In this study, we describe the results of virological investigations carried out on cases of gastroenteritis reported in different communities within a 2-year pilot surveillance programme (January 2012 to December 2013) in the autonomous province of Bolzano (Northern Italy). Among the 162 norovirus (NoV)-positive cases out of 702 cases investigated, 76 were grouped in nine suspected outbreaks, 37 were hospital-acquired and 49 were community-acquired sporadic cases. NoV infections were found in all age groups in outbreak and community-acquired cases, while the highest peak of hospital-acquired infections occurred in the elderly. Sequence analyses helped to identify suspected outbreaks both in the community and in hospital wards. Although GII.4 is the predominant genotype, sequence data confirmed that at least seven genotypes circulate causing sporadic cases. Findings in this study confirmed the relevance of NoV infections as a cause of outbreaks, and impact of NoV infections in community-acquired sporadic cases in adults that are rarely described because of a lack of reporting.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) immunoglobulin (Ig) M and elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels among employees in catering and public place industries. Blood samples were collected between January and December 2020 from 26,790 employees working in the Qinhuai district of Nanjing, China. Anti-HEV IgM in the serum samples was tested by the capture ELISA method and ALT was tested by the IFCC method. Samples positive for anti-HEV IgM or with ALT levels over 200 U/L were subjected to PCR screening of HEV RNA. The overall seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgM was 0.41%, and the seroprevalence was slightly higher in males (0.47%) than in females (0.37%); however, the difference was not substantial (p = 0.177). Seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgM increased with age, reaching its peak level after 48 years of age. The prevalence of elevated ALT levels was 4.24%, and males exhibited a higher prevalence than females (6.78% vs 2.65%, p < 0.001). Prevalence of elevated ALT levels differed in age groups and the 26–36-year-old group had the highest rate of elevated ALT levels. Employees with elevated ALT levels had a higher prevalence of positive anti-HEV IgM than those with normal ALT (0.57% vs 0.31%, p < 0.001). Positive HEV RNA was detected in one anti-HEV IgM-negative employee with ALT higher than 200 U/L. In our study, all the HEV RNA-positive and IgM-positive individuals are asymptomatic, and a combination of ALT tests, serological methods, and molecular methods is recommended to screen asymptomatic HEV carriers and reduce the risk of transmission.

The goal of this study was to analyse the spatial pattern of tuberculosis (TB) mortality using different approaches, namely: mortality rates (MR), spatial relative risks (RR) and Bayesian rates (Global and Local) and their association with human development index (HDI), Global and its three dimensions: education, longevity and income. An ecological study was developed in Curitiba, Brazil based on data from Mortality Information System (2008–2014). Spatial scan statistics were used to compute RR and identify high-risk clusters. Bivariate Local Indicator of Spatial Associations was used to assess associations. MR ranged between 0 and 25.24/100.000 with a mean (standard deviation) of 1.07 (2.66). Corresponding values for spatial RR were 0–27.46, 1.2 (2.99) and for Bayesian rates (Global and Local) were 0.49–1.66, 0.90 (0.19) and 0–6.59, 0.98 (0.80). High-risk clusters were identified for all variables, except for HDI-income and Global Bayesian rate. Significant negative spatial relations were found between MR and income; between RR and HDI global, longevity and income; and Bayesian rates with all variables. Some areas presented different patterns: low social development/low risk and high risk/high development. These results demonstrate that social development variables should be considered, in mortality due TB.

The dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3) homotypic outbreak cycles reported in Klang Valley, Malaysia in 1992–1995 and 2002 demonstrated different epidemic magnitude and duration. These outbreak cycles were caused by two closely related strains of viruses within the DENV-3 genotype II (DENV-3/II). The role of viral genotypic diversity and factors that could have influenced this phenomenon were investigated. The serum neutralisation sensitivity of DEN3/II strains responsible for the DENV-3 outbreak cycles in 1992–1995 and 2002 were examined. Representative virus isolates from the respective outbreaks were subjected to virus neutralisation assay using identified sera of patients with homotypic (DENV-3) or heterotypic dengue infections (DENV-1 and DENV-2). Results from the study suggested that isolates representing DENV-3/II group E (DENV-3/II-E) from the 1992–1995 outbreak and DENV-3/II group F (DENV-3/II-F) from the 2002 outbreak were neutralised at similar capacity (intergenotypic differences <2-fold) by sera of patients infected with DENV-3, DENV-1 and DENV-2/Asian genotypes. Sera of the DENV-2/Cosmopolitan infection efficiently neutralised DENV-3/II-F (FRNT50 = 508.0) at a similar neutralisation capacity against its own homotypic serotype, DENV-2 (FRNT50 = 452.5), but not against DENV-3/II-E (FRNT50 = 100.8). The different neutralisation sensitivities of DENV-3/II strains towards the cross-reacting DENV-2 heterotypic immunity could play a role in shaping the DENV-3 recurring outbreaks pattern in Malaysia. Two genetic variations, E-132 (H/Y) and E-479 (A/V) were identified on the envelope protein of DENV-3/II-E and DENV-3/II-F, respectively. The E-132 variation was predicted to affect the protein stability. A more extensive study, however, on the implication of the naturally occurring genetic variations within closely related DENV genotypes on the neutralisation profile and protective immunity would be needed for a better understanding of the DENV spread pattern in a hyperendemic setting.

The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) into the childhood vaccination programme has reduced invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Although anticipated from data elsewhere, surveillance in Ireland has confirmed reductions in IPD amongst those ⩾65 years of age due to a decline of PCV serotypes in this age group. Currently, direct protection against IPD in the elderly is focused on immunisation with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23). However, immunity may not be as effective as with PCV and, furthermore, PPV23 uptake is poor in Ireland. Hence, consideration should be given to providing a PCV to this age group.

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has increased infectivity and immune escape compared with previous variants, and caused the surge of massive COVID-19 waves globally. Despite a vast majority (~90%) of the population of Santa Fe city, Argentina had been vaccinated and/or had been infected by SARS-CoV-2 when Omicron emerged, the epidemic wave that followed its arrival was by far the largest one experienced in the city. A serosurvey conducted prior to the arrival of Omicron allowed to assess the acquired humoral defences preceding the wave and to conduct a longitudinal study to provide individual-level real-world data linking antibody levels and protection against COVID-19 during the wave. A very large proportion of 1455 sampled individuals had immunological memory against COVID-19 at the arrival of Omicron (almost 90%), and about half (48.9%) had high anti-spike immunoglobulin G levels (>200 UI/ml). However, the antibody titres varied greatly among the participants, and such variability depended mainly on the vaccine platform received, on having had COVID-19 previously and on the number of days elapsed since last antigen exposure (vaccine shot or natural infection). A follow-up of 514 participants provided real-world evidence of antibody-mediated protection against COVID-19 during a period of high risk of exposure to an immune-escaping highly transmissible variant. Pre-wave antibody titres were strongly negatively associated with COVID-19 incidence and severity of symptoms during the wave. Also, receiving a vaccine shot during the follow-up period reduced the COVID-19 risk drastically (15-fold). These results highlight the importance of maintaining high defences through vaccination at times of high risk of exposure to immune-escaping variants.

1. Antisera prepared by immunizing rabbits with C. diphtheriae gravis, mitis, and intermedius and C. hofmannii contain antibodies which will give complement-fixation reactions with alcoholic extracts of the organisms.

2. By means of cross-absorption experiments three different lipoid antigens can be demonstrated: (a) a specific antigen h present only in C. hofmannii; (b) a specific antigen d characteristic of C. diphtheriae mitis but probably present also in small amount in C. diphtheriae gravis and intermedius; and (c) a non-specific or group antigen G present in large amount in C. diphtheriae gravis and intermedius and C. hofmannii, and in small amount in C. diphtheriae mitis; this G antigen is probably made up of a number of components.

3. Sera of human diphtheria convalescents may contain antibodies reacting with alcoholic extracts of C. diphtheriae. Sera from mitis cases usually react only with extracts of G. diphtheriae mitis, i.e. they contain only d antibody, while sera from gravis or intermedius cases usually contain only G antibody and react with extracts of C. diphtheriae gravis, intermedius and C. hofmannii, but not with extracts of G. diphtheriae mitis.

