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Background: Chronic infectious diseases are increasingly being considered as potential contributors to dementia risk. Among those infections, Helicobacter pylori, the main cause of chronic gastritis worldwide, has been suggested. As the prevalence of H. pylori infection has decreased, the main objective of this work was to reconsider the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of incident dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Prospective cohort of 689 older (≥65 years) agricultural workers from Southwest France. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed according to H. pylori status determined by serology at baseline. The risk of incident dementia according to H. pylori status over a 7‐year follow‐up was explored by survival analyses: Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Two‐hundred (29.0%) participants were H. pylori‐positive at baseline. Compared to H. pylori‐negative participants, they showed worse cognitive performances at baseline. Eighty‐five incident dementia cases were diagnosed during the follow‐up period. After adjustment for age, sex, education, apolipoprotein ε4, and several cardiovascular risk factors, H. pylori remained associated with an increased risk of dementia (HR 1.70, 95% CI, 1.05–2.74). The risk was stronger for Alzheimer's disease (HR 2.85, 95% CI, 1.58–5.12). Conclusions: Despite an observed decrease in H. pylori infection prevalence, this study provides evidence for the association between H. pylori infection and dementia. These results should encourage further research on the mechanisms underlying the contribution of infectious diseases to pathological brain aging, especially the influence of gut inflammation on the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Lyme borreliosis incidence is increasing in several areas; moreover, it has recently gained the public's attention. Apart from erythema migrans, Lyme disease diagnosis relies (among others) on serology test; however, the prevalence of positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB) assay has been poorly studied in the general population. We aimed to approach the seroprevalence of infection by Borrelia species responsible for Lyme disease in the French Isere department using city laboratories data. Patients and Methods: We retrieved all serological tests for Borrelia species responsible for Lyme disease performed in the two main networks of city laboratories between 2015 and 2020. All patients with both ELISA and WB IgG were considered seropositive. Results: We analyzed 27,360 tests (ELISA/ELISA+WB). Mean age was 50.9 ± 20.3 years (ranges: 0–101), with 57.1% females. Overall, 11.7% had IgG detected by ELISA, and 4.7% had IgG detected by both ELISA and WB assay. Seropositive status was more frequent in males (7.0% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001). Seropositivity rate increased with age after a first peak in childhood; men aged 61–70 years had the highest seropositivity rate (10.3%). In addition, seropositivity rate was higher in persons from a rural area. In multivariate analysis, older age, male gender and living in a rural area were independently associated with seropositivity. Seropositivity rate was stable on the 2017–2020 period. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of infection by Borrelia species responsible for Lyme disease is high in Isere; this probably reduces the predictive positive value for Lyme disease of ELISA and WB IgG, suggesting that this serological test should not be performed for nonspecific symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosing neurocysticercosis (NCC) is difficult due to its variable clinical presentations and the different imaging techniques used to detect brain damage. This study aimed to evaluate the use of cerebrospinal fluid serology and PCR for diagnosing biological neurocysticercosis in a non-endemic country. We tested samples from patients living in France with suspected NCC and confirmed that 45 of the patients presented with the disease. A total of 89% of patients had previously traveled to countries where the disease was endemic. The sensitivity of Western blots compared to ELISA was not significantly different (80% vs. 60%) (p > 0.05), and neither was the sensitivity of Western blots vs. PCR (78% vs. 56%) (p > 0.05). The PCR sensitivity was 78% and 47% in definitive NCC and in probable NCC. PCR tests using cerebrospinal fluid should be considered as a diagnostic criterion for identifying NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the risk of exposure to infectious disease agents can be tracked through variations in antibody prevalence in vertebrate host populations. However, information on the temporal dynamics of the immune status of individuals is critical. If antibody levels persist a long time after exposure to an infectious agent, they could enable the efficient detection of the past circulation of the agent; if they persist only a short time, they could provide snap shots of recent exposure of sampled hosts. Here, we explored the temporal dynamics of seropositivity against Lyme disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) in individuals of a widespread medium‐sized mammal species, the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), in France. Using a modified commercially available immunoassay we tested 1554 blood samples obtained in two wild deer populations monitored from 2010 to 2020. Using multi‐event capture‐mark‐recapture models, we estimated yearly population‐, age‐, and sex‐specific rates of seroconversion and seroreversion after accounting for imperfect detection. The yearly seroconversion rates indicated a higher level of exposure in early (2010–2013) than in late years (2014–2019) to infected tick bites in both populations, without any detectable influence of sex or age. The relatively high rates of seroreversion indicated a short‐term persistence of antibody levels against Bbsl in roe deer. This was confirmed by the analysis of samples collected on a set of captive individuals that were resampled several times a few weeks apart. Our findings show the potential usefulness of deer as a sentinel for tracking the risk of exposure to Lyme disease Bbsl, although further investigation on the details of the antibody response to Bbsl in this incompetent host would be useful. Our study also highlights the value of combining long‐term capture‐mark‐recapture sampling and short‐time analyses of serological data for wildlife populations exposed to infectious agents of relevance to wildlife epidemiology and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the journal Transplant Infectious Disease examined the persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike monoclonal antibodies (ViMAbs) tixagevimab and cilgavimab in immunocompromised patients. The study included 147 immunocompromised patients who had received at least one dose of Tix-Cil and had their antibody levels measured. The results showed that 92.6% of patients had antibody levels above 260 BAU/mL, with a median half-life of 259 days. The study suggests that ViMAbs may have a more heterogeneous and prolonged half-life in immunocompromised patients compared to previous reports. However, the use of Tix-Cil as a prophylactic or curative agent against the Omicron variant has been discontinued in France. [Extracted from the article]

