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- COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Against Hospitalization in Older Adults, VEBIS Hospital Network, Europe, September 2024-May 2025Publication . Rojas-Castro, Madelyn; Verdasca, Nuno; Monge, Susana; De Mot, Laurane; Trobajo-Sanmartín, Camino; Duffy, Róisín; Túri, Gergő; Kuliese, Monika; Duerrwald, Ralf; Borg, Maria-Louise; Popovici, Odette; Gomez, Verónica; Makarić, Zvjezdana Lovrić; Launay, Odile; Marques, Diogo F.P.; Pozo, Francisco; Witdouck, Arne; Martínez-Baz, Iván; Fitzgerald, Margaret; Oroszi, Beatrix; Jančorienė, Ligita; Buda, Silke; Dziugyte, Ausra; Lazăr, Mihaela; Machado, Ausenda; Tabain, Irena; Nguyen, Liem Binh Luong; Wagner, Eva Rivas; Dufrasne, François; Castilla, Jesús; Domegan, Lisa; Velkey, Viktória; Majauskaite, Fausta; Hackmann, Carolin; Nicolay, Nathalie; Bacci, Sabrina; Rose, Angela M.C.; European Hospital Vaccine Effectiveness GroupWe estimated COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 hospitalization in patients ≥ 60 years with severe acute respiratory infection, using a multicenter, test-negative, case-control study across seven sites in six European countries between September 2024 and May 2025. We included 352 cases (115 vaccinated; 33%) and 9980 controls (5024 vaccinated; 50%). VE was 42% (95% CI: 15; 61) 14-59 days post-vaccination, 32% (95% CI: -1; 54) at 60-119 days, and 36% (95% CI: 2; 60) at 120-179 days, and no effect thereafter. Among adults aged 60-79 and ≥ 80 years, we observed moderate VE against COVID-19 hospitalization for up to 2 and 4 months, respectively.
- Detection of Echinococcus spp. and other taeniid species in lettuces and berries: Two international multicenter studies from the MEmE projectPublication . Umhang, Gérald; Bastien, Fanny; Cartet, Alexandra; Ahmad, Haroon; van der Ark, Kees; Berg, Rebecca; Bonelli, Piero; Davidson, Rebecca K.; Deplazes, Peter; Deksne, Gunita; Gargate, Maria João; Van der Giessen, Joke; Jamil, Naila; Jokelainen, Pikka; Karamon, Jacek; M'Rad, Selim; Maksimov, Pavlo; Oudni-M'Rad, Myriam; Muchaamba, Gillian; Oksanen, Antti; Pepe, Paola; Poulle, Marie-Lazarine; Rinaldi, Laura; Samorek-Pieróg, Małgorzata; Santolamazza, Federica; Santoro, Azzurra; Santucciu, Cinzia; Saarma, Urmas; Schnyder, Manuela; Villena, Isabelle; Wassermann, Marion; Casulli, Adriano; Boué, FranckCystic and alveolar echinococcosis are severe zoonotic diseases characterized by long asymptomatic periods lasting months or years. Viable Echinococcus spp. eggs released into the environment through the feces of canids can infect humans through accidental ingestion via hand-to-mouth contact or consumption of contaminated food or water. Both Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato are considered as foodborne parasites. However, when considering possible pathways of human infection, it appears that food and water-borne related variables do not significantly increase the risk of infection. Providing evidence-based data for the presence of DNA and, potentially, eggs in fresh produce is crucial in understanding foodborne transmission of Echinococcus spp. to humans. Two multicenter and multicountry studies were conducted within the One Health EJP framework to estimate the proportion of lettuces and berries contaminated by E. multilocularis, E. granulosus sensu lato, and other taeniid DNAs from a total of 12 European countries, Tunisia and Pakistan. A total of 1117 lettuces, 71 others vegetables, 300 strawberries, 130 blueberries and 50 others berries samples were collected and analysed by washing, sequential sieving and real-time PCRs. E. multilocularis DNA was detected in 1.2 % (7/570) of lettuce samples tested from the seven European endemic countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland) and in 2 % (2/100) from Pakistan. E. granulosus sensu lato DNA was identified in 1.3 % of lettuces (9/695) collected in five European endemic countries (France, Italy, Latvia, Poland and Portugal) and in 12 % (9/75) and 4 % (4/100) from Tunisia and Pakistan, respectively. All E. granulosus sensu lato samples were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (20/22), except for two identified as E. canadensis (2/22) from Latvia and