Risk factors of multidrug-resistant organisms neonatal sepsis in Surabaya tertiary referral hospital: a single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial organisms causing neonatal sepsis have developed increased resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health problem. The spread of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for developing MDRO neonatal sepsis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), dr. Ramelan Navy Central Hospital, in 2020-2022. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 113 eligible neonates. Patients whose blood cultures were positive for bacterial growth and diagnosed with sepsis were selected as the study sample. Univariate and multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression were performed to find the associated risk factors for developing multidrug-resistant organism neonatal sepsis. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Multidrug-resistant organisms were the predominant aetiology of neonatal sepsis (91/113, 80.5%). The significant risk factors for developing MDRO neonatal sepsis were lower birth weight (OR: 1.607, 95% CI: 1.003 - 2.576, p-value: 0.049), history of premature rupture of the membrane (ProM) ≥ 18 (OR: 3.333, 95% CI: 2.047 - 5.428, p-value < 0.001), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.512 - 3.717, p-value < 0.001), longer hospital stays (OR: 5.067, 95% CI: 2.912 - 8.815, p-value < 0.001), lower Apgar scores (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.442 - 3.512, p-value < 0.001), and the use of respiratory support devices, such as invasive ventilation (OR: 2.687, 95% CI: 1.514 - 4.771, p-value < 0.001), and non-invasive ventilation (OR: 2, 95% CI: 1.097 - 3.645, p-value: 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Our study determined various risk factors for multidrug-resistance organism neonatal sepsis and underscored the need to improve infection control practices to reduce the existing burden of drug-resistant sepsis. Low-birth-weight, a maternal history of premature rupture of the membrane lasting more than 18 hours, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, longer hospital stays, a low Apgar score, and the use of ventilators were the risk factors for developing drug-resistant neonatal sepsis.

Impact TB co-infections on immune tolerance among people living with HIV: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The high-burden regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounted for greater than 70% of the HIV epidemic, are disproportionately affected by the high rates of TB coinfection. This might be explained by, the low immune tolerance of the population due to malnutrition and chronic infections aggravating immune suppression. In this review, we discuss the immunopathogenesis of this common co-infection that causes significant morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV globally. METHODS: We used published studies using a two-step search strategy. Initial search of Pub Med Central and Google Scholar was undertaken followed by an analysis of the keywords. A second search using all the reference list of all identified reports and articles was searched for additional studies. Literature published as of January 1, 1981, that meets the inclusion criteria were considered. Qualitative data was extracted from papers included in the review. RESULT: Mortality occurs at both ends of the immunological spectrum of TB at one end HIV uninfected patient dies from asphyxiation from acute massive hemoptysis due to cavitary TB; at the other end, and far more frequently HIV-infected patient with disseminated TB dies from overwhelming infection with less evidence of focal pathology. There is no clear sign that the HIV-TB epidemic is slowing, especially considering the emergence of increasingly drug-resistant strains of MTB. A major challenge for the future is to discover immune correlates of TB protection and TB disease risk. Failure to define this conclusively has hindered TB prevention strategies, including the design of new TB vaccines to replace BCG, which provides only shortlived efficacy, prevents severe forms of the extra-pulmonary disease and is contraindicated in PLHIV. CONCLUSION: Understanding TB and HIV infection through immunological advances needs to be combined to describe the complex interactions between TB and HIV and the effects of ART. The complex interactions between the individual components of innate and acquired immune responses to TB and HIV infection is also likely to be the next step forward.

Evaluation of Antibody Response and Adverse Effects following Heterologous COVID-19 Vaccine Booster with mRNA Vaccine among Healthcare Workers in Indonesia.