Background The seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoV) NL63, 229E, OC43, and HKU1 are globally endemic, yet the majority of HCoV infections remain undiagnosed. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 2389 serum samples were collected from children and adults in France in 2020. In a longitudinal cohort study, 2520 samples were collected from 898 French individuals followed up between 2020 and 2021. Antibodies to HCoVs were measured using a bead-based multiplex assay. Results The rate of waning of anti-HCoV spike immunoglobulin G antibodies was estimated as 0.22–0.47 year−1 for children, and 0.13–0.27 year−1 for adults. Seroreversion was estimated as 0.31–1.37 year−1 in children and 0.19–0.72 year−1 in adults. The estimated seroconversion rate in children was consistent with 20%–39% of children being infected every year with each HCoV. Conclusions The high force of infection in children indicates that HCoVs may be responsible for a substantial proportion of fever episodes experienced by children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a major health problem and its diagnosis still represents a challenge. Since consistent evidence on the comparison of serological methods is lacking, our work aims to compare five serological tests for the diagnosis of visceral and asymptomatic leishmaniasis in southern France, a region where leishmaniasis is endemic. Methodology: Serum samples from 75 patients living in Nice, France were retrospectively analyzed. They included patients affected by visceral leishmaniasis (VL; n = 25), asymptomatic carriers (AC; n = 25) and negative controls (n = 25). Each sample was tested using two immunochromatographic tests (ICT; IT LEISH® and TruQuick IgG/IgM®), an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and two Western Blotting (WB; LDBio BIORAD® and an in-house method). Results: Diagnosis of VL with IFAT and TruQuick® showed the highest diagnostic performance parameters. IFAT had 100% sensitivity and specificity, while TruQuick had 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Finally, the two tests showed high accuracy (100% for IFAT and 98% for TruQuick) for the AC group. WB LDBio® was the only method able to detect Leishmania latent infection, with a sensitivity of 92%, and a specificity of 100%, with a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 93%. This performance is reflected in the high accuracy of the test. Conclusions: The data obtained with TruQuick® supports its application in the rapid diagnosis of leishmaniasis in endemic areas, a feature not shown by IFAT despite its high diagnostic performance. Regarding the diagnosis of asymptomatic leishmaniasis, the best results were obtained with WB LDBio®, confirming previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the French region of Brittany, mainly in the department of the Côtes d'Armor, during the first half of 2021, seropositivity for SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected in five wild mustelids out of 33 animals tested (15.6%). Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG was detected against at least four out of five recombinant viral proteins (S1 receptor binding domain, nucleocapsid, S1 subunit, S2 subunit and spike) in three pine martens (Martes martes) and in two badgers (Meles meles) using the automated western blot technique. An ELISA test also identified seropositive cases, although these did not align with western blot results. Although the 171 qPCRs carried out on samples from the 33 mustelids were all negative, these preliminary results from this observational study nevertheless bear witness to infections of unknown origin. The epidemiological surveillance of Covid‐19 in wildlife must continue, in particular with effective serology tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coprological and serological diagnostic tests were compared to define the status of a pig farm with regard to Ascaris suum. On each of the 100 farms in France visited for the study, 10 blood samples were taken from pigs at the end of fattening (at least 22 weeks old) and 20 to 30 faecal samples were taken, depending on the category of animals present on the farm (10 sows, 10 piglets aged 10 to 12 weeks and 10 pigs at the end of fattening, aged at least 22 weeks). A SERASCA® ELISA test (Laboratory of Parasitology, Ghent University) was performed on each blood sample (cut-off 0.5) and a coprological analysis on each faecal sample. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the coprological and serological tests. A farm was considered positive if at least one A. suum egg was observed in the faecal samples. With regard to the serological test, various hypotheses were tested in order to define the number of seropositive animals required to consider a farm positive for A. suum. The coprological test has very good specificity in the search for A. suum, whether 20 or 30 samples are taken per farm. However, even with an increase in the number of samples, the sensitivity of this diagnostic approach is very low (less than 30%). On the other hand, the serological diagnostic method, which consists of taking blood samples from 10 animals at the end of fattening, has good sensitivity and seems better suited to defining the status of a farm with regard to A. suum, provided that a farm is considered seropositive only if two out of 10 samples are positive., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for COVID-19 in people, has been detected in companion animals on rare occasions. A limited number of large-scale studies have investigated the exposure of companion animals to SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this prospective study was to estimate seroprevalence in privately owned dogs and cats presented in veterinary clinics in different French regions and to test the hypothesis that the occurrence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household and close contact with the owner would increase the chances of the animals being seropositive. One hundred and sixty-five dogs and 143 cats were blood-sampled between March 2020 and December 2021. Neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 8.4% of cats (12/143) and 5.4% of dogs (9/165). Seven animals (three dogs and four cats) were seropositive in the absence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household. Despite not being statistically significant (chi-square test, p-value = 0.55), our data may suggest that the occurrence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household could increase the risk of animal seropositivity (odds ratio = 1.38; 95% confidence interval = 0.55–3.77). This survey indirectly shows that SARS-CoV-2 circulates in canine and feline populations, but its circulation appears to be too low for pets to act as a significant viral reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high sensitivity of the automated tests used for Toxoplasma gondii serology can yield false-positive IgM results due to aspecific reactions. On the other hand, specific therapy can delay IgG production and, therefore, the diagnosis of seroconversion. There is a need for confirmation tests to early detect seroconversions during pregnancy. We conducted a multicentre study to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Toxo II IgG and a new, not yet commercialised Toxo II IgM western blot (WB) (LDBio diagnostics Lyon France) on 229 sera corresponding to 93 patients with seroconversions and 158 sera corresponding to 68 patients with nonspecific IgM. Sensitivity was 97.8% for IgM WB and 98.9% for IgG WB. Specificity was 89.7% and 100%, respectively. The concordance between IgM and IgG Toxo WB with the final diagnosis was very good, K = 0.89 and K = 0.99, respectively. In 5 cases (5.4%), the appearance of IgM, and in 55 cases (59.1%), the appearance of IgG was recorded by WB earlier than by traditional tests. In 10 cases (10.8%), IgM was detected after the traditional tests and in 2 cases (2.2%) for IgG. The association of IgG and IgM WB on the same sample not only detected all seroconversions but also correctly identified most of the false-positive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Finecare fluorescence lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) test quantitatively detects SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) total antibodies. • Finecare test showed 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity. • Finecare test strongly correlates with surrogate virus-neutralizing test (sVNT) and automated assays. • Finecare test can be used to predict the amount of neutralizing antibodies. A vast majority of the commercially available lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is used to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies qualitatively. Recently, a novel fluorescence-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) test was developed for quantitative measurement of the total binding antibody units (BAUs) (BAU/mL) against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD). This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the fluorescence LFIA FinecareTM 2019-nCoV S-RBD test along with its reader (Model No.: FS-113). Plasma from 150 reverse trancriptase–PCR (RT-PCR)-confirmed positive individuals and 100 prepandemic samples were tested by FincareTM to access sensitivity and specificity. For qualitative and quantitative validation of the FinCareTM measurements, BAU/mL results of FinCareTM