Pakistan. Regarding berries, E. multilocularis DNA was detected in 5.4 % (n = 11/202) of strawberries, 7.3 % (6/82) of blueberries from the seven European endemic countries and 56 % (14/25) of blueberries from Pakistan. High contamination rates of E. granulosus sensu stricto were found outside of Europe, with 12.0 % (3/25) in blueberries from Pakistan and 81.3 %. (13/16) in strawberries from Tunisia. The total contamination rate of all taeniid species DNA in lettuces (5.3 %; 59/1117), others vegetables (5.6 %; 4/71) and berries (12.1 %; 58/480) suggests that the transfer of taeniid eggs from carnivore feces to food is not uncommon. Although we assume that eggs are the source of the DNA detected in this study, the viability of such eggs is unknown. The detection of Echinococcus species in lettuces and berries suggests a potential risk of foodborne human infection. The relative contribution of this risk remains to be estimated. Further studies on food and environmental contamination are necessary to cover different epidemiological contexts and social habits, leading to a better understanding of human infections by Echinococcus spp. eggs.
- Effectiveness of the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 Vaccines Against SARS-CoV-2 Hospitalisation Among Adults Aged ≥ 65 Years During the BA.2.86/JN.1 Predominant Period, VEBIS Hospital Study, Europe, November 2023 to May 2024Publication . Antunes, Liliana; Rojas-Castro, Madelyn; Lozano, Marcos; Martínez-Baz, Iván; Leroux-Roels, Isabel; Borg, Maria-Louise; Oroszi, Beatrix; Fitzgerald, Margaret; Dürrwald, Ralf; Jancoriene, Ligita; Machado, Ausenda; Petrović, Goranka; Lazar, Mihaela; Součková, Lenka; Bacci, Sabrina; Howard, Jennifer; Verdasca, Nuno; Basile, Luca; Castilla, Jesús; Ternest, Silke; Džiugytė, Aušra; Túri, Gergő; Duffy, Roisin; Hackmann, Carolin; Kuliese, Monika; Gomez, Verónica; Makarić, Zvjezdana Lovrić; Marin, Alexandru; Husa, Petr; Nicolay, Nathalie; Rose, Angela M. C.; VEBIS SARI VE network teamWe estimated the effectiveness of the adapted monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines against PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 hospitalisation during the BA.2.86/JN.1 lineage-predominant period using a multicentre test-negative case-control study in Europe. We included older adults (≥ 65 years) hospitalised with severe acute respiratory infection from November 2023 to May 2024. Vaccine effectiveness was 46% at 14-59 days and 34% at 60-119 days, with no effect thereafter. The XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines conferred protection against BA.2.86 lineage hospitalisation in the first 4 months post-vaccination.
- Genomic diversity of Enterobacteriaceae on food-processing surfaces: an overlooked non-clinical setting with public health implicationsPublication . Peixoto, Andreia; Nova, Lúcia; Mourão, Joana; Matos, Cátia; Santos, Susana; Rodrigues, João; Saraiva, Margarida; Correia, Cristina Belo; Batista, Rita; Peixe, Luísa; Novais, Carla; Antunes, PatríciaBacterial hazards on contaminated surfaces in food-processing environments pose significant food safety risks. Hygiene monitoring of surfaces in direct or indirect contact with food typically relies on a limited set of bacterial indicators, such as Enterobacteriaceae counts. However, their genomic diversity remains poorly characterised. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive genomic characterisation of Enterobacteriaceae recovered from food-contact surfaces after cleaning and disinfection with biocides in foodservice units. Diverse strains were identified, with some STs shared across samples and/or foodservices. - A diverse Enterobacteriaceae population persists on food-contact surfaces even after cleaning and disinfection with biocides, with evidence of cross-contamination. - These surfaces represent critical points of contact for strains that are genetically similar to those circulating in food, environment, and human clinical sources, including strains carrying clinically relevant AMR genes. - Further research is needed to understand the factors driving their persistence and dissemination in foodservice environments, aiming to enhance food safety risk management protocols and protect public health.