The aim of this study was to determine the burden, management and outcomes of rotavirus infection in young children presenting to a tertiary paediatric hospital in Sydney, Australia. All laboratory-confirmed cases of rotavirus in children aged <5 years were identified and medical records reviewed. In 2004, 80 children aged <5 years presented to the hospital with rotavirus gastroenteritis confirmed by stool testing. Infants aged <24 months comprised 75% of cases, with more males than females affected. Most children (86%) acquired rotavirus infection in the community, with a mean length of hospital admission of 2·3 days. There were eight cases of nosocomial infection at a rate of 3/10 000 admissions. The rates of intravenous fluid management (46%) and antibiotic use (28%) were high, reflecting the severity of disease presenting in a hospital setting. These data will help inform the assessment of the recently introduced rotavirus vaccination programme in Australia.

1. The virtual sterilization time (v.s.t.) has been used as a measure of the rate of disinfection of Bact. coli cultures by phenol under carefully standardized conditions. The relationship of this time to temperature at each of five phenol concentrations has been examined from a fresh point of view, since it has previously been shown (Jordan & Jacobs, 1946) that none of the commonly accepted temperature coefficients was satisfactorily constant.

2. The relationship is such that a minimum or threshold temperature exists for each concentration. A corresponding ‘maximum’ temperature has been fixed, defined as the temperature at which the v.s.t. is 10 min. The value of (v.s.t. – 10) thus varies from infinity to zero between these temperature limits.

3. Sigmoid curves are obtained when log (v.s.t. –10) is plotted against temperature for given phenol concentrations. These may be regarded as asymptotic to ordinates at the minimum and maximum temperatures.

4. The Pearl-Verhulst logistic equation gives a curve of the required sigmoid type, and this formula has been shown to fit the curves of log (v.s.t. – 10) against temperature very satisfactorily over the range of concentrations studied.

5. One of the constants of this formula partakes of the nature of a temperature coefficient, and it has, therefore, been possible to derive a truly constant temperature coefficient for each phenol concentration.

6. The values of this new temperature coefficient do not vary greatly with phenol concentration within the range studied, but it is not yet possible to establish whether it is essentially constant for all phenol concentrations with which it is possible to work.

The pathological histology of plague in man and experimental plague in animals has already been the subject of several researches, notably those of Aoyama (1896), Yamagiwa (1897), Albrecht and Gohn (1897), Dürck (1904) and Hamdi (1904) in the case of human plague, and of van der Stricht (1897), Honl (1897), Lustig and Zardo (1897), Babes and Livadite (1897), Albrecht and Gohn (1900) and Sata (1900) in the case of experimental plague.

We report two cases of respiratory toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae infection in fully vaccinated UK born adults following travel to Tunisia in October 2019. Both patients were successfully treated with antibiotics and neither received diphtheria antitoxin. Contact tracing was performed following a risk assessment but no additional cases were identified. This report highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for re-emerging infections in patients with a history of travel to high-risk areas outside Europe.

Guinea-pigs are suited to colony management, whether for breeding or maintenance, and single cages are only necessary when experimental or other requirements demand them.

Floor pens are extravagant of space and open to criticism on grounds of hygiene.

Wire floored pens, in batteries of four tiers, have many advantages, both in economy and hygiene, and are compatible with excellent health and breeding performance.

Certain details in the design of such batteries are important; among them being the size of mesh of the wire floor, the avoidance of corners and ledges where soil can accumulate, and the observance of convenient dimensions.

I first saw this method developed by an accredited guinea-pig breeder, Mr Ashton Poole, who has since given up breeding. Although the present battery is a far cry from Mr Poole's pens, the method is the same, and the unblemished health record of his very large stud over a period of some years was impressive. I am glad therefore to acknowledge my indebtedness to him.

The process of removal of bacteria from the air of a room of which part only is irradiated with ultra-violet light is discussed.

Formulae are derived for the rate of disappearance of bacteria from the air in such circumstances and for The equilibrium levels reached when bacteria-carrying particles are being continuously introduced into the air at a constant rate. These formulae include terms for the effect of simultaneous ventilation and for the effect of sedimentation of the bacteria-carrying particles.