were compared with results of 2 reference assays: the surrogate virus-neutralizing test (sVNT, GenScript Biotech, USA) and the VIDAS®3 automated assay (BioMérieux, France). FinecareTM showed 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared with PCR. Cohen's Kappa statistic denoted moderate and excellent agreement with sVNT and VIDAS®3, with values being 0.557 (95% CI: 0.32–0.78) and 0.731 (95% CI: 0.51–0.95), respectively. A strong correlation was observed between FinecareTM/sVNT (r = 0.7, p < 0.0001) and FinecareTM/VIDAS®3 (r = 0.8, p < 0.0001). FinecareTM is a reliable assay and can be used as a surrogate to assess binding and neutralizing antibody response after infection or vaccination, particularly in none or small laboratory settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are several reports in the literature of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in cats, few SARS‐CoV‐2 sequences from infected cats have been published. In this study, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was evaluated in two cats by clinical observation, molecular biology (qPCR and NGS), and serology (microsphere immunoassay and seroneutralization). Following the observation of symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in two cats, infection status was confirmed by RT‐qPCR and, in one cat, serological analysis for antibodies against N‐protein and S‐protein, as well as neutralizing antibodies. Comparative analysis of five SARS‐CoV‐2 sequence fragments obtained from one of the cats showed that this infection was not with one of the three recently emerged variants of SARS‐CoV‐2. This study provides additional information on the clinical, molecular, and serological aspects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in cats. This study provides additional information on the clinical, molecular, and serological aspects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Elderly residents of nursing homes (NHs) and long-term care units (LTCUs) have been shown to have a high risk of mortality and morbidity in cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The objective of this study was to examine the kinetics of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) directed against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in residents of the NH and LTCU units of our University Hospital who were identified with positive serology after the first epidemic outbreak. Materials and Methods: The participants included were sampled every three months for qualitative serological testing, as well as quantitative testing by neutralization tests using retroviral particles containing the S glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. Vaccination using the Comirnaty (Pfizer BNT162b2) vaccine begun before the last serological follow-up. Results: The median NAb titer in June 2020 was 80 [40; 60] versus 40 [40; 160] three months later, showing a statistically significant decline (p < 0.007), but remained stable between the three- and six-month timepoints (p = 0.867). By nine months after vaccination, we observed a significant difference between vaccinated residents known to have positive serology before vaccination (SERO+, Vacc+) and those vaccinated without having previously shown COVID-19 seroconversion (SERO−, Vacc+), the latter group showing similar titers to the SERO+, Vacc- participants (p=0.166). The median antibody titer in SERO+, Vacc+ patients increased 15-fold following vaccination. Discussion: Humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 appears to be persistent in elderly institutionalized patients, with a good post-vaccination response by residents who had already shown seroconversion but a notably diminished response by those who were seronegative before vaccination. To evaluate immunity in its entirety and elaborate a sound vaccination strategy, the cellular immune response via T cells specific to SARS-CoV-2 merits analysis, as this response is susceptible to being affected by immunosenescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is characterized by a chronically progressing hepatic injury caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. Surgery presently remains the best curative option. Currently, biological predictive features derived from the resected specimens are not suitable to assess surgery efficacy. The present study was designed to investigate whether a selection of markers measured on the resected specimens exhibits predictive features related to parasite viability, or to a total elimination of the parasite, in addition to serological markers. Methods and Results: In a collaboration between two centres, one in France (Besançon), and one in Switzerland (Bern), samples from 40 AE patients were analysed by microarray and serology techniques, individually. Paired serum samples before and after surgery were obtained for 26 patients. In the sera, a significant decrease in PD‐L1 levels was observed after surgery, in addition to anti‐Em18 levels. In the liver tissue, low levels of Cluster of Differentiation (CD)‐3 were correlated with the absence of serum anti‐Em18 after surgery. Conclusion: This study showed PD‐L1 is promising as a potential serological marker and further confirmed the performance of anti‐Em18 serology. Further studies on a larger cohort are needed to confirm the utility of performing systematically microarray on resected liver tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the potential gravity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection for patients with cancer, epidemiological data are vital to assess virus circulation among patients and staff of cancer centres. We performed a prospective study to investigate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and patients with cancer at a large cancer centre, at the end of the period of first national lockdown in France and to determine factors associated with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. After the first lockdown, all medical and non-medical staff, as well as all patients attending the medical oncology department were invited to undergo serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 between 11 May and 30 June 2020. All participants were also invited to complete a questionnaire collecting data about their living and working conditions, and for patients, medical management during lockdown. A total of 1,674 subjects (663 staff members, 1011 patients) were included. Seroprevalence was low in both staff (1.8%) and patients (1.7%), despite more features of high risk for severe forms among patients. None of the risk factors tested in our analysis (working or living conditions, comorbidities, management characteristics during lockdown) was found to be statistically associated with seroprevalence in either staff or patients. There was no significant difference in the proportion of symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects between staff and patients. Only fever, loss of smell, and loss of taste were significantly more frequent among seropositive patients, in both staff and patients. We report very low seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the staff (caregiving and non-caregiving) and patients of a large cancer care centre in which strict hygiene, personal protection, and social distancing measures were implemented. • We conducted a prospective cross-sectional French study in a cancer centre. • Six hundred and sixty-three staff members (medical and non-medical) and 1011 cancer patients were included. • Serological testing was carried out for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) for all participants. • This study was performed after the end of first national lockdown. • This study shows a snapshot of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the factors associated with. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) is increasingly considered as a relevant actor in the epidemiology of animal tuberculosis (TB). Therefore, monitoring TB in this species is key when establishing comprehensive control schemes for this disease still present in Europe. No data are available on direct and indirect TB diagnostic methods in wild boars in epidemiological contexts where TB is endemic in cattle and detected in wild boars at low prevalence. We aimed to estimate and compare sensitivity and specificity values for bacterial culture, PCR and three commercial ELISAs, i.e. the TB ELISA-VK (using the bPPD antigen), INgezim TB Porcine and IDEXX M. bovis Ab Test (both using the MPB83 and MPB70 antigens), under field conditions in France. We used frequentist methods, with bacteriology as the gold standard, and a Bayesian formulation of the latent class analysis (LCA), without using a gold standard. Submandibular lymph nodes and sera from 495 wild boars hunter-harvested in three endemic areas (Aquitaine region, Côte d’Or region, and Corsica region) were collected between 2014 and 2016. Only eight individuals were positive for M. bovis by bacteriology (1.61%; CI95% 0.70–3.51%). The LCA method provided high specificities (99.2%; CI95% 98.2–99.8% for INgezim TB Porcine and 99.7%; CI95% 98.8–100% for IDEXX M. bovis Ab Test) and sensitivities (78.5%; CI95% 65.1–88.8% for INgezim TB Porcine and 83.9%; CI95% 58.9–97.2% for IDEXX M. bovis Ab Test) for both ELISAs using the MPB83 and MPB70 antigens. Bacterial culture showed limited sensitivity (42.8%; CI95% 19.0–70.6%), estimated as the probability of a positive result in an animal exposed to M. bovis. PCR and ELISA using the bPPD antigens demonstrated high specificities, and sensitivities intermediates between culture and the ELISAs using the MPB83 and MPB70 antigens. These results suggest that ELISA tests using the MPB83 and MPB70 antigens are useful to detect and monitor TB exposure of wild boar populations in field conditions in France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Fecal excretion was continuous in group mST and intermittent in others groups. • Considering the total fecal shedding over time until 21 DPI, pigs of group mST excreted more than those of group ST. • At necropsies : no statistical difference between serovars, regardless of the type of samples. • First seroconversion occurred on 7 DPI in SD and mST goups and 10 DPI for ST group. • All piglets were seroconverted in all groups at the end of the experiment, on 49 DPI. Abstract Salmonella serovars Derby, Typhimurium and the monophasic variant of Salmonella Typhimurium are the most frequently isolated serovars in pigs in France. To compare the excretion patterns, seroconversion to Salmonella and contamination of the organs of pigs inoculated with strains of all three serovars, we conducted an experimental trial with 28 SPF piglets. Four were used as a negative control, while the other 24 were divided equally into three groups. Each group was inoculated at 7 weeks of age with a different strain: S. Derby (SDb), S. Typhimurium (ST), and the monophasic variant of S. Typhimurium (mST). Fecal and blood samples were collected twice a week up until necropsy, on 21 days post-inoculation (DPI) for half of each group and 49 DPI for the remaining piglets. During necropsy, the tonsils, mesenteric lymph nodes and various intestinal contents were collected from each pig. Salmonella bacteria were quantified in CFU/g by a bacteriological method, and levels of Salmonella antibodies were measured using an ELISA Kit. Piglets inoculated with mST continuously excreted Salmonella in their feces throughout the trial. For each of the other serovars, one piglet was Salmonella- negative on one DPI. The quantity of Salmonella excreted was statistically different between the group inoculated with ST and mST (p < 0.05), but no differences were found between the other serovars. The tonsils, cecum and jejunum were the most contaminated organs in all groups. Seroconversion for all the piglets was completed by different DPI: 28 for ST, 31 for mST and 38 for SDb. No major differences were found in terms of excretion and colonization among the studied serovars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: According to rare studies, the age at EBV primary infection (PI) has recently risen in some developed countries. A later age at infection is generally considered a risk factor for severe EBV PI, although few studies exist on this subject. Our investigation aimed to determine whether EBV seroprevalence and EBV PI epidemiology have evolved in France, and to what extent age and infection intensity (regarding biological parameters) are correlated. Methods and findings: We conducted a retrospective study of the following EBV serological tests databases: tests carried out at Grenoble University Hospital (2000–2016) (n = 53,553); and tests carried out by a network of city laboratories in Grenoble area (2008–2015) (n = 27,485). The hospital population showed a continuous, significant decrease in EBV seroprevalence over the studied period for patients aged 20 and over (p<0.01). The seroprevalence also decreased for different age classes (<10, 15–19, 20–30, and 30–40 years old) over the periods 2001–2005, 2006–2010, and 2011–2015. Consistently, the age at PI was significantly higher in the years 2008–2015 than in the years 2001–2007 (15.6±12.0 vs. 13.7±11.0; p = 0.03). The city laboratory population showed the same trend of decreasing seroprevalence (p = 0.06); no significant variations in age at PI were observed. The age at PI was positively correlated with ASAT, ALAT, γGT, and bilirubin blood levels (p<0.01) and negatively correlated with platelet counts (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the last 15 years, the age at EBV PI has increased, whereas seroprevalence has decreased. Moreover, our findings confirm the positive correlation between age and biological abnormalities. Taken together, these results suggest that the incidence of severe EBV PI will increase in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Imported malaria in France is characterized by various clinical manifestations observed in a heterogeneous population of patients such as travelers/expatriates and African migrants. In this population, host factors and parasite biomass associated with severe imported malaria are poorly known. Methods: From data collected by the Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, we identified epidemiological, demographic and biological features including parasite biomass and anti-plasmodial antibody levels (negative, positive and strongly positive serology) associated with different disease severity groups (very severe, moderately severe, and uncomplicated malaria) in 3 epidemiological groups (travelers/expatriates, first- and second-generation migrants). Results: Age, ethnicity, absence of prior infection with P. falciparum, antibody levels, plasma PfHRP2 levels, total and circulating parasite biomass were related to severe malaria onset. Sequestered parasite biomass tended to be increased in very severe malaria, and was strongly correlated to the antibody level of the host. Conclusions: Prior exposure to P. falciparum is associated with high anti-plasmodial antibody levels which influence clinical presentation of imported malaria and its correlated circulating and sequestered parasite burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prospectively examined the effectiveness of diagnostic tests for anaplasmosis using patients with suspected diagnoses in France. PCR (sensitivity 0.74, specificity 1) was the best-suited test. Serology had a lower specificity but higher sensitivity when testing acute and convalescent samples. PCR and serology should be used in combination for anaplasmosis diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the date of introduction of Schmallenberg virus ( SBV) into France, the prevalence of antibodies against the virus was determined monthly in cattle from two northern departments from August 2011 to April 2012. Seropositive cattle were detected from October 2011 in both departments with a prevalence of 55.6% in the westernmost department (Meurthe-et-Moselle) and of 12.7% in the easternmost department (Manche). Schmallenberg virus seroprevalence then increased rapidly to high levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of both the spread and clinical impact of Schmallenberg virus ( SBV) infection within its full host range is important for the control of the epidemic and potential new outbreaks. In France, a national surveillance plan based on voluntary notifications of congenital malformations in newborn ruminants revealed that goats were the less affected host species. However, seroprevalence studies only targeted sheep and cattle, preventing accurate estimations of the real impact of SBV infection in goats. Here, a serological survey was conducted in the highest goat-specialized region of France between June 2012 and January 2013. A total of 1490 goat sera from 50 herds were