Background: The administration of the third (or booster) dose of COVID-19 vaccine is important in maintaining protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection or the severity of the disease. In Indonesia, health care workers (HCWs) are among the first to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In this study, we evaluated the antibody response and adverse events following heterologous booster vaccine using mRNA-1273 among HCWs that were fully vaccinated with inactivated viral vaccine as the priming doses. Methods: 75 HCWs at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia, participated in this study. The level of antibody against the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain was analyzed at 1, 3, and 5 months following the second priming dose and at 1, 3, and 5 months after the booster dose. Results: We found a significantly higher level of antibody response in subjects receiving a booster dose of the mRNA-1273 vaccine compared to those receiving an inactivated viral vaccine as a booster. Interestingly, participants with hypertension and a history of diabetes mellitus showed a lower antibody response following the booster dose. There was a higher frequency of adverse events following injection with the mRNA-1273 vaccine compared to the inactivated viral vaccine, although the overall adverse events were considered minor. Conclusions: A heterologous booster dose using mRNA vaccine resulted in a high antibody response; however, participants with hypertension and diabetes mellitus displayed a lower antibody response.

HAART induced inflammation, toxicity and its determinants among HIV positive children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Highly Active Antiretroviral therapy (HAART) plays significant role in reduction of mortality among children infected with HIV. Despite the inevitable impact of HAART on inflammation and toxicity, there is limited evidence on its impact among children in Ethiopia. Moreover, evidence on contributing factors to toxicity has been poorly described. Hence, we evaluated HAART induced inflammation and toxicity among children taking HAART in Ethiopia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among children (<15 years old) taking HAART in Ethiopia. Stored plasma samples and secondary data from a previous study on HIV-1 treatment failure were used for this analysis. By 2018, a total of 554 children were recruited from randomly selected 43 health facilities in Ethiopia. The different levels of liver (SGPT), renal (Creatinine) and hematologic toxicity (Hemoglobin) toxicity were assessed using established cut-off value. Inflammatory biomarkers (CRP and vitamin-D) were also determined. Laboratory tests were done at the national clinical chemistry laboratory. Clinical and baseline laboratory data were retrieved from the participant's medical record. Questionnaire was also administered to study guardians to assess individual factors to inflammation and toxicity. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the characteristics of the study participants. Multivariable analysis was conducted and considered significant at P < 0.05. Result: Overall 363 (65.6%) and 199 (36%) of children taking HAART in Ethiopia developed some level of inflammation and vitamin-D in-sufficiency, respectively. A quarter of the children 140 (25.3%) were at Grade-4 liver toxicity while renal toxicity were 16 (2.9%). A third 275 (29.6%) of the children also developed anemia. Children who were on TDF+3 TC + EFV, those who were not virally suppressed and children with liver toxicity were at 17.84 (95%CI = 16.98, 18.82), 2.2 (95%CI = 1.67, 2.88) and 1.20 (95%CI = 1.14, 1.93) times risk of inflammation, respectively. Children on TDF+3 TC + EFV, those with CD4 count of <200 cells/mm3 and with renal toxicity were at 4.10 (95%CI = 1.64, 6.89), 2.16(95%CI = 1.31, 4.26) and 5.94 (95%CI = 1.18, 29.89) times risk of vitamin-D in-sufficiency, respectively. Predictors of liver toxicity were history of HAART substitution (AOR = 4.66; 95%CI = 1.84, 6.04) and being bedridden (AOR = 3.56; 95%CI = 2.01, 4.71). Children from HIV positive mother were at 4.07 (95%CI = 2.30, 6.09) times risk of renal toxicity while the different type of HAARTs had different level of risk for renal toxicity AZT+3 TC + EFV (AOR = 17.63; 95%CI = 18.25, 27.54); AZT+3 TC + NVP (AOR = 22.48; 95%CI = 13.93, 29.31); d4t+3 TC + EFV (AOR = 4.34; 95%CI = 2.51, 6.80) and d4t+3 TC + NVP (AOR = 18.91; 95%CI = 4.87, 27.74) compared to those who were on TDF+3 TC + NVP. Similarly, children who were on AZT+3 TC + EFV were at 4.92 (95%CI = 1.86, 12.70) times risk of anemia compared to those who were on TDF+ 3 TC + EFZ. Conclusion: The high level of HAART induced inflammation and liver toxicity among children calls for the program to consider safer regimens for pediatric patients. Moreover, the high proportion of vitamin-D in-sufficiency requires program level supplement. The impact of TDF+3 TC + EFV on inflammation and vitamin-D deficiency calls for the program to revise this regimen.

