Resurgence of Bordetella pertussis, including one macrolide-resistant isolate, France, 2024.

As other European countries, France is experiencing a resurgence of pertussis in 2024. Between 1 January and 31 May 2024, 5,616 (24.9%) positive Bordetella pertussis qPCR tests were identified, following a 3-year period of almost null incidence. Of 67 cultured and whole genome sequenced B. pertussis isolates, 66 produced pertactin and 56 produced FIM2, in contrast to pre-COVID-19 years. One isolate of genotype Bp-AgST4 was resistant to macrolides. Pertussis resurgence may favour isolates that produce FIM2 and pertactin.

Analyzing and Modeling the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Lineages BA.1 and BA.2, France, September 2021-February 2022.

We analyzed 324,734 SARS-CoV-2 variant screening tests from France enriched with 16,973 whole-genome sequences sampled during September 1, 2021-February 28, 2022. Results showed the estimated growth advantage of the Omicron variant over the Delta variant to be 105% (95% CI 96%-114%) and that of the BA.2 lineage over the BA.1 lineage to be 49% (95% CI 44%-52%). Quantitative PCR cycle threshold values were consistent with an increased ability of Omicron to generate breakthrough infections. Epidemiologic modeling shows that, in spite of its decreased virulence, the Omicron variant can generate important critical COVID-19 activity in hospitals in France. The magnitude of the BA.2 wave in hospitals depends on the level of relaxing of control measures but remains lower than that of BA.1 in median scenarios.

Variant-specific SARS-CoV-2 within-host kinetics.

Since early 2021, SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have been causing epidemic rebounds in many countries. Their properties are well characterized at the epidemiological level but the potential underlying within-host determinants remain poorly understood. We analyze a longitudinal cohort of 6944 individuals with 14 304 cycle threshold (Ct) values of reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) VOC screening tests performed in the general population and hospitals in France between February 6 and August 21, 2021. To convert Ct values into numbers of virus copies, we performed an additional analysis using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). We find that the number of viral genome copies reaches a higher peak value and has a slower decay rate in infections caused by Alpha variant compared to that caused by historical lineages. Following the evidence that viral genome copies in upper respiratory tract swabs are informative on contagiousness, we show that the kinetics of the Alpha variant translate into significantly higher transmission potentials, especially in older populations. Finally, comparing infections caused by the Alpha and Delta variants, we find no significant difference in the peak viral copy number. These results highlight that some of the differences between variants may be detected in virus load variations.

Association between the COVID-19 pandemic and pertussis derived from multiple nationwide data sources, France, 2013 to 2020.

BackgroundInterventions to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic may impact other respiratory diseases.AimsWe aimed to study the course of pertussis in France over an 8-year period including the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with COVID-19 mitigation strategies, using multiple nationwide data sources and regression models.MethodsWe analysed the number of French pertussis cases between 2013 and 2020, using PCR test results from nationwide outpatient laboratories (Source 1) and a network of the paediatric wards from 41 hospitals (Source 2). We also used reports of a national primary care paediatric network (Source 3). We conducted a quasi-experimental interrupted time series analysis, relying on negative binomial regression models. The models accounted for seasonality, long-term cycles and secular trend, and included a binary variable for the first national lockdown (start 16 March 2020).ResultsWe identified 19,039 pertussis cases from these data sources. Pertussis cases decreased significantly following the implementation of mitigation measures, with adjusted incidence rate ratios of 0.10 (95% CI: 0.04-0.26) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.07-0.66) for Source 1 and Source 2, respectively. The association was confirmed in Source 3 with a median of, respectively, one (IQR: 0-2) and 0 cases (IQR: 0-0) per month before and after lockdown (p = 0.0048).ConclusionsThe strong reduction in outpatient and hospitalised pertussis cases suggests an impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on pertussis epidemiology. Pertussis vaccination recommendations should be followed carefully, and disease monitoring should be continued to detect any resurgence after relaxation of mitigation measures.