analysed by ELISA. The between-herd and within-herd prevalences were estimated at 62% and 13.1%, respectively. Seroprevalence was not uniformly distributed throughout the territory and markedly differed between intensive and extensive herds. The low within-herd seroprevalence demonstrates that a large fraction of the French goat population remains susceptible to SBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Co Pan Flu- France household cohort was set up in 2009 to identify risk factors of infection by the pandemic A/ H1 N1 ( H1 N1pdm09) virus in the general population. Objectives To investigate the determinants of infection during the 2010-2011 season, the first complete influenza season of study follow-up for this cohort. Patients/Methods Pre- and post-epidemic blood samples were collected for all subjects, and nasal swabs were obtained in all subjects from households where an influenza-like illness was reported. Cases were defined as either a fourfold increase in the serological titer or a laboratory-confirmed H1 N1pdm09 on a nasal swab, with either RT- PCR or multiplex PCR. Risk factors for H1 N1pdm09 infections were explored, without any pre-specified hypothesis, among 167 individual, collective and environmental covariates via generalized estimating equations modeling. We adopted a multimodel selection procedure to control for model selection uncertainty. Results This analysis is based on a sample size of 1121 subjects. The final multivariable model identified one risk factor (history of asthma, OR = 2·17; 95% CI: 1·02-4·62) and three protective factors: pre-epidemic serological titer ( OR = 0·51 per doubling of the titer; 95% CI: 0·39-0·67), green tea consumption a minimum of two times a week ( OR = 0·39; 95% CI: 0·18-0·84), and proportion of subjects in the household always covering their mouth while coughing/sneezing ( OR = 0·93 per 10% increase; 95% CI: 0·86-1·00). Conclusion This exploratory study provides further support of previously reported risk factors and highlights the importance of collective protective behaviors in the household. Further analyses will be conducted to explore these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested 144 pet rabbits sampled in France between November 2020 and June 2021 for antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by microsphere immunoassay. We reported the first evidence of a natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in rabbits with a low observed seroprevalence between 0.7% and 1.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives and method: We report the patient data in 77 cases of leptospirosis confirmed by PCR and/or serology (micro-agglutination), observed between 1994 and 2008 at the Besançon teaching hospital. Our aim was to compare the epidemiological, clinical, biological, and therapeutic characteristics of leptospirosis in the Franche-Comté region, to those reported in other regions. Results: The median age was 42years and 95% were male patients. Leptospirosis acquisition was likely related to aquatic leisure activities (50.6%), professional exposure (28.6%), building maintenance works (11.7%), or unknown (9.1%). Forty-eight cases were uncomplicated and 29 were severe presentations of leptospirosis. Among severe cases, eight patients had to be managed in an intensive care unit, and one patient died. L. grippotyphosa and L. icterohaemorrhagiae were the main serogroups involved. Age above 50years and serogroup L. icterohaemorrhagiae were positively associated with clinical severity. The outcome was favorable for 15 patients treated with ceftriaxone for less than 7days. Conclusions: We recommended conducting clinical trials aiming at validating short courses of ceftriaxone to treat leptospirosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: At the end of 2011, UNAIDS estimated that 34 million (31.4 to 35.9) individuals were infected by HIV worldwide and that 2.5 million were newly infected during the year. Since 2001, we have observed an increased number of HIV-infected patients in the world, due to an expanded access to antiretroviral drugs. More than 23,5 million (22.1 to 24.8) HIV-infected patients live in Sub-Saharan Africa. The number of HIV-infected patients in France is estimated at 152,000. Two types of HIV cause AIDS: HIV-1 and HIV-2 that are subdivided in groups (M, N, O, P for HIV-1; A to H for HIV-2), subtypes (A-D, F-H, J-K for HIV-1 group M), sub-subtype (A1-A4 for subtype A, F1 and F2 for subtype F in HIV-1 group M), circulating recombinant forms (CRF), and unique recombinant forms in a small number of patients. Virological diagnostic and monitoring techniques have been constantly upgraded since HIV-1 was isolated in 1983 and the first serological tests became available in 1985. This is especially true for HIV-1, the most prevalent worldwide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The CoPanFlu-France cohort of households was set up in 2009 to study the risk factors for infection by the pandemic influenza virus (H1N1pdm) in the French general population. The authors developed an integrative data-driven approach to identify individual, collective and environmental factors associated with the post-seasonal serological H1N1pdm geometric mean titer, and derived a nested case-control analysis to identify risk factors for infection during the first season. This analysis included 1377 subjects (601 households). The GMT for the general population was 47.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 45.1, 49.2). According to a multivariable analysis, pandemic vaccination, seasonal vaccination in 2009, recent history of influenza-like illness, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, social contacts at school and use of public transports by the local population were associated with a higher GMT, whereas history of smoking was associated with a lower GMT. Additionally, young age at inclusion and risk perception of exposure to the virus at work were identified as possible risk factors, whereas presence of an air humidifier in the living room was a possible protective factor. These findings will be interpreted in light of the longitudinal analyses of this ongoing cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tularemia is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the facultative intracellular Gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. Depending on the transmission route of this agent tularemia can present itself as a local infection or a systemic disease. We describe herein three cases of confirmed tularemia in immunocompetent patients during the summer of 2019; two patients with unusual respiratory presentation and pulmonary nodules on imaging, following exposure to aerosols. The third patient was a hunter presenting with a classical ulceroglandular form occurring 4 days after a tick bite in Bourgogne Franche-Comté. All patients were diagnosed from the results of positive F. tularensis PCR (or universal PCR targeting the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene) and/or seroconversion. The patient with ulceroglandular form received antibiotics, with a complete recovery. The two patients with pneumonic tularemia recovered without antibiotic treatment.  However, pulmonary nodules persisted on follow-up CT months later, despite overall clinical recovery., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Diplorickettsia massiliensis has been recently isolated from Ixodes ricinus ticks. We screened 13,872 serum samples from patients in France with suspected tick-borne diseases and found three cases that had serological evidence of D. massiliensis infection; for one of these three cases, we obtained molecular evidence of an infection as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge of the age-specific prevalence of seroprotection and incidence of seroconversion infection is necessary to complement clinical surveillance data and statistical models. It provides the basis for estimating the future impact of influenza A (H1N1pdm09) and implementing appropriate prevention and response strategies. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, two-stage stratified sampling and paired plasma samples, we estimated the agespecific prevalence of a protective level of H1N1pdm09 antibodies in the French adult population before and after the 2009/10 pandemic, and the proportion of those susceptible that seroconverted due to infection, from a single sample of 1,936 blood donors aged 20-70 years in mainland France in June 2010. Samples with a haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titre $1:40 were considered seropositive, and seroconversion due to infection was defined as a 4-fold increase in titre in the absence of H1N1pdm09 vaccination or pre-pandemic seropositivity. Results: Out of the 1,936 donors, 1,708 were included in the analysis. Seroprevalence before the pandemic was 6.7% (95% CI 5.0, 8.9) with no significant differences by age-group (p = 0.3). Seroprevalence afterwards was 23.0% (95% CI 17.7, 29.3) with 20-29 year olds having a higher level than older groups (p<0.001). Seroconversion due to infection was 12.2% (95% CI 6.9, 20.5). Younger age-group, vaccination against H1N1 and being seropositive before the pandemic were strongly associated with post-pandemic seropositivity. Conclusions: Before the 2009/2010 winter influenza season, only 6.7% of the French mainland population aged 20-70 had a level of antibodies usually considered protective. During the first pandemic wave, 12.2% of the population seroconverted due to infection and the seroprevalence after the wave rose to 23%, either due to prepandemic seropositivity, infection or vaccination. This relatively low latter figure contributed to an extension of target groups for influenza vaccination for the 2010/2011 season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18: 177-183 Abstract We looked for evidence of antibodies to the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic virus in panels of sera from individuals living in metropolitan France, obtained either before, during or after the epidemic, using standard haemagglutination inhibition and microneutralization tests. The difference between seroprevalence values measured in post- and pre-epidemic panels was used as an estimate of seroconversion rate in different age groups (23.4% (0-24 years, age-group 0); 16.5% (25-34); 7.9% (35-44); 7.2% (45-54); 1.6% (55-64); and 3.1% (>65)), confirming that the distribution of cases in different age groups was similar to that of the seasonal H1N1 virus. During the pre-pandemic period low-titre cross-reactive antibodies were present in a large proportion of the population (presumably acquired against seasonal H1N1) whereas cross-reactive antibodies were detected in individuals over the age of 65 years with significantly higher prevalence and serological titres (presumably acquired previously against Spanish flu-related H1N1 strains). Clinical data and analysis of post-pandemic seroprevalence showed that few of these latter patients were infected by the influenza virus during the epidemic. In contrast, the majority of both clinical cases and seroconversions were recorded in the 0-24 age group and a global inverse relationship between prevalence of antibodies to pH1N1 in the pre-pandemic period and rate of seroconversion was observed amongst age groups. Our results emphasize the complex relationships involved in antigenic reactivity to pandemic and seasonal H1N1 viral antigens; hence the difficulty in distinguishing between low-titre specific and cross-reactive antibodies, establishing precise seroprevalence numbers and fully understanding the relationship between previous immunity to seasonal viruses and protection against the novel variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Studies assessing the risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV), parvovirus B19 (B19V), rubella and varicella infections in female child-care personnel may help define appropriate preventive strategies during pregnancy. Methods: Serologic testing for all four viruses and a self-administered questionnaire to identify risk factors were conducted on child-care staff aged 20–50 years old and on a reference group of women. Results: In 395 exposed and 382 reference women, CMV, B19V, rubella and varicella seroprevalence were 69.4, 79.4, 98.7, 100% for exposed women, and 41.1, 68.0, 98.2, 99.7% for reference women, respectively. For CMV, the adjusted seroprevalence ratio (PR) of exposed versus reference workers, (PR, 1.43 [95% IC, 1.22–1.69]) was observed as of the first year of exposure. The risk attributed to occupation was 30.1%. Identified risk factors included exposure duration, past employment in maternity hospital, and participation in cleaning tasks. The risk attributable to personal factors ranged from 14.5% to 32.4%. The adjusted B19V PR was not significant (PR, 1.05 [95% IC, 0.94–1.16]). Conclusions: French female child-care staff runs an occupational risk for CMV infection, but not for B19V infection. The fraction attributable to this CMV occupational risk was not higher than the risk associated with personal factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Tularemia is an endemic but rare disease in France. We describe the epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic, treatment, and prognostic aspects of the disease in 101 consecutive patients investigated during a 5-year period (2006-2010). Methods. All tularemia cases confirmed at the French Reference Center for Tularemia (FRCT) were included. Data were collected both at the Institut de Veille Sanitaire (mandatory notification) and FRCT. Diagnostic methods included serological tests (microagglutination and indirect immunofluorescence assay), Francisella tularensis cultures, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, and molecular identification of the F. tularensis subspecies involved. Results. The patient cohort consisted of 55 men and 46 women (sex ratio, 1.2; average age, 51.7 years), including 93 sporadic cases that occurred throughout France. Contaminations occurred predominantly through contact with or ingestion of lagomorphs (31.7%), tick bites (10.9%), or contaminated environments (7.9%). The glandular and ulceroglandular forms predominated (57.5% of cases), but 18.8%of patients experienced a systemic disease and 29.7% were hospitalized. Specific diagnosis was mainly based on serology, but 38.6% of patients had positive RT-PCR tests and 20.8% had a positive culture. F. tularensis subspecies holarctica was identified in 25 patients. All patients except 1 recovered from infection, but 38.6% experienced relapses despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. Conclusions. The epidemiological and clinical aspects of tularemia in France are varied, suggesting different modes of contamination. The high rates of systemic diseases and hospitalization indicate that the more serious cases are more likely to be diagnosed and notified. RT-PCR tests may help to improve diagnosis and reporting of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In natural populations, virus circulation is influenced by host behavior and physiological characteristics. Cat populations exhibit a great variability in social and spatial structure, the existence of different ways of life within a same population may also result in different epidemiological patterns. To test this hypothesis, we used a logistic regression to analyze the risk factors of Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline herpes virus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline parvovirus (FPV) infection in owned (fed and sheltered) and unowned (neither fed nor sheltered, unsocialized) cats living in a rural environment in the North Eastern part of France. A serological survey was carried out in 492 non-vaccinated and non-sterilized individuals from 15 populations living in the same area. The prevalence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was also studied, but too few were infected to analyze the risk factors of this virus. For each virus, the epidemiological pattern was different in owned and unowned cats. Unowned cats were more frequently infected by directly transmitted viruses like FIV, FHV and FCV (21.22%, 67.66%, 86.52% in unowned cats vs 9.55%, 53.88%, 77.18% in owned cats, respectively), a difference that may be explained by a more solitary and more aggressive behavior in unowned adults, and/or possibly by a higher sensitivity related to a more stressful life. On the contrary, owned cats were more frequently infected with FPV (36.41% in owned cats vs 15.61% in unowned cats), possibly as a result of their concentration around human settlements. The present study showed that owned and unowned cats living in a same area have behavioral and physiological characteristics sufficiently different to influence virus circulation. Pooling different