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Miron VD, Drăgănescu AC, Pițigoi D, Aramă V, Streinu-Cercel A, Săndulescu O. The Impact of Obesity on the Host-Pathogen Interaction with Influenza Viruses - Novel Insights: Narrative Review. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2024; 17:769-777. [PMID: 38371386 PMCID: PMC10874191 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s434115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
After exposure to a viral pathogen, the host-pathogen interaction is essential to determine whether or not infection will ensue, and what the clinical outline of the infection will be. Recent research has shown that the patient with obesity presents a set of particular pathophysiological changes that lead to higher severity of viral infections, and this is particularly true for infection with influenza viruses. Herein, we describe the main metabolic, endocrine, and immune dysregulations that occur in the presence of obesity and their impact on driving intra-host viral diversity, leading to heightened severity and virulence of influenza. We show that obesity is linked to modified responses of both the innate and adaptive immune systems during viral infections, including influenza. Due to chronic inflammation and metabolic, endocrine, and signaling pathway disruptions, individuals with obesity have a suboptimal immune response. This results in longer illness duration, increased virus shedding, higher risk of hospitalization and complications, and greater mortality rates. Additionally, they may have a blunted response to vaccination and a higher likelihood of genetic mutation selection. Understanding the intricate interplay between obesity and viral pathogenesis is crucial for developing efficacious therapeutic approaches and public health policies, particularly in light of the escalating worldwide incidence of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Daniel Miron
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Cristina Drăgănescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Pițigoi
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victoria Aramă
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Streinu-Cercel
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Săndulescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
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Comparative Analysis of Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics in Patients with SARI Confirmed as Influenza or COVID-19 Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bucharest, Romania. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the epidemiology of other respiratory pathogens, and this was most evident in the 2020–2021 season, which was characterized by a low circulation of influenza viruses. We aim to present a comparative analysis of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 2018–2019 influenza cases and 2020–2021 COVID-19 cases, hospitalized at a tertiary infectious diseases hospital in Bucharest. We used data collected from patients admitted for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and subsequently confirmed with either influenza or COVID-19. During the 2018–2019 season, 208 patients over 18 years of age were confirmed with influenza (median age = 53 years, 59.6% were female) and 6.7% had been vaccinated against influenza. The most frequent symptoms were fever (97.1%) and cough (94.7%), and 77.4% had at least one chronic condition. 90.4% received influenza antiviral therapy. During the 2020–2021 season, 191 patients were confirmed with COVID-19 (median age = 56 years, 67% were male). The most frequent symptoms were cough (85.9%) and fever (80.6%), and 75.9% had at least one chronic condition. This analysis highlights the main similarities and differences between influenza and COVID-19 and could help to optimize the management of cases.
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Simionescu AA, Streinu-Cercel A, Popescu FD, Stanescu AMA, Vieru M, Danciu BM, Miron VD, Săndulescu O. Comprehensive Overview of Vaccination during Pregnancy in Europe. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111196. [PMID: 34834548 PMCID: PMC8623700 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations during pregnancy can protect the mother from several infections, thus blocking vertical transmission. Furthermore, through passive antibody transfer, the newborn can be protected against some infections in the first months of life until their own vaccination regimen is initiated and completed at the appropriate age. Pregnancy can be considered a high-risk condition that increases vulnerability to infectious diseases with potentially unfavorable evolution. We present the current knowledge on vaccination during pregnancy in Europe as a useful information source for different health workers involved in prenatal care. Many European countries implement vaccination policies specifically designed for pregnant women, but there is great heterogeneity among programs. Recommendations on vaccination during pregnancy must be based on current high-quality scientific data. The decisions must be made for each individual case, depending on the associated conditions or special circumstances, with a concomitant assessment of the potential benefits and risks to both the pregnant patient and the fetus. Many vaccines are well-tolerated in pregnant women, with no clinically meaningful injection site reactions, systemic symptoms, or vaccine-related serious adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Angela Simionescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011132 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Streinu-Cercel
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin-Dan Popescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Nicolae Malaxa Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ana Maria Alexandra Stanescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
| | - Mariana Vieru
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Nicolae Malaxa Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bianca Mihaela Danciu
- National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 127715 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Victor Daniel Miron
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 127715 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Oana Săndulescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