Burden of HIV, HBV and syphilis among children in urban Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Children have largely been ignored in the fight against sexually transmitted infection (STI). Among children, STI is reported to be a globally emerging public health challenge. We evaluated the burden of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis among children (< 15 years old) and its determinants in urban Ethiopia. METHODS: For this study, we used data from the Ethiopian Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (EPHIA), collected through a nationally representative, community-based study conducted in Ethiopia from October 2017 to April 2018. We used plasma samples from 4729 children. Moreover, we linked the data and analysed them alongside their respective mothers. Child and maternal HIV status was determined using the national testing algorithm. Plasma samples from children were also tested for syphilis and HBV surface antigen. A descriptive analysis was done followed by bivariable analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI) at a significance level of p < 0.05. We finally evaluated predictors of STIs using regression analysis. RESULTS: HIV, HBV and syphilis prevalence rates among urban children in Ethiopia were 0.36%, 1.48% and 0.28%, respectively. Children living in Gambella and Addis Ababa had a 6.41-fold (95% CI: 3.20-9.88) and 4.20-fold (95% CI: 3.24-5.46) higher risk of HIV infection compared with those in Dire Dawa. Children of HIV-positive mothers had a 10.31-fold (95% CI: 3.20-18.19) higher risk of HIV infection, and if those mothers were not taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the risk was 7.27 times higher (95% CI: 2.57-12.64). Those who were from HIV-positive mothers with viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL had a 18.64-fold (95% CI: 6.36-31.24) higher risk of HIV infection and those with a history of breastfeeding had a 3.27-fold (95% CI: 1.11-5.67) higher risk. Children from Addis Ababa had a 3.26-fold (95% CI: 1.64-6.66) higher risk of HBV infection compared with those from Dire Dawa. Moreover, for those from HIV-positive mothers and whose mother was not taking HAART, the risk of HBV transmission was 6.37 (95% CI: 2.20-19.96) and 3.62 (95% CI: 1.27-11.29), respectively. Children living in Gambella, Somali, Afar and Tigray had a 7.21-fold (95% CI: 2.30-18.68), 3.10-fold (95% CI: 1.28-3.74) and 1.32-fold (95% CI: 1.11-3.38) higher risk of acquiring active syphilis compared with those living in Dire Dawa, respectively. Those from HIV-positive mothers also had a 4.22-fold (95% CI: 1.16-8.39) higher risk of acquiring active syphilis. CONCLUSION: The burden of HIV, HBV and syphilis was high among children in urban Ethiopia. The key determinants for the high burden of HIV, syphilis and HBV were maternal factors including maternal HIV status and breastfeeding. This might be due to the challenges associated with mother-to-child transmission. Hence, the programme shall focus on the elimination of the triple infections of HIV, syphilis and HBV.

Impact of telemedicine on the mental status of parents of children with CHD: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies on telemedicine concentrate largely on children with congenital heart disease (CHD), in lieu of their respective parents. The psychological responses of parents of children with CHD may impact on their child's well-being. This study aimed to examine the impact of telemedicine on the mental status of parents of children with CHD. METHODS: A meta-analytic approach was used to analyze scores on the Self-reporting Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Self-reporting Depression Scale (SDS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life, Brief Report (WHOQOL-BREF) of the parents of children with CHD. Scores were compared between the telemedicine group and the control group prior to and following the intervention using the measurement of mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 209 studies were assessed, of which 10 were incorporated into the systematic review, while four other studies met the meta-analysis inclusion criteria. Following the intervention, the SAS and SDS scores were significantly lower in the telemedicine group in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). Telemedicine also exerted a substantial influence on lowering the parents' SAS (p < 0.001) and SDS scores (p < 0.001), as well as improving the quality of life of the parents (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Telemedicine has a positive impact on lowering both anxiety and depression as well as improving the quality of life of parents of children with CHD.