types of cats in a single sample without taking it into account could give a wrong picture of the epidemiology of their viruses. The conclusion of this work can be extended to any epidemiological studies led in wildlife species with flexible behavior as any variations in social or spatial structure, between or within populations, could result in different virus circulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sand flies are recognised vectors of parasites in the genus Leishmania and a number of arthropod-borne viruses, in particular viruses within the genus Phlebovirus, family Bunyaviridae. In southern France, Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV) is recognized as a prominent cause of summer meningitis. Since Leishmania and TOSV have a common vector (Phlebotomus perniciosus), an epidemiologic link has been assumed for a long time. However, there is no scientific evidence of such a link between human leishmaniosis and phleboviral infections. To identify a possible link, we investigated the presence and distribution of antibodies against these two microorganisms (i) in individuals and (ii) at a spatial level in the city of Marseille (south-eastern France). Five hundred sera were selected randomly in the biobank of the Department of Parasitology of the Public Hospitals of Marseille. All sera were previously tested for IgG against Leishmania by Western Blotting, and TOSV IgG were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. The seropositivity rates were 21.4% for TOSV and 28% for Leishmania. Statistical analysis demonstrated that seropositivity for one pathogen was significantly associated with seropositivity to the other pathogen. This result provided the first robust evidence for the existence of an epidemiological relationship between Leishmania infantum and TOSV. Addresses of tested patients were geolocalized and integrated into Geographical Information System software, in order to test spatial relationship between the two pathogens. Spatial analysis did not allow to identify (i) specific patterns for the spatial distribution of positive serological results for TOSV or Leishmania, and (ii) a spatial relationship between Leishmania and TOSV positive serological results. This may reflect the fact that the sample studied was not powerful enough to demonstrate either a spatial clustering or co-location, i.e. that the actual risk exposure area is smaller than the mean of distance between patients in our study (245 m). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article discusses a randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing the safety and immunogenicity of four intramuscular double-dose regimen and four intradermal low-dose regimen against the standard hepatitis B vaccine regimen in adults with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection. The trial was conducted in France from June 28, 2007 to October 23, 2008. The percentage of responders at the 28th week was defined as patients with hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) of at least 10 milli-international unit/milliliter (mIU/ml) in patients given at least one dose of vaccine. The trial found an improved serological response among patients in the four intramuscular double-dose and the four intradermal low-dose regimens compared with the standard HBV vaccine regimen.

Abstract: Subject: Molecular amplification (PCR) provides adequate rapid and specific diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection (first agent responsible for community-wide bacterial pneumonia in children above 5 years of age). Method: Positive (Chlamylège®, Argène) PCR in nasopharyngeal aspirate, respiratory samples and nasopharyngeal swab and/or positive serological test (ELISA). Results: Diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection in 39 cases: 31 between September and December 2008 (30 children and one adult) and eight since June 2009 (three adults and five children). Children (mean age: 3.6years) were hospitalized in 88.6% of cases, mean hospitalization duration was 2.9 days for respiratory tract infections, mainly due to lack of response to β-lactamines therapy (65.7%). Four adults (mean age: 29.5 years) presented a pneumonia, with hospitalization for three of them with one in intensive care unit. Twenty-eight PCR have proved positive (87%): without associated serology (13), eight negative serologies, IgG and IgM positive (five), and IgG alone (two). Seven patients had only serological test for diagnosis: IgM±IgG. For two children, IgM positive only in isolation, with a PCR probably false negative. Conclusion: The sensitivity of the serology in the diagnosis of mycoplasma infection is limited: IgM, which appear traditionally 1 week after clinical signs are mostly inexistent for adults and IgG rise at a later stage. Early diagnosis of child pneumoniae by PCR helped rapidly characterize this epidemic phenomenon and adapt the treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Revue Francophone des Laboratoires is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The Mediterranean island of Corsica was considered Trichinella-free until 2004, when T. britovi larvae were discovered in domestic pigs at meat inspection. One red fox was also found infected the same year and in the same area than the infected pigs. This last finding highlighted the presence of trichinellosis in Corsican wildlife. A Trichinella survey was thus performed in wild boar (Sus scrofa) and fox (Vulpes vulpes), the two large wild species present on the island, to determine prevalence of muscle larvae and antibodies. Diaphragm muscles of 1881 wild boars and 74 forelegs of foxes were tested by artificial digestion. No Trichinella larva was identified. The highly sensitive ELISA was used to test muscle fluid samples of 1492 wild boars. The apparent serological prevalence of Trichinella infections in wild boar was 2.01% (95% CI: 1.36–2.86). The present results suggest that wildlife is currently exposed to Trichinella in Corsica. In this context, adequate cooking and veterinary controls of meat offer the only complete sanitary warranties to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Laboratory testing is frequently unnecessary, particularly repetitive testing. Among the interventions proposed to reduce unnecessary testing, Computerized Decision Support Systems (CDSS) have been shown to be effective, but their impact depends on their technical characteristics. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of a Serology-CDSS providing point of care reminders of previous existing serology results, embedded in a Computerized Physician Order Entry at a university teaching hospital in Paris, France. Methods: A CDSS was implemented in the Cardiovascular Surgery department of the hospital in order to decrease inappropriate repetitions of viral serology tests (HBV). A time series analysis was performed to assess the impact of the alert on physicians' practices. The study took place between January 2004 and December 2007. The primary outcome was the proportion of unnecessarily repeated HBs antigen tests over the periods of the study. A test was considered unnecessary when it was ordered within 90 days after a previous test for the same patient. A secondary outcome was the proportion of potentially unnecessary HBs antigen test orders cancelled after an alert display. Results: In the pre-intervention period, 3,480 viral serology tests were ordered, of which 538 (15.5%) were unnecessarily repeated. During the intervention period, of the 2,095 HBs antigen tests performed, 330 unnecessary repetitions (15.8%) were observed. Before the intervention, the mean proportion of unnecessarily repeated HBs antigen tests increased by 0.4% per month (absolute increase, 95% CI 0.2% to 0.6%, p < 0.001). After the intervention, a significant trend change occurred, with a monthly difference estimated at -0.4% (95% CI -0.7% to -0.1%, p = 0.02) resulting in a stable proportion of unnecessarily repeated HBs antigen tests. A total of 380 unnecessary tests were ordered among 500 alerts displayed (compliance rate 24%). Conclusions: The proportion of unnecessarily repeated tests immediately dropped after CDSS implementation and remained stable, contrasting with the significant continuous increase observed before. The compliance rate confirmed the effect of the alerts. It is necessary to continue experimentation with dedicated systems in order to improve understanding