Pertussis seroprevalence among adults of reproductive age (20-39 years) in fourteen European countries.

The reported incidence of pertussis in European countries varies considerably. We aimed to study specific Bordetella pertussis seroprevalence in Europe by measuring serum IgG antibody levels to pertussis toxin (anti-PT IgG). Fourteen national laboratories participated in this study including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. Each country collected approximately 250 samples (N = 7903) from the age groups 20-29 years (N = 3976) and 30-39 years (N = 3927) during 2010-2013. Samples were anonymous residual sera from diagnostic laboratories and were analyzed at the national laboratories by a Swedish reference method, a commercial ELISA kit, or were sent to Sweden for analysis. The median anti-PT IgG concentrations ranged from 4 to 13.6 IU/mL. The proportion of samples with anti-PT IgG ≥100 IU/mL, indicating a recent infection ranged from 0.2% (Hungary) to 5.7% (Portugal). The highest proportion of sera with anti-PT IgG levels between 50 and <100 IU/mL, indicating an infection within the last few years, was found in Portugal (12.3%) and Italy (13.9%). This study shows that the circulation of B. pertussis is quite extensive in adults, aged 20-39 years, despite well-established vaccination programs in Europe.

Clinical relevance of antimicrobial testing results for dental restorative materials.

BACKGROUND: The antimicrobial activity of restorative materials is clinically relevant because all dental materials are subject to an environment containing bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the use of 2 methodologies referred to in the literature to assess antimicrobial properties of restorative materials and investigate whether material properties alter results of these traditional methodologies. METHODS: A number of dental restorative materials - namely, Chemfil Superior®, Spectrum®, Heliobond®, Ionoseal®, Dyract Extra®, Smart Dentin Replacement (SDR®) and Biodentine® - were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and pH analysis. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion and biofilm accumulation tests. Key factors affecting results were assessed using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Biodentine after immediate mixing and Ionoseal aged for 6 weeks resulted in an inhibition zone, while significantly higher McFarland readings were observed in the presence of barium when using materials Ionoseal, Dyract and SDR at 24-hour aging. Through analysis of covariance it was shown that material properties affected methodology results. CONCLUSIONS: Properties of materials affect results of antimicrobial testing, but this may not directly reflect the antimicrobial potential of the material in question. Careful choice of methodology and interpretation of results is important.

Invasive meningococcal disease in Malta: an epidemiological overview, 1994-2007.

Since 1996, Malta has experienced an upsurge of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) following an almost 30 year period with a negligible number of annually reported cases. We reviewed the 233 IMD cases notified during a 14 year period (1994-2007), and analysed epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data. The crude incidence per 100,000 inhabitants peaked in 2000 at 8.1 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 5.7-11.6] and again in 2006 at 8.9 (95 % CI 6.4-12.4), thereby placing Malta amongst the countries with the highest incidence of the disease in Europe. Of the total cases, 137 (59 %) were confirmed and 30 (13 %) were classified as probable. However, 66 cases (28 %) had no laboratory evidence of the disease and were classified as possible. Information on the serogroup was available for 114 cases. Serogroup B formed the largest proportion (76 %, n=87) followed by serogroup C (16 %, n=18). B : 4 : P1.19,15 strains (n=46) predominated throughout the study period since their first identification in 1998. With 28 deaths attributed to IMD, the overall case fatality rate was 12 %. Apart from stressing the importance of maintaining high vigilance for IMD, our findings underscore the importance of enhancing laboratory surveillance of the disease, including characterization of the meningococci. Until vaccines against a broad range of serogroup B meningococci become available for universal use, the main methods of control remain the early treatment of cases and the prevention of secondary cases.