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The currently dominant SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant, while causing mild respiratory symptoms, exhibits high transmissibility, drug resistance, and immune evasion. We investigated whether the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 affected the dynamics of fecal microbial composition isolated in culture in moderate COVID-19 patients. Blood, stool, and medical records were collected from 50 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Two samples were taken per patient, at disease onset (within 5 days) and after symptom resolution (30–35 days). The part of the gut microbiota identifiable using MALDI-TOF MS was analyzed, and inflammatory cytokines and blood markers were measured in serum. The analysis identified 566 isolates at the species level, including 83 bacterial and 9 fungal species. Our findings indicate a change in the gut microbiota composition isolated in culture during the initial phase of infection, characterized by the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria such as Enterococcus spp. and Citrobacter spp., at the expense of beneficial commensal bacteria from the genus Bacillus and Lactobacillus. Additionally, the enrichment of fungal pathogens in fecal samples collected 30 days after the cessation of disease symptoms might suggest a prolonged disruption of the gut microbiota even after the resolution of COVID-19 symptoms. This study contributes to a growing body of evidence on the systemic effects of SARS-CoV-2 and highlights the importance of considering gastrointestinal involvement in the management and treatment of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to estimate the serological status and dynamic changes in the prevalence of Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) antibodies within the general population residing in the northern part of the Republic of Serbia (Province of Vojvodina) during a 16-year period. Serum samples were analyzed for Human PVB19-specific IgM and IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Throughout the study period, the overall seroprevalence was 49.51%. Approximately 10% of patients exhibited a serologic profile positive for PVB19 IgM antibodies. Notably, seroprevalence varied significantly, ranging from 9.12% in the pediatric cohort (ages 1–4 years) to 65.50% in the adult demographic (40–59 years old). Seroprevalence was higher (51.88%) among women compared to men (42.50%). Immunologically naive pregnant women in the age groups 26–36 and 36–45 years had 45% (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31–1.00) and 52% (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.24–0.94) lower odds of having negative IgM and IgG compared to those in age group 16–25 years old. Improved knowledge of the epidemiology of PVB19 may assist clinicians in the differential diagnosis of PVB19 clinical manifestations. The PVB19 detection is particularly important for monitoring individuals in risk groups such as women of reproductive age, medical staff, patients with hematological disorders, and those with immunodeficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Preterm delivery remains a burning issue all over the world, especially in Serbia because of the rate of negative natural increase. IL-6 can stimulate the release of prostaglandins and cause premature contractions and premature labor. Aim of the Study: The aim of this research is to examine the importance of infection in the occurrence of premature contractions and to examine whether the preterm labor is associated with increased concentrations of IL-6 in patients with intact fetal membranes. Patients and Methods: We examined 83 pregnant women. The age range was between 15 and 43 years. The experimental group had 53 pregnant women and a control group was consisted of 30 pregnant women. All pregnant women had singleton pregnancies. The age of pregnancy in both groups was between the 21st and 35th week of gestation. The experimental group was divided into three groups according to the localization of infection: bacterial vaginosis, an infection of the cervix and urinary tract infections. The laboratory identification of IL-6 was performed as a double sandwich ELISA method. The reagents used for the identification of IL-6 were manufactured by Beckman-Coulter and were strictly intended for the research. Results: There were 34 pregnant women or 64% with infection of the cervix, 26 pregnant women or 49% had a positive urine culture, while bacterial vaginosis was present in 47 pregnant women or 89%. A positive finding on all localization was found in 14 pregnant women or 26%. In the experimental group, IL-6 was detected in 37 pregnant women or 70%. The mean value of IL-6 proven in the experimental group was 20.6 pg/ml (SD=18.2, n=53). Conclusion: This research demonstrated a direct link between a bacterial infection and preterm delivery. IL-6 can be used as a serological marker of bacterial infection and preterm delivery.

Introduction. Literature data concerning risk factors for severe influenza in post-2009 pandemic period, from low- and middle-income Central and Eastern European countries are very limited. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for severe A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) influenza during the post-2009 pandemic period. Methods. During four consecutive seasons of 2010/2011-2013/2014, nasopharyngeal or nasal and pharyngeal swab samples from 153 patients with mild and 147 patients with severe influenza were tested using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT PCR) assays. Results. The study indicated three statistically significant risk factors of influenza severity, including presence of chronic underlying illness/condition [odds ratio (OR) of 15.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.8-125.4, p = 0.001), age ≥15 years (OR 9.2, 95% CI 3.5-24.1, p < 0.001), and delay in medical care of more than two days after the symptoms onset (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6-6.4, p = 0.001). Conclusion. Obtained results confirmed that patients with chronic underlying illness/condition and older than 15 years had the highest risk for serious complications from influenza and highlighted the importance of start of antiviral therapy within the first two days of illness in order to reduce the risk for the most severe outcomes of influenza, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and lethal outcome.