- The impact of orthopoxvirus vaccination and Mpox infection on cross-protective immunity: a multicohort observational studyPublication . Crandell, Jameson; Pischel, Lauren; Fang, Zhenhao; Conde, Luciana; Zhong, Yi; Lawres, Lauren; Meira de Asis, Gustavo; Maciel, Gabriela; Zaleski, Agnieszka; Lira, Guilherme S.; Higa, Luiza M.; Breban, Mallery I.; Vogels, Chantal B.F.; Caria, João; Pinto, Ana Raquel; Almeida, Vasco; Maltez, Fernando; Cordeiro, Rita; Póvoas, Diana; Grubaugh, Nathan D.; Aoun-Barakat, Lydia; Grifoni, Alba; Sette, Alessandro; Castineiras, Terezinha M.; Chen, Sidi; Yildirim, Inci; Vale, Andre M.; Omer, Saad B.Background: Cross-reactive immune memory responses to orthopoxviruses in humans remain poorly characterised despite their relevance for vaccine design and outbreak control. We aimed to assess the magnitude, specificity, and durability of cross-reactive immune responses elicited by smallpox vaccines and mpox virus infection. Methods: We did a multicohort observational study involving participants from the USA, Brazil, and Portugal across four groups: Dryvax (first-generation smallpox vaccine) recipients vaccinated 40-80 years ago, JYNNEOS (third-generation smallpox vaccine) recipients vaccinated within the past year, a cohort receiving both vaccines, and patients infected with clade IIb mpox. Samples were analysed for systemic and mucosal humoral responses, neutralising antibody titres, viral antigen structural analysis, and T-cell cross-reactivity to vaccina virus, cowpox virus, and mpox virus. Statistical analyses included correlation assessments and comparisons across cohorts to determine the magnitude, longevity, and breadth of immune responses. Findings: Between July 7, 2022, and Aug 3, 2023, 262 participants were recruited, resulting in analysis of 378 samples. Both first-generation and third-generation smallpox vaccines elicited vaccinia virus-reactive and mpox virus-reactive antibodies, with the strongest responses targeting the less conserved extracellular virion antigens B5 and A33. Despite high concentrations of anti-mpox virus antibodies in the plasma, cross-neutralisation activity correlated with viral antigenic distance. Higher neutralisation was observed for cowpox virus than for mpox virus, which has lower antigenic conservation with vaccina virus. Complement-mediated neutralisation enhanced mpox virus neutralisation, overcoming the limitations of antigenic distance. Dryvax recipients sustained vaccina virus neutralisation titres for over 80 years, whereas cross-reactive responses did not show this durability. JYNNEOS-induced responses waned within a year. T-cell cross-reactivity was long-lasting, detected up to 70 years after vaccination. Booster vaccinations augmented the magnitude, breadth, and longevity of cross-neutralising responses. Interpretation: Our findings highlight the potential combined role of antibody effector functions and T-cell memory in cross-protection against orthopoxviruses. Complement-mediated neutralisation enhances cross-protection, overcoming antigenic distance. These Fc-mediated functions, along with T-cell responses, contribute to effective and long-lasting immunity conferred by smallpox vaccines against other orthopoxviruses.
