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Influenza epidemiology, treatment and prevention in Australian children: Trends from 6 years of PAEDS-FluCAN influenza surveillance (2019-2024)

Influenza remains an important cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Immunisation is critical to prevent hospitalisation and severe disease. The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching effects on influenza epidemiology and vaccine use.

Pharmacokinetics of a three-dose regimen of intramuscular benzathine penicillin G in pregnant women with syphilis

Syphilis remains a global public health concern, particularly in pregnancy due to the risk of congenital syphilis. The WHO recommends benzathine penicillin G (BPG) as the standard treatment in pregnant women, whilst the optimal dosing strategy has not been established, particularly in relation to the impact of gestational age. This study sought to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a three-dose regimen of intramuscular BPG, given at weekly intervals, in pregnant women with syphilis.

Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of a 2 g subcutaneous dose of ceftriaxone as an alternative to intravenous delivery

Subcutaneous delivery of antibiotics is a practical alternative to intravenous administration. Ceftriaxone is commonly used for a variety of infections with limited data on the safety and pharmacokinetics of a 2 g subcutaneous dose. This was a prospective, self-controlled cross-over study in 20 stable inpatients receiving ceftriaxone for their infection. Following an intravenous dose, participants received a single dose of 2 g subcutaneous ceftriaxone, in 50 mL normal saline via gravity feed.

Modelling Micro-Elimination: Third-Trimester Tenofovir Prophylaxis for Perinatal Transmission of Hepatitis B in the Remote Dolpa District of Nepal

Hepatitis B (HBV) prevalence is very high in pregnant women in the Dolpa district of Nepal, a region characterised by a remote geographic landscape and low vaccination coverage. Using mathematical modelling, we evaluated the impact of third-trimester tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) prophylaxis on HBV burden and estimated the time required to achieve HBV elimination in Dolpa. 

The Platform trial In COVID-19 vaccine priming and BOOsting (PICOBOO) booster vaccination substudy protocol

Coronavirus-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. 

Identifying Gaps in the International Consensus Case Definitions for Invasive Aspergillosis: A Review of Clinical Cases Not Meeting These Definitions

International consensus definitions for invasive aspergillosis (IA) in research are rigorous, yet clinically significant cases are often excluded from clinical studies for not meeting proven/probable IA case definitions. To better understand reasons for the failure to meet criteria for proven/probable infection, we herein review 47 such cases for their clinical and microbiological characteristics and outcomes. 

Artemisinin combination therapy at delivery to prevent postpartum malaria: A randomised open-label controlled trial

Although the incidence of malaria is increased in women in endemic areas after delivery compared to non-pregnant women, no studies have assessed the benefit of presumptive antimalarial treatment given postpartum.

Clinical outcomes and severity of laboratory-confirmed RSV compared with influenza, parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus in Australian children attending secondary care

Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are a major contributor to the global infectious disease burden and a common cause of hospitalisation for children under 2 years. We compared clinical severity in children hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and influenza virus (IFV).

Recovery of culturable Streptococcus pyogenes from swabs stored at different temperatures

Improving our understanding of superficial Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) carriage and transmission necessitates robust sampling methods. Here, we compared the effect of storing swab samples in fridge (+4°C) and freezer (-20°C) conditions on the recovery of laboratory-cultured S. pyogenes.

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 BNT162b2

PICOBOO 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.