| 41. |
- Klingspor, L., et al.
(author)
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Epidemiology of fungaemia in Sweden: A nationwide retrospective observational survey
- 2018
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In: Mycoses. - : Wiley. - 0933-7407 .- 1439-0507. ; 61:10, s. 777-785
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectivesTo identify the epidemiology and antifungal susceptibilities of Candida spp. among blood culture isolates to identify the epidemiology and antifungal susceptibilities of Candida spp. among blood culture isolates in Sweden. MethodsThe study was a retrospective, observational nationwide laboratory-based surveillance for fungaemia and fungal meningitis and was conducted from September 2015 to August 2016. ResultsIn total, 488 Candida blood culture isolates were obtained from 471 patients (58% males). Compared to our previous study, the incidence of candidaemia has increased from 4.2/100000 (2005-2006) to 4.7/100000 population/year (2015-2016). The three most common Candida spp. isolated from blood cultures were Candida albicans (54.7%), Candida glabrata (19.7%) and species in the Candida parapsilosis complex (9.4%). Candida resistance to fluconazole was 2% in C.albicans and between 0% and 100%, in non-albicans species other than C.glabrata and C.krusei. Resistance to voriconazole was rare, except for C.glabrata, C.krusei and C.tropicalis. Resistance to anidulafungin was 3.8% while no Candida isolate was resistant to amphotericin B. ConclusionsWe report an overall increase in candidaemia but a minor decrease of C.albicans while C.glabrata and C.parapsilosis remain constant over this 10-year period.
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
- Oltean, Mihai, 1976, et al.
(author)
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Covid-19 in kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review of the case series available three months into the pandemic.
- 2020
-
In: Infectious diseases (London, England). - : Informa UK Limited. - 2374-4243 .- 2374-4235. ; 52:11, s. 830-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ranges from a mild illness to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiorgan dysfunction, and death. Transplant recipients are vulnerable due to comorbidities and immunosuppressants that render them susceptible to infections. The information on COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients remains limited to small case series.A systematic literature search was conducted, and 12 case series totalling 204 kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 were identified. Data were extracted, pooled and analysed.Most patients (74%) were men. The most frequent symptoms were fever (76%), cough (64%) and dyspnoea (43%). At admission, over 70% of the patients had abnormal radiological findings. Leukocyte counts were in the lower normal range. C-reactive protein, ferritin, and D-dimer were consistently increased. Treatments included lowering immunosuppression, hydroxychloroquine, antivirals, tocilizumab and intravenous immunoglobulins. Thirty-one percent of the patients were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), and 16% required intubation. The overall mortality was 21.2%. Patients who died were significantly older than those who survived (61±12 vs. 51±15, p<.01). Logistic regression revealed that the odds for death increased by 4.3% for each additional year of age (odds ratio [OR] 1.043, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.005-1.083, p value=.0265).No substantial conclusions could be drawn on the efficacy of any particular treatment. More rigorous patient stratification is needed when analysing and reporting data to facilitate future meta-analyses.
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| 44. |
- Rhedin, Samuel, et al.
(author)
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Myxovirus resistance protein A for discriminating between viral and bacterial lower respiratory tract infections in children- The TREND study
- 2022
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In: Clinical Microbiology and Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 1198-743X .- 1469-0691. ; 28:9, s. 1251-1257
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Discriminating between viral and bacterial lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children is challenging, leading to an excessive use of antibiotics. Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) is a promising biomarker for viral infections. The primary aim of the study was to assess differences in blood MxA levels between children with viral and bacterial LRTI. Secondary aims were to assess differences in blood MxA levels between children with viral LRTI and asymptomatic controls and to assess MxA levels in relation to different respiratory viruses. Methods: Children with LRTI were enrolled as cases at Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Nasopharyngeal aspirates and blood samples for analysis of viral PCR, MxA, and C-reactive protein were systematically collected from all study subjects in addition to standard laboratory/radiology assessment. Aetiology was defined according to an algorithm based on laboratory and radiological findings. Asymptomatic children with minor surgical disease were enrolled as controls. Results: MxA levels were higher in children with viral LRTI (n = 242) as compared to both bacterial (n = 5) LRTI (p < 0.01, area under the curve (AUC) 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81 to 0.99), and controls (AUC 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.95). In the subgroup of children with pneumonia diagnosis, a cutoff of MxA 430 mg/l discriminated between viral (n = 29) and bacterial (n = 4) aetiology with 93% (95% CI: 78-99%) sensi-tivity and 100% (95% CI: 51-100%) specificity (AUC 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.00). The highest MxA levels were seen in cases PCR positive for influenza (median MxA 1699 mg/l, interquartile range: 732 to 2996) and respiratory syncytial virus (median MxA 1115 mg/l, interquartile range: 679 to 2489). Discussion: MxA accurately discriminated between viral and bacterial aetiology in children with LRTI, particularly in the group of children with pneumonia diagnosis, but the number of children with bacterial LRTI was low.