- Influenza vaccine effectiveness in Europe and the birth cohort effect against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09: VEBIS primary care multicentre study, 2023/24Publication . Kissling, Esther; Maurel, Marine; Pozo, Francisco; Pérez-Gimeno, Gloria; Buda, Silke; Sève, Noémie; Domegan, Lisa; Hooiveld, Mariëtte; Oroszi, Beatrix; Martínez-Baz, Iván; Guiomar, Raquel; Latorre-Margalef, Neus; Mlinarić, Ivan; Lazar, Mihaela; Giménez Duran, Jaume; Dürrwald, Ralf; Enouf, Vincent; McKenna, Adele; de Lange, Marit; Túri, Gergő; Trobajo-Sanmartín, Camino; GOMEZ TEIXEIRA PINTO, VERÓNICA DEL PILAR; Samuelsson Hagey, Tove; Višekruna Vučina, Vesna; Cherciu, Maria Carmen; García Vazquez, Miriam; Erdwiens, Annika; Masse, Shirley; Bennett, Charlene; Meijer, Adam; Kristóf, Katalin; Castilla, Jesús; Rodrigues, Ana Paula; Kurečić Filipović, Sanja; Ivanciuc, Alina Elena; Bacci, Sabrina; Kaczmarek, MarlenaIntroduction: Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B/Victoria viruses circulated in Europe in 2023/24, with A(H1N1)pdm09 dominance. First influenza infections in childhood may lead to different vaccine effectiveness (VE) in subsequent years. Aim: The VEBIS primary care network estimated influenza VE in Europe using a multicentre test-negative study. Methods: Primary care practitioners collected information and specimens from patients consulting with acute respiratory infection. We estimated VE against influenza (sub)type and clade, by age group and by year of age for A(H1N1)pdm09, using logistic regression. Results: We included 29,958 patients, with 3,054, 1,053 and 311 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B cases, respectively. All-age VE against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was 52% (95% CI: 44-59). By year of age, VE was 27% (95% CI: -2 to 47) at 44 years with peaks at 72% (95% CI: 52-84) and 54% (95% CI: 41-64) among children and those 65 years and older, respectively. All-age A(H1N1)pdm09 VE against clade 5a.2a was 41% (95% CI: 24-54) and -11% (95% CI: -69 to 26) against clade 5a.2a.1. The A(H3N2) VE was 35% (95% CI: 20-48) among all ages and ranged between 34% and 40% by age group. All-age VE against clade 2a.3a.1 was 38% (95% CI: 1-62). All-age VE against B/Victoria was 83% (95% CI: 65-94), ranging between 70 and 92% by age group. Discussion: The 2023/24 VEBIS primary care VE against medically attended symptomatic influenza infection was high against influenza B/Victoria, but lower against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2). Clade- and age-specific effects may have played a role in the lower A(H1N1)pdm09 VE.
- Interim 2024/25 influenza vaccine effectiveness: eight European studies, September 2024 to January 2025Publication . Rose, Angela; Lucaccioni, Héloïse; Marsh, Kimberly; Kirsebom, Freja; Whitaker, Heather; Emborg, Hanne-Dorthe; Botnen, Amanda Bolt; O’Doherty, Mark G.; Pozo, Francisco; Shahul Hameed, Safraj; Andrews, Nick; Hamilton, Mark; Lauenborg Møller, Karina; Trebbien, Ramona; Marques, Diogo F.P.; European IVE groupThe 2024/25 influenza season in Europe is currently characterised by the co-circulation of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B/Victoria viruses, with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 predominating. Interim vaccine effectiveness estimates from eight European studies conducted in 17 countries indicate an overall influenza A vaccine effectiveness of 32–53% in primary care settings and 33–56% in hospital settings, with some indications of lower effectiveness by subtype and higher effectiveness against influenza B (≥58% across settings). Where feasible, influenza vaccination should be encouraged and other preventive measures strengthened.