Detecting Rapid Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Variants, France, January 26-February 16, 2021.

Variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 raise concerns regarding the control of coronavirus disease epidemics. We analyzed 40,000 specific reverse transcription PCR tests performed on positive samples during January 26-February 16, 2021, in France. We found high transmission advantage of variants and more advanced spread than anticipated.

The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 lineage (VOC ß) is outgrowing the B.1.1.7 lineage (VOC α) in some French regions in April 2021.

To assess SARS-CoV-2 variants spread, we analysed 36,590 variant-specific reverse-transcription-PCR tests performed on samples from 12 April-7 May 2021 in France. In this period, contrarily to January-March 2021, variants of concern (VOC) ß (B.1.351 lineage) and/or γ (P.1 lineage) had a significant transmission advantage over VOC α (B.1.1.7 lineage) in Île-de-France (15.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 15.5-16.2) and Hauts-de-France (17.3%; 95% CI: 15.9-18.7) regions. This is consistent with VOC ß's immune evasion abilities and high proportions of prior-SARS-CoV-2-infected persons in these regions.

Rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in some French regions, June 2021.

We analysed 9,030 variant-specific RT-PCR tests performed on SARS-CoV-2-positive samples collected in France between 31 May and 21 June 2021. This analysis revealed rapid growth of the Delta variant in three of the 13 metropolitan French regions and estimated a +79% (95% confidence interval: 52-110%) transmission advantage compared with the Alpha variant. The next weeks will prove decisive and the magnitude of the estimated transmission advantages of the Delta variant could represent a major challenge for public health authorities.

Transient reemergence of Bordetella parapertussis in France in 2022.

Between March and October 2022, a peak of detection of Bordetella parapertussis by qPCR, real-time PCR was observed in France.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Whether this peak was due to resurgence from previous circulating lineages or reintroduction into the country was unknown.Objective. The objective of this study is to understand B. parapertussis-transient increase observed in France in 2022 whereas it had virtually stopped being reported since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.Methods. We analysed real-time PCR (qPCR) data from the two largest French outpatient laboratories performing whooping cough diagnosis and characterized all B. parapertussis isolates collected in the 2016-2022 period by the French National Reference Centre for Whooping Cough.Results. Microbiological analyses reveal that 13 of 18 bacterial isolates collected in 2022 produce the vaccine antigen pertactin, whereas none of the 22 isolates collected in the 2016-2021 period did.Conclusion. We hypothesize a re-introduction of B. parapertussis from regions of the world where whole-cell vaccines are still in use.

Genetic diversity of Leptospira strains circulating in humans and dogs in France in 2019-2021.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease. Humans and dogs are susceptible hosts, with similar clinical manifestations ranging from a febrile phase to multiple organ dysfunction. The incidence of leptospirosis in mainland France is relatively high, at about 1 case per 100,000 inhabitants, but our knowledge of the strains circulating in humans and dogs remains limited. We studied the polymorphism of the lfb1 gene sequences in an exhaustive database, to facilitate the identification of Leptospira strains. We identified 46 species-groups (SG) encompassing the eight pathogenic species of Leptospira. We sequenced the lfb1 gene amplification products from 170 biological samples collected from 2019 to 2021: 110 from humans and 60 from dogs. Epidemiological data, including vaccination status in dogs, were also collected. Three Leptospira species displaying considerable diversity were identified: L. interrogans, with eight lfb1 species-groups (including five new lfb1 species-groups) in humans and dogs; L. kirschneri, with two lfb1 species-groups in humans and dogs; and L. borgpetersenii, with one lfb1 species-group in humans only. The lfb1 species-group L. interrogans SG1, corresponding to serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae or Copenhageni, was frequently retrieved from both humans and dogs (n=67/110; 60.9% and n=59/60; 98.3% respectively). A high proportion of the affected dogs developed the disease despite vaccination (n=30/60; 50%). Genotyping with the polymorphic lfb1 gene is both robust and simple. This approach provided the first global picture of the Leptospira strains responsible for acute infections in mainland France, based on biological samples but without the need for culture. Identification of the Leptospira strains circulating and their changes over time will facilitate more precise epidemiological monitoring of susceptible and reservoir species. It should also facilitate the monitoring of environmental contamination, making it possible to implement preventive measures and to reduce the burden of this disease.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Mycobacterium bovis at the Human-Animal-Ecosystem Interface in France: "A One Health Approach".