Introduction. At present, two phylogenetically distinct influenza B virus lineages, B/Yamagata and B/ Victoria, co-circulate worldwide and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalences of two influenza B virus lineages in the population of Vojvodina and to identify their antigenic and phylogenetic properties. Methods. A total of 369 and 334 nasopharyngeal, or nasal/throat swab samples, collected during the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons, respectively, were tested using specific singleplex influenza A, influenza B, influenza B/Yamagata and influenza B/Victoria real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Antigenic and genetic testing were done by hemagglutination inhibition assay and hemagglutinin and neuraminidase gene sequence analysis, respectively. Results. During the 2012/2013 season, influenza B viruses were present in 53.4% (101/189) of influenza positive samples. The B/Yamagata-like viruses (81.2%) significantly predominated over the B/Victoria-like viruses (18.8%). Comparing to B/Victoria-like positive patients, among B/Yamagata-like positive patients, children 5-14 years of age were significantly more represented (5.3% vs. 35.4%, respectively), as well as patients with mild form of illness (15.8% vs. 45.1%, respectively). The results of sequence analysis and antigenic testing showed that tested viruses were not closely related to B/Wisconsin/1/2010, the vaccine virus for 2012/2013. During the 2013/2014 season influenza B viruses were not detected. Conclusion. The results of this study confirmed the health significance of influenza B viruses and indicated that B/Yamagata-like viruses were significantly more prevalent than B/Victoria lineage viruses, during the 2012/2013 season. They also showed a sub-optimal match between the tested viruses and the vaccine virus for season 2012/2013. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR31084]

In this study the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies in sera of 245 children, aged 1 to 18 years, was determined. In the eldest group (15-18), 29.2% of the sera were positive for the IgG antibody. Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients produces severe consequences, while in immunocompetent individuals it is considered asymptomatic and latent. Recent emerging links to mental disorders has shed a completely new light on the public health view of this common infection. It calls for a new approach in the prevention and screening of a population, children being the target group. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR31084]

Many available SARS-CoV-2 vaccines demonstrated good humoral response, but studies directly comparing their immunogenicity in the general population are lacking. We evaluated the medium–term kinetics of anti-S SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (Abs) at one and six months after the second dose of BNT162b2, BBIBP-CorV, and Gam-COVID-Vac. Immunogenicity at six months was directly compared between BNT162b2, BBIBP-CorV, Gam-COVID-Vac, and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. Participants ≥ 20 years old from Novi Sad, Serbia, without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, were included. Anti S1/S2 IgG antibodies were measured using quantitative LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 assay. A total of 368 participants were included: 231 (62.77%) had sera collected at two time points. Two doses of BNT162b2 were received by 37.50% of participants, followed by BBIBP-CorV (22.01%), Gam-COVID-Vac (21.47%), and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (19.02%). Mean Ab levels at the 28th day and 6 months were 216.55 (SD = 105.73) AU/mL and 75.68 (SD = 57.30) for BNT162b2, 194.38 (SD = 140.24) and 90.53 (SD = 111.30) for Gam-COVID-Vac, and 72.74 (SD = 80.04) and 24.43 (SD = 38.43) for BBIBP-CorV group (p < 0.01, between two time points across all three groups), with a significant difference between women and men (p < 0.01, for both sexes). At the sixth month post-vaccination, the highest mean Ab level was detected in Gam-COVID-Vac group (91.28 AU/mL, SD = 95.96), followed by BNT162b2 (85.25 AU/mL, SD = 60.02), ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (64.22 AU/mL, SD = 65.30), and BBIBP-CorV (25.26 AU/mL, SD = 36.92) (p < 0.01). Anti-spike IgG persistence was demonstrated six months post-vaccination with a significant decline in Ab levels. These results suggest a lower protection against SARS-CoV-2 over time. Our findings support the introduction of additional (booster) doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Veterinary Medicine / Arhiv Veterinarske Medicine is the property of Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad 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.)

Copyright of Archives of Veterinary Medicine / Arhiv Veterinarske Medicine is the property of Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad 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.)

Copyright of Archives of Veterinary Medicine / Arhiv Veterinarske Medicine is the property of Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad 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.)