Genetic characterization of dengue virus 4 complete genomes from East Java, Indonesia.

Dengue is an endemic arboviral disease with continuous transmission in Indonesia for more than five decades. A recent outbreak in Jember, East Java province, demonstrated the predominance of DENV-4, a serotype known for its low global spread and limited transmission. While epidemiological factors such as new serotype introduction and lacking herd immunity may explain its predominance, viral factors may also contribute. Using next-generation sequencing, we generated 13 representative complete genomes of DENV-4 responsible for the outbreak. Phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses on complete genomes were performed to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of the viruses. Further analyses were done to study amino acid variations in DENV genes, as well as the potential events of recombination and selection pressure within the genomes. We revealed the DENV-4 genetic factors that may lead to its predominance in the 2019 Jember dengue outbreak. A combination of selection pressure and mutational genetic changes may contribute to the DENV-4 predominance in East Java, Indonesia. The possible intra-serotype recombination events involving the non-structural protein 5 (NS5) gene were also observed. Altogether, these genetic factors may act as additional factors behind the complex dengue outbreak mechanism.

Non-structural protein 1 and hematology parameters as predictors of dengue virus infection severity in Indonesia.

Dengue virus infection (DVI) remains a significant health challenge, and diagnosis must still be considered. Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a potential marker of the dengue virus that can help diagnose DVI. The study aimed to assess the role of NS1 as a predictor of the severity of DVI. We utilized Dengue PCR-confirmed samples and employed semi-quantitative NS1Ag ELISA for NS1 examination, adhering to the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region (WHO-SEARO) 2011 criteria for DVI. We included DVI patients from Indonesia aged 1-65 years. Secondary infections had more severe clinical conditions than primary infections. Leukocyte and platelet levels had a more significant effect on NS1 positivity (6.19 (1.9-30.2); p<0.001; 190 (11-417); p=0.015; respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed leukocytes as a more significant predictor of NS1 values than platelets, with an odds ratio of 5.38 contributing to 30.5% of the NS1 value variation. The NS1 value could distinguish undifferentiated fever and dengue fever in the children group with a sensitivity of 76.0% and specificity of 87.5% (p=0.015). The number of NS1(-) in the severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) group was higher than NS1(+). DENV-4 type and primary infection were dominant in this study, although they did not significantly differ from the NS1 value. NS1 value can be used as a predictor to determine the severity of DVI in children but not in the adult group. The levels of leukocytes and platelets influenced the NS1 value.

Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 East Java isolate, Indonesia.

Background: Incidents of SARS-CoV-2 in East Java increased steadily, and it became the second epicenter in Indonesia. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a dire multisectoral crisis all around the world. This study investigates and characterizes local isolates from East Java, Indonesia.   Methods: There were 54 patients suspected with SARS-COV-2 infection and 27 patients were COVID-19 positive. Virus isolates were obtained from COVID-19 inpatients' nasopharyngeal swabs at the Dr Soetomo Teaching Hospital, Surabaya. There were only three isolates (#6, #11, #35) with good growth characteristics. Serial blind passage and cytopathic effect observation in the Vero E6 cell line were performed for virus isolation. Confirmation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection was proven by means of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions using SARS-CoV-2 specific primers, scanning electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy examination. Whole genome sequencing was performed using ARTIC protocol. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 characterization was identified through a western blot using rabbit serum immunized with inactive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and human natural COVID-19 infection serum.   Results: Spike gene analysis of three samples (#6, #11, #35) found that the D614G mutation was detected in all isolates, although one isolate exhibited the D215Y and E484D mutation. Based on whole genome analysis, those three isolates were included in clade 20A, and two isolates were included in lineage B.1.6 with one isolate belongs to lineage B.1.4.7.   Conclusion: Based on molecular characterization and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 East Java, Indonesia showed high titer and it has mutation in some regions.