- Molecular characterization of Neisseria meningitidis strains causing non-invasive disease in Portugal from 2012-2024Publication . Bettencourt, Célia; Camões, InêsIntroduction: Non-invasive meningococcal disease (NIMD) is not notifiable, and the prevalence of serogroups and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are unknown. This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity of non-invasive isolates identified in Portugal (2012-2024), assess their genomic relationships with Portuguese invasive isolates and identify AMR profiles. Material and Methods: All non-invasive N. meningitidis isolates were characterized by whole genome sequencing and the sequences submitted to the PubMLST/Neisseria.database. For antimicrobial susceptibility testing, antibiotic gradient strip diffusion (Etest) was used. Results: A total of 141 non-invasive isolates were characterized by WGS with 88% identified from respiratory secretions. Serogroup B was the most prevalent (40.4%), followed by serogroups Y (10.6%), C and E (3.5% each), W, X and Z (1.4% each). Capsule null (cnl) isolates accounted 33.3%. In silico analysis revealed the main clonal complexes (cc): B-cc41/44 (21%) and cc162 (14%), Y-cc23 and cc103 (33.3% each) and cnl-cc53 (38.3%). Isolates belonging to cc11 were predominantly serogroup C (40%) and only 1 isolate was identified as serogroup W. All isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone and 67.9% of the isolates were penicillin-nonsusceptible, while 2.9% and 3.9% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and rifampicin, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, we identified non-invasive populations with similar genetic diversity when compared to invasive populations in previous studies[1]. In contrast, NIM isolates showed increased levels of resistance to penicillin and several isolates showed resistance to antibiotics used in IMD prophylaxis. These results emphasise the need for more studies on AMR among meningococci in order to ensure the effective use of antibiotics in the treatment of meningococcal disease.
- Mpox in People Living with HIV: Clinical Challenges, Preventive Strategies and Public Health ImplicationsPublication . Cordeiro, Rita; Caria, J.; Sobral, D.; Póvoas, D.; .Monkeypox virus (MPXV) re-emerged in 2022 with a global outbreak that affected more than 100,000 individuals worldwide. People living with HIV (PLWH) accounted for a substantial proportion of cases, raising concerns about disease presentation, management, and outcomes in this population. Evidence indicates that PLWH with advanced or uncontrolled HIV infection experienced more severe mpox, with higher hospitalization rates, more complications, and longer disease courses. In contrast, individuals with well-controlled HIV generally had outcomes similar to those without HIV. Access to timely diagnosis, consistent antiretroviral therapy, and availability of tecovirimat were key factors influencing prognosis. Reports also suggest bidirectional interactions between mpox and HIV pathogenesis. Immune activation and APOBEC3-related viral evolution have been proposed; however, these mechanisms remain incompletely characterized and warrant further investigation. Moreover, disparities in healthcare access and stigma compound the vulnerability of PLWH, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches.
- Mpox Surveillance and Laboratory Response in Portugal: Lessons Learned from Three Outbreak Waves (2022-2025)Publication . Cordeiro, Rita; Francisco, Rafaela; Pelerito, Ana; Lopes de Carvalho, Isabel; Nuncio, MSBackground/Objectives: Mpox re-emerged in 2022 as a global health concern. Between 2022 and 2025, Portugal experienced three distinct outbreak waves, highlighting the critical role of laboratory surveillance and public health interventions. This study describes the epidemiological trends, diagnostic performance, and key lessons learned to improve outbreak preparedness. Methods: A total of 5610 clinical samples from 2802 suspected cases were analyzed at the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge using real-time PCR methods. Positivity rates and viral loads (Ct values) were assessed across different clinical specimen types, including lesion, anal, oropharyngeal swabs, and urine samples. Results: Mpox was confirmed in 1202 patients. The first outbreak accounted for 79.3% of cases (n = 953), followed by a significant reduction in transmission during subsequent waves. Lesion and rectal swabs provided the highest diagnostic sensitivity (95.1% and 87.9%, respectively). Oropharyngeal swabs contributed to diagnosis in cases without visible lesions, while urine samples showed limited utility. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of sustained laboratory surveillance and adaptive public health strategies in controlling mpox outbreaks. Optimizing specimen collection enhances diagnostic accuracy, supporting early detection. Continuous monitoring, combined with targeted vaccination and effective risk communication, is essential to prevent resurgence and ensure rapid response in non-endemic regions.