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Invasive group B streptococcal infections in Western Australia, 2000–2018Neonatal and puerperal sepsis are major manifestations of invasive group B streptococcal (Streptococcus agalactiae; iGBS) infections. International data indicate the importance of iGBS infections among non-pregnant adults.
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Predictors of poor treatment outcomes among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Hunan province, ChinaDrug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a significant public health concern, often resulting in poor treatment outcomes. This study aims to identify predictors of poor treatment outcomes among patients with DR-TB in Hunan Province, China.
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Biases in Routine Influenza Surveillance Indicators Used to Monitor Infection Incidence and Recommendations for ImprovementMonitoring how the incidence of influenza infections changes over time is important for quantifying the transmission dynamics and clinical severity of influenza. Infection incidence is difficult to measure directly, and hence, other quantities which are more amenable to surveillance are used to monitor trends in infection levels, with the implicit assumption that they correlate with infection incidence.
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The Platform Trial In COVID-19 priming and BOOsting : The immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and safety of licensed COVID-19 vaccinations administered as a second booster in BNT162b2PICOBOO is a randomised, adaptive trial evaluating the immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and safety of COVID-19 booster strategies. Here, we present data for second boosters among individuals aged 18-<50 and 50-<70 years old primed with BNT162b2 until Day (D) 84.
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Improving the detection of congenital syphilis: reviewing test utility and adherence to recommendationsWestern Australia (WA) has experienced a resurgence of congenital syphilis. Appropriate microbiology testing of the neonate is recommended to confirm infection, including syphilis immunoglobulin M (IgM), rapid plasma reagin (RPR) paired with a maternal sample, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on placenta and nasal swabs.
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Biomarkers of vaccine safety and efficacy in vulnerable populations: Lessons from the fourth international precision vaccines conferenceVaccination has been a cornerstone of public health, substantially reducing the global burden of infectious diseases, notably evident during the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.
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The Platform trial In COVID-19 vaccine priming and BOOsting (PICOBOO) booster vaccination substudy protocolCoronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in Australia commenced in February 2021. The first vaccines recommended for use were AZD1222 and BNT162b2, both delivered as a two-dose primary schedule. In the absence of sustained immunity following immunisation, recommendations for booster vaccination have followed. It is likely that periodic boosting will be necessary for at least some Australians, but it is unknown what the optimal booster vaccines and schedules are or for whom vaccination should be recommended.
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Trimodal skin health programme for childhood impetigo control in remote Western Australia (SToP): a cluster randomised, stepped-wedge trialSkin infections affect physical health and, through stigma, social-emotional health. When untreated, they can cause life-threatening conditions. We aimed to assess the effect of a holistic, co-designed, region-wide skin control programme on the prevalence of impetigo.
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Predictive gene expression signature diagnoses neonatal sepsis before clinical presentationNeonatal sepsis is a deadly disease with non-specific clinical signs, delaying diagnosis and treatment. There remains a need for early biomarkers to facilitate timely intervention. Our objective was to identify neonatal sepsis gene expression biomarkers that could predict sepsis at birth, prior to clinical presentation.
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Association between Congenital Anomalies and Late-Onset Bacterial Infections in Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Australia and New ZealandCompromised neonatal intensive care unit neonates are at risk of acquiring late-onset infections (late-onset sepsis [LOS]). Neonates born with congenital anomalies could have an additional LOS risk.