Initial study on TMPRSS2 p.Val160Met genetic variant in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health problem that causes millions of deaths worldwide. The clinical manifestation of COVID-19 widely varies from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia and systemic inflammatory disease. It is thought that host genetic variability may affect the host's response to the virus infection and thus cause severity of the disease. The SARS-CoV-2 virus requires interaction with its receptor complex in the host cells before infection. The transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as one of the key molecules involved in SARS-CoV-2 virus receptor binding and cell invasion. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the correlation between a genetic variant within the human TMPRSS2 gene and COVID-19 severity and viral load. RESULTS: We genotyped 95 patients with COVID-19 hospitalised in Dr Soetomo General Hospital and Indrapura Field Hospital (Surabaya, Indonesia) for the TMPRSS2 p.Val160Met polymorphism. Polymorphism was detected using a TaqMan assay. We then analysed the association between the presence of the genetic variant and disease severity and viral load. We did not observe any correlation between the presence of TMPRSS2 genetic variant and the severity of the disease. However, we identified a significant association between the p.Val160Met polymorphism and the SARS-CoV-2 viral load, as estimated by the Ct value of the diagnostic nucleic acid amplification test. Furthermore, we observed a trend of association between the presence of the C allele and the mortality rate in patients with severe COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate a possible association between TMPRSS2 p.Val160Met polymorphism and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and the outcome of COVID-19.

COMPARING SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF MOTHER AND CHILDREN WITH LEPROSY IN ENDEMIC AND NON-ENDEMIC AREAS IN EAST JAVA, INDONESIA.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a disease that causes social, psychological, and economic issues. Failure to treat the causes of the immune system dysregulation in endemic areas of leprosy conditions makes the transmission of the bacteria easier. This paper aims to analyze the comparison of family income, occupation types of mothers and fathers, number of children, access to health facilities, and education of mothers, fathers, and children in mothers and children with leprosy in endemic and non-endemic areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study by survey was done in both an endemic and a non-endemic area of leprosy in Tuban Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Retrieval of research data was done using interview techniques. Respondents who participated in this study were 106 pairs of mother and child respondents who met the research restriction criteria. Subjects were divided into 5groups based on diagnosis of leprosy and area of living. Bivariate analysis was performed by comparing the independent variables in each group A, B, C, and D with group E. RESULTS: It was found that the variables that differed significantly between the endemic and non-endemic areas were the variable number of children with a p-value=0.004, family income with a p-value=0.049 and the variable mother's education with a p-value=0.016. Meanwhile, other variables do not have significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: We found significant difference on the number of children, father's education, mother's education, and family income. These variables can be a risk factor for leprosy. To make efforts to prevent the transmission of leprosy, stakeholders should consider these factors.

Comparison of IL-17 and FOXP3+ Levels in Maternal and Children Leprosy Patients in Endemic and Nonendemic Areas.

Leprosy, a chronic infection caused by M. leprae, has a complex transmission problem that makes eradication programs difficult. New cases and ongoing transmission of leprosy in endemic areas make individuals living in endemic environments vulnerable to leprosy. This can be caused by the dysregulation of immune system in individuals living in leprosy-endemic areas. Although the number of male leprosy patients is higher, female leprosy patients have more impact on the family health status due to close contact with family members, roles in the household, and parenting. This could cause the increased number of children leprosy patients. We investigated the dysregulation of immune system by comparing IL-17 and FOXP3+ levels occurring in maternal and child leprosy patients in endemic and nonendemic areas. The results of the study found a statistically significant difference in IL-17 levels between the MB leprosy patient group and the control group (p=0.048), where higher levels of IL-17 are observed in the control group. A significant difference also was found in FOXP3+ levels between the group of healthy children living in endemic and those living in nonendemic areas (p=0.047), where higher FOXP3+ is observed in the healthy children living in endemic areas group.

Relationship between Paternal and Maternal Parenting Style with Internet Addiction Level of Adolescents.