Mycobacterium bovis infects cattle and wildlife, and also causes a small proportion of tuberculosis cases in humans. In most European countries, M. bovis infections in cattle have been drastically reduced, but not eradicated. Here, to determine the M. bovis circulation within and between the human, cattle, and wildlife compartments, we characterized by spoligotyping and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) typing the genetic diversity of M. bovis isolates collected from humans, cattle, and wildlife in France from 2000 to 2010. We also assessed their genetic structure within and among the different host groups, and across time and space. The M. bovis genetic structure and its spatiotemporal variations showed different dynamics in the human and animal compartments. Most genotypes detected in human isolates were absent in cattle and wildlife isolates, possibly because in patients, M. bovis infection was contracted abroad or was the reactivation of an old lesion. Therefore, they did not match the genetic pool present in France during the study period. However, some human-cattle exchanges occurred because some genotypes were common to both compartments. This study provides new elements for understanding M. bovis epidemiology in France, and calls for increased efforts to control this pathogen worldwide.

Epidemiology of infection by pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteria in French Guiana 2008-2018.

INTRODUCTION: Unlike diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. leprae and M. ulcerans, the epidemiology of pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteria (PNTM) has not received due attention in French Guiana. The main objective of the current study was to define the incidence of these PNTM infections: NTM pulmonary diseases (NTM-PD) and casual PNTM isolation (responsible of latent infection or simple colonization). The secondary objectives were to determine species diversity and geographic distribution of these atypical mycobacteria. METHODS: A retrospective observational study (2008-2018) of French Guiana patients with at least one PNTM positive respiratory sample in culture was conducted. Patients were then classified into two groups: casual PNTM isolation or pulmonary disease (NTM-PD), according to clinical, radiological and microbiological criteria defined by the American Thoracic Society / Infectious Disease Society of America (ATS / IDSA) in 2007. RESULTS: 178 patients were included, out of which 147 had casual PNTM isolation and 31 had NTM-PD. Estimated annual incidence rate of respiratory isolates was 6.17 / 100,000 inhabitants per year while that of NTM-PD was 1.07 / 100,000 inhabitants per year. Among the 178 patients, M. avium complex (MAC) was the most frequently isolated pathogen (38%), followed by M. fortuitum then M. abscessus (19% and 6% of cases respectively), the latter two mycobacteria being mainly found in the coastal center region. Concerning NTM-PD, two species were mainly involved: MAC (81%) and M. abscessus (16%). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This is the first study on the epidemiology of PNTM infections in French Guiana. PNTM's incidence looks similar to other contries and metropolitan France and NTM-PD is mostly due to MAC and M.abscessus. Although French Guiana is the French territory with the highest tuberculosis incidence, NTM should not be overlooked.

Effect of change in vaccine schedule on pertussis epidemiology in France: a modelling and serological study.

