Development of a novel serological assay for the detection of mpox infection in vaccinated populations.

In 2022 the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency for an outbreak of mpox, the zoonotic Orthopoxvirus (OPV) affecting at least 104 nonendemic locations worldwide. Serologic detection of mpox infection is problematic, however, due to considerable antigenic and serologic cross-reactivity among OPVs and smallpox-vaccinated individuals. In this report, we developed a high-throughput multiplex microsphere immunoassay using a combination of mpox-specific peptides and cross-reactive OPV proteins that results in the specific serologic detection of mpox infection with 93% sensitivity and 98% specificity. The New York State Non-Vaccinia Orthopoxvirus Microsphere Immunoassay is an important tool to detect subclinical mpox infection and understand the extent of mpox spread in the community through retrospective analysis.

Acceptance Rate and Reasons for Rejection of Long Acting Injectable Antiretrovirals.

In January 2021, cabotegravir/rilpivirine, the first extended-release injectable regimen for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was approved. Long-acting injections have the potential to improve adherence and viral suppression. We analyzed the acceptance rate of, and reasons for declining to switch to, the new regimen. During routine appointments, 102 people living with HIV (PLWH) were presented with information on the new medication and asked if they would like to switch from their current regimen. If they declined to switch, they were asked why. Sixty-nine percent of respondents declined to switch, with frequency of injections as the primary reason. Patients indicated they would be willing to switch if the interval between injections was longer. Forty percent of the patients accepting the injectable anti-retrovirals (ARVs) were not on any other medications. Barriers to switching to long-acting injectable ARVs include the need for more frequent provider visits, aversion to needles, and a perceived lack of evidence supporting the new medication.

Severe Mpox Among People With Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Receiving Prolonged Tecovirimat in New York City.

Severe mpox has been observed in people with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We describe clinical outcomes of 13 patients with advanced HIV (CD4 <200 cells/µL), severe mpox, and multiorgan involvement. Despite extended tecovirimat courses and additional agents, including vaccinia immune globulin, cidofovir, and brincidofovir, this group experienced prolonged hospitalizations and high mortality.

Development of a Novel Serological Assay for the Detection of Mpox Infection in Vaccinated Populations.

In 2022 the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency for an outbreak of mpox, the zoonotic Orthopoxvirus (OPV) affecting at least 103 non-endemic locations world-wide. Serologic detection of mpox infection is problematic, however, due to considerable antigenic and serologic cross-reactivity among OPVs and smallpox-vaccinated individuals. In this report, we developed a high-throughput multiplex microsphere immunoassay (MIA) using a combination of mpox-specific peptides and cross-reactive OPV proteins that results in the specific serologic detection of mpox infection with 93% sensitivity and 98% specificity. The New York State Non-Vaccinia Orthopoxvirus Microsphere Immunoassay is an important diagnostic tool to detect subclinical mpox infection and understand the extent of mpox spread in the community through retrospective analysis.

A morphologic analysis of sessile serrated polyps observed during routine colonoscopy (with video).

BACKGROUND: Proximal colorectal cancer may arise from sessile serrated polyps (SSPs), which are often inconspicuous during colonoscopy. The gross morphologic characteristics of SSPs have not been systematically described, and this omission may contribute to colonoscopists overlooking them. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the gross morphologic characteristics of SSPs detected during routine colonoscopy. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of high-resolution endoscopic video clips depicting SSPs in situ. SETTING: Outpatient gastroenterology practice. PATIENTS: A total of 124 subjects undergoing surveillance or screening colonoscopy after split-dose bowel preparation. INTERVENTIONS: Analysis of 158 SSPs performed by using validated descriptors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The prevalence of morphologic characteristics related to polyp shape, color, and texture. RESULTS: A total of 158 SSPs were studied. For 7 visual descriptors, a κ coefficient of ≥ 0.7 was achieved, indicating good to excellent intraobserver agreement. The most prevalent visual descriptors were the presence of a mucous cap (63.9%), rim of debris or bubbles (51.9%), alteration of the contour of a fold (37.3%), and interruption of the underlying mucosal vascular pattern (32.3%). The most common "sentinel signs" were the presence of a mucous cap and alteration of the contour of a mucosal fold (each 24.6%), rim of debris or bubbles (21.7%), and a dome-shaped protuberance (20.3%). When comparing SSPs with adenomatous polyps, the frequencies of 5 of 7 morphologic characteristics and the distribution of sentinel signs differed (P < .01). LIMITATIONS: Single-site, retrospective analysis. CONCLUSIONS: SSPs exhibit distinct, variable morphologic characteristics. Many do not display classic features such as a mucous cap. Enhanced appreciation of these morphologic characteristics may improve SSP detection and thereby colorectal cancer prevention.