Objective: Internet addiction has become a major problem worldwide, especially for adolescents. Adolescents are considered vulnerable and at risk of internet addiction due to the immature self-control, easy access, and flexible schedule. Parenting style has a significant influence on the incidence of internet addiction in adolescents. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between paternal and maternal parenting style toward internet addiction level of adolescents at one of junior high Schools in Surabaya, Indonesia. Method : In this cross-sectional study, a total of 114 adolescents (44 boys and 70 girls) aged ranging from 12 to 15 in a junior high school in Surabaya, Indonesia, were recruited by stratified random sampling method in November 2019. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) were used to measure internet addiction level, and maternal and paternal parenting style of adolescents. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression tests with IBM SPSS Statistics 25 to adjust the relationship between paternal and maternal parenting style toward internet addiction level of adolescents. Results: a total of 77.2% of adolescents were internet addicts and the majority experienced 'mild' internet addiction level (52.60%). Furthermore, the Pearson correlation results indicated that paternal permissive and authoritarian parenting styles were positively correlated with internet addiction level of adolescents. The multiple regression analysis results indicated that paternal permissive parenting style significantly predicted adolescents' internet addiction level. Conclusion: This study highlighted the significant role of paternal permissive and authoritarian parenting styles among adolescents' internet addiction.

Correlation Analysis between Household Hygiene and Sanitation and Nutritional Status and Female Leprosy in Gresik Regency.

Leprosy, also known as morbus Hansen's disease, is a chronic disease caused by M. leprae. Leprosy attacks various parts of the body including nerves and skin. The most important factor in the occurrence of leprosy is the sources of transmission and contact, both from patients and the environment. Household conditions where the person lives and the nutritional status of the individual can be a risk factor for leprosy. Household hygiene and sanitation can be seen from several aspects, like the physical environment of the house, clean water facilities, personal hygiene, availability of latrines, waste disposal facilities, and garbage disposal. This study was aimed to determine the correlation between household hygiene sanitation and nutritional status with females with leprosy in Gresik Regency. This case-control study was conducted in December 2019 in Gresik Regency. The subjects of this study were 74 respondents taken by consecutive sampling techniques. Retrieval of data was carried out using observations from the healthy house component questionnaire, personal hygiene questionnaire, and direct measurement. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The results showed significant correlation between physical environment of the house (p=0.001, OR = 0.104), clean water facilities (p=0.008, OR = 0.261), availability of latrines (p=0.018, OR = 0.209), waste disposal facilities (p=0.015, OR = 0.291), and personal hygiene (p=0.001, OR = 2.850) and female leprosy in Gresik Regency. There is no correlation between nutritional status (p=0.085, OR = 0.422) and wastewater disposal waste (p=0.183, OR = 0.486) and female leprosy in this study.

Dengue Virus Serotype 4 Is Responsible for the Outbreak of Dengue in East Java City of Jember, Indonesia.

Outbreaks of dengue virus (DENV) in Indonesia have been mainly caused by the DENV serotype-1; -2; or -3. The DENV-4 was the least-reported serotype in Indonesia during the last five decades. We recently conducted a molecular epidemiology study of dengue in the Jember regency, East Java province, Indonesia. Dengue is endemic in the region and outbreaks occur annually. We investigated the clinical characteristics and etiology of dengue-like febrile illness in this regency to understand the disease dynamics. A total of 191 patients with clinical symptoms similar to dengue were recruited during an 11-month study in 2019-2020. Children accounted for the majority of cases and dengue burden was estimated in 41.4% of the cases based on NS1 antigen, viral RNA, and IgG/IgM antibody detection with the majority (73.4%) being primary infections. Secondary infection was significantly associated with a higher risk of severe dengue manifestation. All four DENV serotypes were detected in Jember. Strikingly, we observed the predominance of DENV-4, followed by DENV-3, DENV-1, and DENV-2. Genotype determination using Envelope gene sequence revealed the classification into Genotype I, Cosmopolitan Genotype, Genotype I, and Genotype II for DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4, respectively. The predominance of DENV-4 in Jember may be associated with a new wave of DENV infections and spread in a non-immune population lacking a herd-immunity to this particular serotype.

