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A whole of country analysis of antimicrobial stewardship resources, activities and barriers for children in Australian hospitals pre- and post COVID-19

We aimed to assess and identify any gaps in antimicrobial stewardship resources and activities for all hospitalised children in Australia pre- and post- the COVID-19 pandemic

BEAT-BK: An Adaptive, Randomized Controlled Trial to Treat Polyomavirus Infections (BKPyV) in Kidney and Kidney-pancreas Transplantation Recipients (BEAT-BK) Study Protocol

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a common opportunistic infection in kidney transplant recipients, typically reactivating in the context of immunosuppression. Although asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, reactivation in transplant recipients can cause BKPyV-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN), a leading cause of graft dysfunction and loss. BKPyV viremia affects approximately 10%-15% of transplant recipients, and once BKPyVAN is established, the risk of graft failure can exceed 50%.

Challenges and insights in self-swab surveillance for asymptomatic Streptococcus pyogenes carriage

Asymptomatic carriage of Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) may contribute to transmission, yet its role remains poorly understood and evidence on optimal detection methods is limited. While self-collected throat swabs are used in infectious disease surveillance, their value for identifying asymptomatic Strep A carriage in adults is uncertain. This pilot prospective cohort study, conducted at a Perth medical research institute between August and October 2024, assessed feasibility and acceptability of self-collection, with sensitivity as a secondary objective.