The results of a short series of tests are compared with those calculated from these formulae and the two found to agree reasonably well on the assumption that the air within both the irradiated and nonirradiated zones is effectively mixed.

Figures are given over a range of humidities for the sensitivity of salivary organisms to ultra-violet irradiation when suspended as small particles in the air.

A chart is presented for the evaluation of the mean radiation intensity within a rectangular volume produced by a point source situated within or on the boundaries of the volume.

A short time ago I (1911) described a method for the quantitative estimation of indole. It may be of interest to reproduce the curves obtained by the use of this method, in the study of several strains of Bacterium coli, as curves representing indole-production have seldom been published.

During the year 1904, a year which included four months of hot summer weather, the mortality among infants under one year old in England and Wales was 145.3 per 1000 births. Of this mortality 21.8% died of diarrhoeal diseases and 31.5% from wasting diseases.

1. For the particular toxin tested, the intravenous m.l.d. for mice was 60 times and the intramuscular m.l.d. for mice 100 times, the guinea-pig sub cutaneous m.l.d.

2. Antitoxin has the same neutralising power for toxin in mice as in guinea-pigs.

1. Eighteen persons after eating a certain batch of pork-cheese, or vegetables infected from it, suffered from severe illness and three died.

2. The illness was caused by a Gaertner bacillus of the Aertrycke sub-group isolated from one of the fatal cases.

3. This bacillus was contained in the meat used for the pork-cheeses (brawn), infection being antecedent to preparation.

4. Part of the meat was obtained from a pig suffering from local injury or disease of one leg and the bacilli were no doubt etiologically connected with this condition.

5. The outbreak points to the need for a more complete and thorough veterinary inspection of meat before sale, and of the necessity for extended investigation into the diseases of animals used for human food caused by Gaertner bacilli.

This study aimed to describe the incidence of Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC) bacteremia, distribution of the SBSEC subspecies, and their respective association with colorectal cancer (CRC). A population-based retrospective cohort study of all episodes of SBSEC-bacteremia from 2003 to 2018 in Skåne Region, Sweden. Subspecies was determined by whole-genome sequencing. Medical charts were reviewed. The association between subspecies and CRC were analysed using logistic regression. In total 266 episodes of SBSEC-bacteremia were identified and the average annual incidence was 2.0 per 100 000 inhabitants. Of the 236 isolates available for typing, the most common subspecies was S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus 88/236 (37%) followed by S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus 58/236 (25%). In order to determine the risk of cancer following bacteremia, an incidence cohort of 174 episodes without a prior diagnosis of CRC or metastasised cancer was followed for 560 person-years. CRC was found in 13/174 (7%), of which 9 (69%) had S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus-bacteremia. In contrast to other European studies, S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus was the most common cause of SBSEC-bacteremia. CRC diagnosis after bacteremia was strongly associated with S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus-bacteremia. Identification of SBSEC subspecies can guide clinical decision-making regarding CRC work-up following bacteremia.

In a discussion of a series of tests connected with the fastness of colours on textile fibres, Villavecchia (1918) mentions the use of neutral ammonium acetate or common salt solution for measuring the colour resistance to perspiration. Thus in the case of coloured cotton, this is immersed for 10 min. alongside an equal quantity of white cotton yarn in a 0·1% aqueous ammonium acetate at 80°C., and the extent of colouring of the yarn as well as the degree of stripping of the coloured sample noted after drying without rinsing. An odd number of degrees of fastness is arbitrarily assigned to the coloured specimen according to the result, e.g. V degrees if neither the original tint nor the whiteness of the yarn is changed. Similarly with linen, hemp and ramie. For coloured wool both methods are used, viz. with sodium chloride and with ammonium acetate. In the former case, the alteration in colour is noted after simply dipping the wool in salt solution and allowing to air-dry out at room temperature. In the latter case, an equal quantity of white zephyr wool in addition to the white cotton is present. V degrees in all cases are stated to be conventionally adopted between industrial associations and dyestuff manufacturers for materials which are fast enough to reveal no change whatever in the testing bath. For coloured silk there are no precise data, and usually it is immersed in distilled water for several days to ascertain if any colour is lost.