Impact of a three-dose diphtheria outbreak response immunization in East Java, Indonesia, 6 months after completion.

Several outbreaks of diphtheria have occured in the East Java Province of Indonesia since 2011. The last effort to stop the outbreak in the province was a three round outbreak response immunization (ORI) in 2018.The aim of the this study was to evaluate the impact of the 2018 ORI in East Java province - 6 months following the completion of the program. Surveillance data was collected for 6 month period, from January to June 2019. The source of data was the district health offices, hospitals, community health centers, and private physician and paramedic practices. The data included demographic characteristics, involved health facilities, patient immunization history, clinical signs and symptoms, some laboratory test results and other additional examinations. All cases were evaluated by the East Java Provincial Diphtheria Expert Committee and not based on the individual physician decision. During the 6 month period, there were 97 diphtheria cases which approved by the Diphtheria Expert Committee. The reports came from 36 of 38 districts. One patient died, denoting a case fatality rate of 1%. The majority were 19 years of age or less, with uncomplete immunization. Patients above 19 years were 24%. Compared with 2017 (438 cases) and 2018 (310), 2019 saw a significant reduction in the number of reported cases. Only 4 positive culture results were collected (positivity rate 4,13%). Two patients had Mitis subtype and the other two had Gravis subtype. Diphtheria ORI in East Java had a significant impact during the first 6 months of 2019.

Predictive model for bacterial late-onset neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care hospital in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is essential to prevent severe complications and avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. The mortality of neonatal sepsis is over 18%in many countries. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for the diagnosis of bacterial late-onset neonatal sepsis. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Bangkok, Thailand. Data were derived from the medical records of 52 sepsis cases and 156 non-sepsis controls. Only proven bacterial neonatal sepsis cases were included in the sepsis group. The non-sepsis group consisted of neonates without any infection. Potential predictors consisted of risk factors, clinical conditions, laboratory data, and treatment modalities. The model was developed based on multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of late proven neonatal sepsis was 1.46%. The model had 6 significant variables: poor feeding, abnormal heart rate (outside the range 100-180 x/min), abnormal temperature (outside the range 36o-37.9 °C), abnormal oxygen saturation, abnormal leucocytes (according to Manroe's criteria by age), and abnormal pH (outside the range 7.27-7.45). The area below the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve was 95.5%. The score had a sensitivity of 88.5% and specificity of 90.4%. CONCLUSION: A predictive model and a scoring system were developed for proven bacterial late-onset neonatal sepsis. This simpler tool is expected to somewhat replace microbiological culture, especially in resource-limited settings.

An evaluation of the clinical features of measles virus infection for diagnosis in children within a limited resources setting.

BACKGROUND: Measles is a recurrent health problem in both advanced and developed countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends anti-measles immunoglobulin M (Ig M) as the standard method of detecting the virus; however, many areas still present the inability to perform a serology test of anti-measles IgM. Therefore, a typical clinical feature is necessary to establish the diagnosis of measles. The objective of this study was to evaluate hyperpigmented rash and other clinical features as the diagnostic tools with respect to measles, especially in an outbreak setting. METHODS: In this observational diagnostic study, the inclusion criteria were as follows: between 6 and 144 months of age, fever, maculopapular rash for 3 days or more, accompanied by a cough, or coryza, or conjunctivitis. Those with a prior history of measles vaccination (1-6 weeks) were excluded, in addition to those with histories of corticosteroid for 2 weeks or more and immunocompromised conditions. The samples were taken from Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, the positive predictive value, and the negative predictive value of such clinical features. Hyperpigmented rash was validated using Kappa and Mc Nemar tests. Anti-measles Ig M was considered as the gold standard. RESULTS: This study gathered 82 participants. The clinical manifestations of all subjects included fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, and maculopapular rash (which turns into hyperpigmented rash along the course of the illness). Most maculopapular rashes turn out to be hyperpigmented (89%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values ​​of the combination of fever, maculopapular rash, and hyperpigmented rash were found to be at 90.7, 28.6, 93.2, and 22.2%, respectively. The Mc Nemar and Kappa tests showed p values of 0.774 and 0.119, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of fever, maculopapular rash, and hyperpigmented rash can be used as a screening tool regarding measles infection in an outbreak setting, which can then be confirmed by anti-measles Ig M. Cough, coryza, and Koplik's spot can be added to this combination, albeit with a slight reduction of sensitivity value.