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| 45. |
- Sandström, Göran, et al.
(author)
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Helicobacter pylori Antibodies and Iron Deficiency in Female Adolescents.
- 2014
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In: PloS one. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 9:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Iron deficiency (ID) is a common clinical problem worldwide, affecting primarily females. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection has been shown to be associated with ID. The objective of this study was to define the prevalence of HP antibodies in female adolescents, and to find out if there was a correlation between HP infection and ID. The secondary aim was to study if regularly performed sporting activity, have any association to HP infection, in itself.
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| 46. |
- Skogman, Barbro H., et al.
(author)
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The NeBoP score : a clinical prediction test for evaluation of children with Lyme Neuroborreliosis in Europe
- 2015
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In: BMC Pediatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2431. ; 15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in Europe is based on clinical symptoms and laboratory data, such as pleocytosis and anti-Borrelia antibodies in serum and CSF according to guidelines. However, the decision to start antibiotic treatment on admission cannot be based on Borrelia serology since results are not available at the time of lumbar puncture. Therefore, an early prediction test would be useful in clinical practice. The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a clinical prediction test for children with LNB in a relevant European setting. Method: Clinical and laboratory data were collected retrospectively from a cohort of children being evaluated for LNB in Southeast Sweden. A clinical neuroborreliosis prediction test, the NeBoP score, was designed to differentiate between a high and a low risk of having LNB. The NeBoP score was then prospectively validated in a cohort of children being evaluated for LNB in Central and Southeast Sweden (n = 190) and controls with other specific diagnoses (n = 49). Results: The sensitivity of the NeBoP score was 90 % (CI 95 %; 82-99 %) and the specificity was 90 % (CI 95 %; 85-96 %). Thus, the diagnostic accuracy (i.e. how the test correctly discriminates patients from controls) was 90 % and the area under the curve in a ROC analysis was 0.95. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 0.83 (CI 95 %; 0.75-0.93) and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 0.95 (CI 95 %; 0.90-0.99). Conclusion: The overall diagnostic performance of the NeBoP score is high (90 %) and the test is suggested to be useful for decision-making about early antibiotic treatment in children being evaluated for LNB in European Lyme endemic areas.
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| 47. |
- Söfteland, John M., 1977, et al.
(author)
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COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients : A national cohort study from Sweden
- 2021
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In: American Journal of Transplantation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1600-6135 .- 1600-6143. ; 21:8, s. 2762-2773
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients run a high risk for adverse outcomes from COVID-19, with reported mortality around 19%. We retrospectively reviewed all known Swedish SOT recipients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 between March 1 and November 20, 2020 and analyzed patient characteristics, management, and outcome. We identified 230 patients with a median age of 54.0 years (13.2), who were predominantly male (64%). Most patients were hospitalized (64%), but 36% remained outpatients. Age >50 and male sex were among predictors of transition from outpatient to inpatient status. National early warning Score 2 (NEWS2) at presentation was higher in non-survivors. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 9.6% (15.0% for inpatients), increased with age and BMI, and was higher in men. Renal function decreased during COVID-19 but recovered in most patients. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were identified in 78% of patients at 1-2 months post-infection. Nucleocapsid-specific antibodies decreased to 38% after 6-7 months, while spike-specific antibody responses were more durable. Seroprevalence in 559 asymptomatic patients was 1.4%. Many patients can be managed on an outpatient basis aided by risk stratification with age, sex, and NEWS2 score. Factors associated with adverse outcomes include older age, male sex, greater BMI, and a higher NEWS2 score.
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| 48. |
- Wanat, M., et al.