of the diversity of CDSS and their impact on clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objectives of the present study were to estimate sensitivity and specificity of 6 different tests directed to Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (faecal culture, microscopic examination, Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) and 3 commercial ELISA tests, named A, B and C) in different age categories and to assess the degree of agreement between responses thus obtained. The study was carried out in 12 French commercial dairy herds, which were selected in a population of herds with unknown paratuberculosis status. In each herd, a sample of goats without clinical signs was randomly selected according to 4 age categories. Responses of 412 goats with concomitant results for the 6 tests were analysed. In the 4 age categories, the specificity and the sensitivity of the 6 tests were estimated using Bayesian methods with conditional dependence between tests. Agreement among the results obtained for these tests was determined by calculating the kappa statistic. With the exception of AGID, the proportions of positive responses for each test differed significantly between herds (range 0–27.5%). With the exception of scopy, the proportions of positive responses for each test differed significantly between age categories. Sensitivities and specificities of the 6 tests were very different according to age categories. Specificities were higher than sensitivities. The highest values in sensitivity were obtained in goats between 2 and 3 years, with the best value for ELISA C (76.6%, 95% CI of 46.1–96.1%). In the other age categories, sensitivities of the 6 tests were too low to have practical use. Only scopy, faecal culture and ELISA B have positive responses in category 1 (goats of less than 1 year). Agreements between the different pairs of tests were low, except between the 3 ELISA tests which were in “good” or “quite good” agreement. This study showed that detection of infection with Map was efficient only in goats between 2 and 3 years, with an ELISA test. For goats in other age categories, no test was sensitive enough to detect goats infected with Map. In a Map infection control program, ELISA tests, performed on goats between 2 and 3 years, can be used to define herd status and to estimate prevalence but they should not be used at goat level to select goats for culling, due to the low positive predictive value. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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In 2002 and 2003, two successive outbreaks of classical swine fever were declared in wild boar in northern France. The first was in Moselle, near the town of Thionville and the border with Luxembourg, and the second was in the northern Vosges area, near the German border. The outbreaks were investigated by serological and virological diagnosis of dead or shot animals. Hunting restrictions were applied to limit the spread of the outbreaks. The virus was detected eight times between April and July 2002 in the Thionville area, an area well delimited by natural or artificial barriers such as rivers or highways. Cooperation between the authorities concerned was good, and hunting restrictions were applied for one year. No virus was detected after July 2002 and the Thionville outbreak was officially considered over in March 2005. In the northern Vosges the situation was different, with no barriers to animal movements, continuous forest, difficulties in establishing hunting restrictions in this huge area, and the circulation of the virus in Germany close to the frontier. Virus of a different strain from that isolated in the Thionville outbreak was still being isolated in the northern Vosges in 2004, and owing to the failure of the hunting restrictions, the French health authorities decided to vaccinate wild boar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A longitudinal survey was conducted in France in a subclinically Salmonella-infected farrow-to-finish pig farm to describe the time-course of the serological response to Salmonella enterica in growing pigs. We used three batches of sows and their corresponding litters (n=31 litters). Among these, 256 pigs randomly selected and individually identified were followed from the first week of age until slaughter. Serial individual blood samples were submitted to indirect Salmonella-ELISA testing. Salmonella shedding was investigated by bacteriological testing of faecal material regularly collected from the sows and pigs and by environment swabs taken from the pens. Caecal contamination was checked at the slaughterhouse. Information about litter composition (filiation), location of the pigs in post-weaning and fattening pens, sanitary events, sex and body weights was recorded. 11.6% of the pigs shed S. enterica; 52% of pigs seroconverted before slaughter.The age-related variation of the natural logarithm of calibrated optical densities (COD) of pigs was described with two linear mixed models. From 8 to 61 days of age, the decrease in COD with age was fitted with a model including random effects of the animal and the dam on the intercept and slope, a batch random effect on the intercept and an individual birth-weight fixed effect on the intercept. The dam random effect was explained by the parity of the sow, Salmonella shedding by the sow during the farrowing phase and the value of the optical density of colostrum collected at parturition. A second model fitting the increase in COD from 61 days of age until slaughter included the random effect on intercept of the batch and the random effects on slope and intercept of the animal, the dam and the pen in which the followed animals were located during the fattening phase and the environmental contamination as fixed effect. In this second model, no relation was found between individual slaughter-bacteriological results and increasing COD values. Considering seroconversion time between 61 days of age and slaughter, survival function were constructed using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Both methods suggested that seroconversions generally occurred during the last third of the fattening phase (from 140 days of age to slaughter), while shedding was observed during the first half of the fattening period. The fitted models suggest the existence of clusters (such as pen and litter of origin). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to assess, by rapid tests, the immune status against COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers (HCW) with history of symptoms, and for whom SARS-CoV-2 detection was either not documented or negative. Whole blood by finger prick and serum samples were taken from HCW for use with 2 rapid lateral flow tests and an automated immunoassay. Seventy-two HCWs were included, median duration between symptoms onset and serology sampling was 68 days. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected by rapid test in 11 HCW (15.3%) and confirmed in the 10 with available serum by the automated immunoassay. The frequency of ageusia or anosmia was higher in participants with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (P = 0.0006 and P = 0.029, respectively). This study, among symptomatic HCW during the first wave in France, showed that 15% had IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2, a higher seroprevalence than in the general population. Rapid lateral flow tests were highly concordant with automated immunoassay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1969, a new kind of epizootic occurred among eels in Japan and virological investigation was initiated. A new virus designated eel: virus european (EVE) was isolated and biological, cytological, serological tests and infectivity trials were carried out. In its OPE on RTG-2 cells and additionally in its biological properties and particle size, EVE was found to be similar to infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV). Serologically, EVE was similar to the d'Honninethun, France, strain of IPNV. However, infectivity trials showed that EVE and IPNV differed; EVE killed Japanese eels Anguilla japonica but not rainbow trout fry Salmo gairdneri, while IPN virus killed rainbow trout fry but not eels. We consider EVE to be the primary agent causing the new epizootic and propose the name viral kidney disease for the resulting clinical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]