First-line antibiotic susceptibility pattern of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Diphtheria has been reported as an outbreak in some regions in Indonesia, most especially in East Java Province. Resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, and other antibiotics, single or multiple, has been reported in several studies. This study aims to evaluate the first-line antibiotic susceptibility pattern of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolates. METHODS: This descriptive observational study was performed from August to November 2018. C. diphtheriae isolates were collected from diphtheria patients and carriers in East Java from 2012 to 2017 and kept at the Balai Besar Laboratorium Kesehatan Daerah Surabaya or the Public Health Laboratory of Surabaya. Sample selection was done by random cluster sampling. The sensitivity test by E-test®of the five antibiotics (penicillin, oxacillin, erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin) was done to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M45A (2015) Corynebacterium spp. for penicillin and erythromycin was used as standard. RESULTS: From 114 targeted isolates, 108 were viable and toxigenic. The E-test was performed on the viable isolates. The majority of the hosts were male (58.3%), with median (range) age of 6.5 (1-14) years. Half of the samples were from the 1 to 5-year-old age group. The isolates were acquired much more from patients (78.7%) than carriers (21.3%) and from pharyngeal swab (74.1%). Most of these isolates were from Madura Island (47.2%) and the northern and eastern parts of the province (horseshoe area). Mitis isolates were the major variant (76.9%). The susceptibility pattern of C. diphtheriae to erythromycin was better than that to penicillin. The E-test result for penicillin was 68.52% susceptible, 31.48% intermediate, and 0% resistant (MIC range, < 0.016 to 2 µg/L) and for erythromycin (MIC range, < 0.016 to > 256 µg/L) was 85.2% susceptible, 12% intermediate, and 2.8% resistant The MIC range for oxacillin was 1 to 96 µg/L, while for both azithromycin and clarithromycin were <  0.016 to > 256 µg/L. CONCLUSION: The susceptibility rate of C. diphtheriae to erythromycin is higher than that to penicillin. The regular update of antibiotic selection to the national guidelines is recommended. The MIC reference standard to azithromycin and clarithromycin is also needed.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum IS-10506 on blood lipopolysaccharide level and immune response in HIV-infected children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: HIV enteropathy may cause disruption of the intestinal barrier, leading to a loss of CD4+ T cells, increased intestinal permeability, and microbial translocation. Lactobacillus plantarum IS-10506 has the ability to improve gut barrier function. This study investigated the effect of L. plantarum IS-10506 on a number of biomarkers of enteropathy-related damage in HIV-infected paediatric patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ARV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 2-18 year-old children, diagnosed as HIV infected according to the WHO 2007 criteria who had received ARV for ≥ 6 months. Subjects were excluded if ARV therapy was discontinued or the patients took probiotics ≥ 2 weeks prior to the study or during the study period. Subjects were randomized into a probiotic group and placebo group. The probiotic group received L. plantarum IS-10506 2.86 × 1010 cfu/day for 6 days. Blood lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level, serum CD4+ T cell count, serum CD8+ T cell count, CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio, and faecal sIgA level were assessed as biomarkers. RESULTS: Twenty-one subjects completed this study. The blood LPS level decreased significantly in the probiotic group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in absolute CD4+ T cell count, percent CD4+ cells, absolute CD8+ T cell count, CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio, or faecal sIgA. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: The probiotic L. plantarum IS-10506 reduced the blood LPS level but showed no effect on the humoral mucosa and systemic immune response in HIV-infected children undergoing ARV therapy.