(author)
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Supporting Primary Care Professionals to Stay in Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Views on Personal Risk and Access to Testing During the First Wave of Pandemic in Europe
- 2021
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In: Frontiers in Medicine. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-858X. ; 8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Minimising primary care professionals' (PCPs) risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial to ensure their safety as well as functioning health care system. PCPs' perspectives on the support they needed in the early stages of a public health crisis can inform future preparedness. Aim: To understand PCPs' experiences of providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with focus on personal risk from COVID-19 and testing. Design and Setting: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with PCPs in England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Greece and Sweden, between April and July 2020. Method: Interviews were analysed using a combination of inductive and deductive thematic analysis techniques. Results: Eighty interviews were conducted, showing that PCPs tried to make sense of their risk of both contracting and severity of COVID-19 by assessing individual risk factors and perceived effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They had limited access to PPE yet continued providing care as their "duty." Some PCPs felt that they were put in high-risk situations when patients or colleagues were not flagging symptoms of COVID-19. Not having access to testing in the initial stages of the pandemic was somewhat accepted but when available, was valued. Conclusion: Access to adequate PPE and testing, as well as training for staff and education for patients about the importance of ensuring staff safety is crucial. Given PCPs' varied response in how they appraised personal risk and their tolerance for working, PCPs may benefit from the autonomy in deciding how they want to work during health emergencies.
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| 49. |
- Linge, Helena, et al.
(author)
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The Antibacterial Chemokine MIG/CXCL9 Is Constitutively Expressed in Epithelial Cells of the Male Urogenital Tract and Is Present in Seminal Plasma.
- 2008
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In: Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1079-9907 .- 1557-7465. ; 28:3, s. 190-196
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ABSTRACT The integrity of the urogenital tract against potentially invasive pathogens is important for the health of the individual, fertilization, and continuance of species. Antibiotic peptides with broad antimicrobial activity, among them chemokines, are part of the innate immune system. We investigated the presence of the antibacterial interferon (IFN)-dependent CXC chemokines, MIG/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10, and I-TAC/CXCL11, in the human male reproductive system. MIG/CXCL9 was detected at 25.0 nM (range 8.1-40.6 nM; n = 14), whereas IP-10/CXCL10 and I-TAC/CXCL11 were detected at lower levels (mean 1.8 nM, range 0.3-5.8 nM and mean 0.6, 0.2-1.6 nM, respectively) in seminal plasma of fertile donors. The levels of MIG/CXCL9 are more than 300-fold higher than those previously reported in blood plasma. In vasectomized donors, significantly lower levels of MIG/CXCL9 (mean 14.7 nM, range 6.6-21.8) were found, suggesting that the testis and epididymis, in addition to the prostate, significantly contribute to the MIG/CXCL9 content of seminal plasma. Strong expression of MIG/CXCL9 was found in the epithelium of testis, epididymis, and prostate, as detected by immunohistochemistry. MIG/CXCL9 at concentrations in the order of those found in seminal plasma possessed antibacterial activity against the urogenital pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The relatively high levels of MIG/CXCL9 in seminal plasma point to roles for this chemokine in both host defense of the male urogenital tract and during fertilization.
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| 50. |
- Nordahl, Emma, et al.
(author)
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Domain 5 of high molecular weight kininogen is antibacterial.
- 2005
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In: Journal of Biological Chemistry. - 1083-351X. ; 280:41, s. 34832-34839
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Antimicrobial peptides are important effectors of the innate immune system. These peptides belong to a multifunctional group of molecules that apart from their antibacterial activities also interact with mammalian cells and glycosaminoglycans and control chemotaxis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Here we demonstrate a novel antimicrobial activity of the heparin-binding and cell-binding domain 5 of high molecular weight kininogen. Antimicrobial epitopes of domain 5 were characterized by analysis of overlapping peptides. A peptide, HKH20 (His(479) - His(498)), efficiently killed the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis. Fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy demonstrated that HKH20 binds to and induces breaks in bacterial membranes. Furthermore, no discernible hemolysis or membrane-permeabilizing effects on eukaryotic cells were noted. Proteolytic degradation of high molecular weight kininogen by neutrophil-derived proteases as well as the metalloproteinase elastase from P. aeruginosa yielded fragments comprising HKH20 epitopes, indicating that kininogen-derived antibacterial peptides are released during proteolysis.
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