Influenza A(H5N1) detection in two asymptomatic poultry farm workers in Spain, September to October 2022: suspected environmental contamination
In autumn 2022, the Spanish Influenza National Reference Laboratory (NRL) confirmed the detection of influenza A(H5N1) in samples from two asymptomatic workers linked to an outbreak in a poultry farm in Spain. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken according to a national screening protocol for exposed workers. Absence of symptoms, low viral load and negative serology in both workers suggested environmental contamination. These findings motivated an update of the early detection strategy specifying timing and sampling conditions in asymptomatic exposed persons. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - February 23, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Esteban Aznar, Inmaculada Casas, Alejandro Gonz ález Praetorius, María José Ruano Ramos, Francisco Pozo, María José Sierra Moros, María Victoria García Rivera, Azucena Sánchez Sánchez, Elena García Villacieros, Gabriela Saravia, María Iglesias- Source Type: research
Protection against severe COVID-19 after second booster dose of adapted bivalent (original/Omicron BA.4-5) mRNA vaccine in persons ≥ 60 years, by time since infection, Italy, 12 September to 11 December 2022
Effectiveness against severe COVID-19 of a second booster dose of the bivalent (original/BA.4–5) mRNA vaccine 7–90 days post-administration, relative to a first booster dose of an mRNA vaccine received ≥ 120 days earlier, was ca 60% both in persons ≥ 60 years never infected and in those infected > 6 months before. Relative effectiveness in those infected 4–6 months earlier indicated no significant additional protection (10%; 95% CI:−44 to 44). A second booster vaccination 6 months after the latest infection may be warranted. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - February 23, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Massimo Fabiani, Alberto Mateo-Urdiales, Chiara Sacco, Emmanouil Alexandros Fotakis, Maria Cristina Rota, Daniele Petrone, Marco Bressi, Martina Del Manso, Andrea Siddu, Giorgio Fedele, Paola Stefanelli, Antonino Bella, Flavia Riccardo, Anna Teresa Palama Source Type: research
SARS-CoV-2 molecular epidemiology in Slovenia, January to September 2021
ConclusionInformation on SARS-CoV-2 variant diversity provided context to the epidemiological data of PCR-positive cases, contributed to control of the initial spread of known VOC and influenced epidemiological measures. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - February 23, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Sandra Janezic, Aleksander Mahnic, Ur ška Kuhar, Jernej Kovač, Barbara Jenko Bizjan, Tom Koritnik, Tine Tesovnik, Robert Šket, Uroš Krapež, Brigita Slavec, Tadej Malovrh, Tadej Battelino, Maja Rupnik, Tjasa Zohar Cretnik, NLZOH COVID-19 team and CISL Source Type: research
Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster in the pre-vaccination era: establishing the baseline for vaccination programme ’s impact in Spain
ConclusionOf all patients hospitalised with HZ, those with greater risk of mortality or readmission belonged to the groups prioritised by the current vaccination recommendations of the Spanish Ministry of Health. Our study provided relevant information on clinical aspects of HZ and established the base for future assessments of vaccination policies. (Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - February 23, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Carlos Risco Risco, Zaida Herrador, Noem í Lopez-Parea, Diego Martínez-Urbistondo, Rafael Suárez del Villar Carrero and Josefa Masa-Calles Source Type: research
Authors ’ response: Highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) viruses in farmed mink outbreak contain a disrupted second sialic acid binding site in neuraminidase, similar to human influenza A viruses
(Source: Eurosurveillance)
Source: Eurosurveillance - February 16, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Montserrat Ag üero, Isabella Monne, Azucena Sánchez, Bianca Zecchin, Alice Fusaro, María José Ruano, Manuel del Valle Arrojo, Ricardo Fernández-Antonio, Antonio Manuel Souto, Pedro Tordable, Julio Cañás, Francesco Bonfante, Edoardo Giussani, Caloge Source Type: research
