA: a first-in-human, observer-masked, multicentre, phase 1 randomised controlled trial.

Background: Reducing the risks of vaccine-derived polioviruses and vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis motivated the development of novel types 1 and 3 oral poliovirus vaccines (nOPV1 and nOPV3, respectively), designed to have similar safety and immunogenicity and improved genetic stability (to reduce risk of reversion to neurovirulence) relative to types 1 or 3 Sabin-strain OPVs. We aimed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of nOPV1 and nOPV3 in healthy adults.

Methods: We did a first-in-human, observer-masked, multicentre, phase 1 randomised controlled trial in healthy adults at four centres in the USA.

Real-World Ibrexafungerp Use Patterns Among Patients with Commercial Health Insurance, United States, 2021-2023.

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common gynecological complaint. Ibrexafungerp (brand name: Brexafemme®) is a new, first-in-class oral antifungal medication approved as a 1-day treatment for VVC and as a monthly treatment to reduce frequency of recurrent VVC.

Objective: This article describes characteristics of patients who received ibrexafungerp and potential ibrexafungerp-related side effects in order to help inform optimal future use of this medication.

Maternal factors associated with plasma concentrations of endocrine-disrupting persistent organic pollutants including PFAS among Hispanic women from pregnancy to the post-delivery period.

Objective: Upon exposure, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulate in the body. One-time point measurement of POPs plasma concentrations can reflect body burden. This study aimed to assess whether maternal factors including age, breastfeeding, and weight, influence changes in plasma concentrations of POPs in women during critical periods of physical changes from pregnancy to 15-60 months after delivery.

E-Cigarette Use and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Among US Middle and High School Students.

Introduction: E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among youth. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the developing brain. Youth e-cigarette use is associated with poor mental health.

Use of Cancer Screening Tests, United States, 2023.

Introduction: The objective of this analysis was to provide national estimates for use of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests, including for the recently expanded CRC screening age group (ages 45-75 y).

Methods: We used data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey to estimate proportions of screening-eligible adults up to date with breast (women aged 50-74 y), cervical (women aged 21-65 y), and CRC screening (adults aged 45-75 y). We compared breast and CRC estimates age-standardized to the 2000 US standard population to Healthy People 2030 (HP2030) targets.

Surveillance for adverse events following use of live attenuated chikungunya vaccine, United States, 2024, and the associated public health response in 2024 and 2025.

A live attenuated chikungunya vaccine (IXCHIQ) received licensure in the United States (US) for ≥ 18-year-olds in November 2023. Post-licensure safety surveillance identified 28 adverse events in 2024 among US persons, including six neurological or cardiac serious adverse events (SAEs) in males ≥ 65 years. In early 2025, providers were alerted, a precaution for older persons was issued and vaccine guidance was updated.

Emergency Supply Kits and Medical Self-Sufficiency: Lessons from Hurricane Ian.

Objectives: Emergency supply kits (ESKs) may support disaster-related self-sufficiency and may be important for people with chronic health conditions (CHCs). However, evidence of ESK's effectiveness in supporting self-sufficiency is lacking. This study examined associations between households possessing ESKs and 1) household members leaving home for medicine and 2) individuals with CHCs seeking medical care.

Tuberculosis in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults in California, 2000-2023.

Objectives: To identify trends in pediatric tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology in California and measure progress in reducing health disparities.

Methods: Demographic, clinical, and neighborhood health support data in persons younger than 25 years with TB during 2000-2023 in California were analyzed across age groups.

Results: A total of 8249 individuals younger than 25 years were identified with active TB.

Associations between persistent organic pollutants and thyroid-related hormones and homeostasis parameters in middle-aged to older men and postmenopausal women: The HCHS/SOL.

Background: Previous research has yielded inconsistent results on associations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with thyroid hormones, which has been implicated in diabetes development. Studies specifically investigating associations with hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) homeostasis parameters or associations in postmenopausal women are limited.

Methods: Using baseline examination data between 2008 and 2011, we studied 1073 men and 716 postmenopausal women participating in an ancillary study of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

Productivity Losses From Nonfatal Injuries in the U.S.

Introduction: Information on productivity losses due to nonfatal injuries is limited. This study estimated annual productivity losses attributable to nonfatal injuries among U.S.

Serum-equivalency comparison, detection, and quantification of Group B anti-capsular polysaccharide antibodies from dried blood spots.

A standardized multiplex immunoassay (MIA) to quantify group B (GBS) anti-capsular polysaccharide (CPS) IgG serum concentrations was adopted by the roup B Streptococcal ssay andardizati (GASTON) consortium as a standardized serological assay with the most immediate applications for facilitating the licensure of GBS vaccines. However, dried blood spot (DBS) samples offer advantages for immunological studies, including cost-effectiveness, ease of transport, and storage. To determine suitability of DBS as an alternative sample matrix to serum in MIA, a contrived GBS seropositive panel, including matched DBS and serum samples, was prepared using established methods.

Evaluation of Immune Responses to Tdap Booster During Pregnancy in Women Who Received Whole Cell or Acellular Pertussis Vaccines During Childhood.

Pertussis, caused by (), results in severe morbidity and mortality in infants. Since 2012, the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) booster vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy to protect infants who are too young to be immunized. While infants of whole cell pertussis vaccine (wPV)-primed pregnant individuals are well protected from severe disease, the effectiveness of this strategy has not been assessed in acellular pertussis vaccine (aPV)-primed pregnant women.

Global sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological profiling of patients with mycetoma: A systematic review.

Background: Mycetoma is a neglected tropical disease that affects subcutaneous tissues. This chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease often leads to high morbidity rates, including amputation, disability and social stigma. Despite its substantial impact, the epidemiology of mycetoma remains largely unknown.

Perceptions of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among health care personnel in Thailand, 2024.

Background: Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended for health care personnel (HCP) in Thailand, but uptake depends on HCP perceptions and motivations.

Methods: To assess factors associated with self-reported influenza vaccination in the most recent season and intention to receive future COVID-19 vaccination annually, HCP from 16 hospitals across eight Thailand provinces were surveyed during December 2023 through January 2024. Additional survey variables included demographic and occupational characteristics, prior experiences with vaccination, perceptions of disease severity and vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Global Emergence of Antifungal-Resistant Dermatophytosis Caused by Trichophyton indotineae (Formerly T. mentagrophytes ITS Genotype VIII): A Genomic Investigation Involving 14 Countries.

Background And Objective: Trichophyton indotineae is a globally emerging, frequently antifungal-resistant fungus causing severe dermatophytosis. To inform prevention efforts, we analysed the genomic epidemiology and resistance to terbinafine (first-line oral antifungal) from a collection of multinational T. indotineae isolates collected from patients with clinically suspected dermatophytosis during 2016-2023.