Introduction. Tick-borne meningoencephalitis virus is a flavivirus that causes the most important vector-borne central nervous system infection in many countries of Europe and Asia. There are three subtypes of tick-borne encephalitis virus: European, Siberian and the Far-Eastern subtype. Transmission. In endemic areas, the virus remains in transmissive cycles between Ixodes ticks and small rodents. Clinical picture. In most cases (70− 98%) infection goes asymptomatically. In about one-third of meningitis cases, meningoencephalitis or meningomyelitis is developed. Postencephalytic syndrome may be the complication of the infection, presenting with neurological symptoms. Diagnosis. Etiologic diagnosis of tick-borne meningoencephalitis is only made on basis of laboratory analyses. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction is used for determining the presence of virus in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Antibodies in blood and cerebrospinal fluid can be detected by serological tests. Prevention. The most efficient way to control this potentially severe disease with possible serious long-term consequences is vaccination. It should be recommended to persons who live or travel to endemic areas. Conclusion. In Serbia, tick-borne encephalitis virus infection belongs to the list of reportable diseases; however, there are no reported cases because the diagnostics is not performed routinely. We believe that the significance of this zoonosis must be examined in our country and some of its parts because of preliminary positive serological findings found out in Vojvodina as well as because of reported cases in neighboring countries such as Hungary and Croatia and its worldwide distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Chikungunya is a contagious disease caused by Chikungunya virus, an arbovirus from the Togaviridae family. This infection is mostly spread by mosquitoes from the genus Aedes, especially Aedes albopictus, which have spread from Asia to America and Europe including some countries surrounding Serbia. Epidemiologic Features. The outbreak of epidemics has been reported in Philippines, Sumatra, Java, Indonesia, West Africa region (from Senegal to Cameroon), Congo, Nigeria, Angola, Uganda, Guinea, Malawi, Central African Republic, Burundi, South Africa and India. At the beginning of the 21st century, large outbreaks were recorded on the island of Réunion. During 2006, 1.400.000 cases of chikungunya infection were recorded in India. Local transmission of infection in continental Europe was reported from Northeast Italy (254 suspected and 78 laboratory confirmed cases in Emilia-Romagna region) and France (two cases in 2010). From December 2013 to June 2014, 5.294 confirmed cases and more than 180.000 suspected cases of chikungunya were reported in the Caribbean. Clinical Findings. The disease presents suddenly with fever, rush and arthralgia. In general, chikungunya is a mild self - limited disease. Less often, it may be presented with signs of meningoencephalitis or fulminant hepatitis, sometimes with fatal outcome. Conclusion. Fast developing international traffic and booming tourism as well as the vector spreading from its homeland make chikungunya a real threat to our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Serological tests appear to be the method of choice for establishing the diagnosis in the late phase of West Nile virus infection. Long persistence of IgM antibodies against West Nile virus is described and may be a problem for determination of the time of acquisition of West Nile virus infection. The aim of the study was to estimate the significance of IgG avidity determination in establishing the diagnosis of West Nile virus infection. Material and Methods. In a study 56 serum samples seropositive against West Nile virus were included. 24 serum samples were collected in 2012 from healthy residents of South-Backa district and 32 serum samples were collected in 2014 from 124 patients suspected of having West Nile virus infection. Commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent tests were used for the detection of West Nile virusspecific IgM and IgG antibodies and IgG avidity. Results. Out of 124 patients suspected of having West Nile virus infection, 32 (25.8%) were seropositive for West Nile virus antibodies. Acute infection was laboratory confirmed in 15 (46.9%) cases. All patients with acute infection were West Nile virus IgM positive, 13 (85%) were West Nile virus IgG positive, and 2 (15%) had a borderline result for West Nile virus IgG antibodies. Out of 32 seropositive patients the presence of IgM antibodies was determined in 22 (68.7%). In a group of samples with high IgG avidity values, 6 were IgM positive, while 8 were IgM negative. Conclusion. West Nile virus IgM and IgG antibody serological assays alone are not sufficient for the accurate and reliable diagnosis of WNV infection. West Nile virus IgG avidity testing is necessary to ensure the differential diagnosis of acute from past West Nile virus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of seropositive pregnant women, i.e. of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii in order to provide an insight into the risk of developing congenital toxoplasmosis in our community. Material and Methods. In the period of two years, 662 pregnant women from Vojvodina were examined serologically. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests were performed to determine IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and the complement fixation test was done to detect total antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Results and Discussion. Seropositivity was determined in 180 pregnant women (27.19%). Of 135 pregnant women examined in the routine control in pregnancy, 16.30% were seropositive and out of five proven, completely new Toxoplasma gondii infections, three were detected in pregnant women who had undergone the routine check-up for no specific symptoms. A detailed analysis of the frequency of seropositive findings in relation to clinical diagnoses and the place of residence of pregnant women (urban and rural areas) was performed. At the same time, the results from the serological reactions were presented, commented and interpreted, and recommendations were given for the implementation of additional examinations (eg, IgG antibody avidity test) in order to make the accurate diagnosis. Conclusion. It can be concluded that the occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis is still a problem in our community and that the best prevention is the prompt and adequate examination of pregnant women for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of seropositive pregnant women, i.e. of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii in order to provide an insight into the risk of developing congenital toxoplasmosis in our community., Material and Methods: In the period of two years, 662 pregnant women from Vojvodina were examined serologically. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests were performed to determine IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and the complement fixation test was done to detect total antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii., Results and Discussion: Seropositivity was determined in 180 pregnant women (27.19%). Of 135 pregnant women examined in the routine control in pregnancy, 16.30% were seropositive and out of five proven, completely new Toxoplasma gondii intfections, three were detected in pregnant women who had undergone the routine check-up for no specific symptoms. A detailed analysis of the frequency of seropositive findings in relation to clinical diagnoses and the place of residence of pregnant women (urban and rural areas) was performed. At the same time, the results from the serological reactions were presented, commented and interpreted, and recommendations were given for the implementation of additional examinations (eg, IgG antibody avidity test) in order to make the accurate diagnosis., Conclusion: It can be concluded that the occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis is still a problem in our community and that the best prevention is the prompt and adequate examination of pregnant women for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii infection.