BACKGROUND: In April-May, 2013, France modified its pertussis vaccination schedule, which uses the acellular pertussis vaccine, from three primary doses at 2, 3, and 4 months of age and a first booster at 16-18 months of age (former schedule) to two primary doses at 2 and 4 months of age and a first booster at 11 months of age (new schedule). We aimed to assess the subsequent effect of the vaccine schedule change on pertussis epidemiology in France. METHODS: In this modelling study, using data collected between Jan 1, 2012, and Dec 31, 2019, from French national surveillance sources, we analysed the PCR test results of nasopharyngeal swabs collected from symptomatic outpatients aged 2-20 years with suspected pertussis. We developed a negative binomial regression model for the number of confirmed pertussis cases by year and age to assess the relative risks of pertussis depending on vaccine schedule. The linear predictor included the year, the age group, the population size, and a proxy of waning immunity. We tested different models in which waning immunity could vary with vaccine schedule and type of primary vaccine. The models were fitted to the 2012-18 data via Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling, and the 2019 data were left out for external model validation. We also compared the anti-pertussis toxin (PT) antibody concentrations in leftover sera from children not tested for pertussis or recent respiratory tract infection aged 2-5 years born before and after the vaccine schedule change. FINDINGS: We collected data on 7493 confirmed cases of pertussis. The model that best fitted the 2012-18 epidemiological data supported a faster waning of immunity following vaccination with the new vaccine schedule. 3 years after vaccination, the risk of developing pertussis was 1·7 (95% CI 1·4-2·0) times higher for children vaccinated according to the new schedule than those vaccinated according to the former schedule. The model correctly predicted the age distribution of cases in 2019. Geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of anti-PT IgG were 50% lower in children aged 2 years vaccinated with the new schedule (GMC=5·85 IU/mL [95% CI 4·08-8·39]) than in children of the same age vaccinated with the former schedule (GMC=11·62 IU/mL [95% CI 9·05-14·92]; p=0·0016), and 43% lower in children aged 3 years vaccinated with the new schedule (GMC=3·88 IU/mL [95% CI 2·82-5·34]) than those with the former schedule (GMC=6·80 IU/mL [95% CI 4·77-9·70]; p=0·026). INTERPRETATION: A shorter-lived protection induced by the new vaccine schedule recommended in France since 2013 is associated with an increase of pertussis cases in children aged 2-5 years. If similar findings are observed in other countries and clinical trials, these findings should be considered in future pertussis vaccination policies. FUNDING: INCEPTION, Labex-IBEID, Institut Pasteur, and Santé Publique France.

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern are associated with lower RT-PCR amplification cycles between January and March 2021 in France.

SARS-CoV-2 variants raise concern regarding the mortality caused by COVID-19 epidemics. We analyse 88,375 cycle amplification (Ct) values from variant-specific RT-PCR tests performed between January 26 and March 13, 2021. We estimate that on March 12, nearly 85% of the infections were caused by the Alpha variant and that its transmission advantage over wild type strains was between 38 and 44%. We also find that tests positive for Alpha and Beta/Gamma variants exhibit significantly lower cycle threshold (Ct) values.

Epidemiology of Human Leptospirosis in French Guiana (2007-2014): A Retrospective Study.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic bacterial infection with a rising incidence. French Guiana is mostly covered by Amazonian rain forest. Despite a potentially favorable environment, leptospirosis has been barely studied in French Guiana. The objective of this study was to describe the current trends of leptospirosis epidemiology in French Guiana. A cross-sectional study was performed in the two main hospitals of French Guiana. Cases of leptospirosis from 2007 to 2014 were retrospectively identified with a systematic screening of serological and polymerase chain reaction results to classify them as confirmed, probable, or excluded cases. Medical files were reviewed to collect epidemiological data. Among the 72 included patients, 55 (76.4%) cases were confirmed and 17 (23.6%) were probable. The median age was 39 years (range: 16-82 years) and the M/F sex ratio 6.2. Sixty-two (86.1%) patients required hospitalization, including 12 (16.7%) in the intensive care unit. Three (4.2%) patients died. The monthly distribution of cases was correlated with rainfall (P = 0.004) and moisture (P = 0.038). Professional exposure was frequently identified (especially gold mining and construction). Among 16 different serogroups identified by microagglutination test, Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most frequent (38.0%). This study revealed an epidemiology close to that observed in Brazilian regions, and professional and climatic risk factors. The high diversity of serogroups may reveal a complex environmental reservoir requiring further investigations. Only 20% of leptospirosis patients were suspected as such on hospital admission, thus emphasizing the need to inform local physicians.