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Clinical and molecular epidemiology of influenza viruses from Romanian patients hospitalized during the 2019/20 season. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258798. [PMID: 34767579 PMCID: PMC8589178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two main mechanisms contribute to the continuous evolution of influenza viruses: accumulation of mutations in the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes (antigenic drift) and genetic re-assortments (antigenic shift). Epidemiological surveillance is important in identifying new genetic variants of influenza viruses with potentially increased pathogenicity and transmissibility. In order to characterize the 2019/20 influenza epidemic in Romania, 1042 respiratory samples were collected from consecutive patients hospitalized with acute respiratory infections in the National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest Romania and tested for influenza A virus, influenza B virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by real-time PCR. Out of them, 516 cases were positive for influenza, with relatively equal distribution of influenza A and B. Two patients had influenza A and B co-infection and 8 patients had influenza-RSV co-infection. The most severe cases, requiring supplemental oxygen administration or intensive care, and the most deaths were reported in patients aged 65 years and over. Subtyping showed the predominance of A(H3N2) compared to A(H1N1)pdm09 pdm09 (60.4% and 39.6% of all subtyped influenza A isolates, respectively), and the circulation of Victoria B lineage only. Influenza B started to circulate first (week 47/2019), with influenza A appearing slightly later (week 50/2019), followed by continued co-circulation of A and B viruses throughout the season. Sixty-eight samples, selected to cover the entire influenza season and all circulating viral types, were analysed by next generation sequencing (NGS). All A(H1N1)pdm09 sequences identified during this season in Romania were clustered in the 6b1.A clade (sub-clades: 6b1.A.183P -5a and 6b1.A.187A). For most A(H1N1)pdm09 sequences, the dominant epitope was Sb (pepitope = 0.25), reducing the vaccine efficacy by approximately 60%. According to phylogenetic analysis, influenza A(H3N2) strains circulating in this season belonged predominantly to clade 3C.3A, with only few sequences in clade 3C.2A1b. These 3C.2A1b sequences, two of which belonged to vaccinated patients, harbored mutations in antigenic sites leading to potential reduction of vaccine efficacy. Phylogenetic analysis of influenza B, lineage Victoria, sequences showed that the circulating strains belonged to clade V1A3. As compared to the other viral types, fewer mutations were observed in B/Victoria strains, with limited impact on vaccine efficiency based on estimations.
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Zhao X, Gang X, He G, Li Z, Lv Y, Han Q, Wang G. Obesity Increases the Severity and Mortality of Influenza and COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:595109. [PMID: 33408692 PMCID: PMC7779975 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.595109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, COVID-19 has aroused global attention. Studies show the link between obesity and severe outcome of influenza and COVID-19. Thus, we aimed to compare the impacts of obesity on the severity and mortality of influenza and COVID-19 by performing a meta-analysis. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science from January 2009 to July 2020. The protocol was registered onto PROSPERO (CRD42020201461). After selection, 46 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed. We found obesity was a risk factor for the severity and mortality of influenza (ORsevere outcome = 1.56, CI: 1.28-1.90; ORmortality = 1.99, CI: 1.15-3.46). For COVID-19, obesity was a significant risk factor only for severe outcome (OR = 2.07, CI: 1.53-2.81) but not for mortality (OR = 1.57, CI: 0.85-2.90). Compared with obesity, morbid obesity was linked with a higher risk for the severity and mortality of both influenza (OR = 1.40, CI: 1.10-1.79) and COVID-19 (OR = 3.76, CI: 2.67-5.28). Thus, obesity should be recommended as a risk factor for the prognosis assessment of COVID-19. Special monitoring and earlier treatment should be implemented in patients with obesity and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaokun Gang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guangyu He
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - You Lv
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qing Han
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guixia Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Pițigoi D, Streinu-Cercel A, Ivanciuc AE, Lazãr M, Cherciu CM, Mihai ME, Nițescu M, Aramă V, Crăciun MD, Streinu-Cercel A, Săndulescu O. Surveillance of medically-attended influenza in elderly patients from Romania-data from three consecutive influenza seasons (2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18). Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2020; 14:530-540. [PMID: 32410402 PMCID: PMC7431641 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza is an acute infection affecting all age groups; however, elderly patients are at an increased risk. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics and the circulation of influenza virus types in elderly patients admitted for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) to a tertiary care hospital in Bucharest, Romania, part of the I‐MOVE+ hospital network. Methods We conducted an active surveillance study at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr Matei Balș,” Bucharest, Romania, during three consecutive influenza seasons: 2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18. All patients aged 65 and older admitted to our hospital for SARI were tested for influenza by PCR. Results A total of 349 eligible patients were tested during the study period, and 149 (42.7%) were confirmed with influenza. Most patients, 321 (92.5%) presented at least one underlying condition at the time of hospital admission, the most frequent being cardiovascular disease, 270 (78.3%). The main influenza viral subtype circulating in 2015/16 was A(H1N1)pdm09, followed by A(H3N2) in 2016/17 and B influenza in 2017/18. Case fatality was highest in the 2015/16 season (3.7%), 0% in 2016/17, and 1.0% in 2017/18. Vaccination coverage in elderly patients with SARI from our study population was 22 (6.3%) over the three seasons. Conclusions Our study has highlighted a high burden of comorbidities in elderly patients presenting with SARI during winter season in Romania. The influenza vaccine coverage rate needs to be substantially increased in the elderly population, through targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pițigoi
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Streinu-Cercel
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Elena Ivanciuc
- "Cantacuzino" National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lazãr
- "Cantacuzino" National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Maria Cherciu
- "Cantacuzino" National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Elena Mihai
- "Cantacuzino" National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Nițescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victoria Aramă
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Dorina Crăciun
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Grigore Alexandrescu Clinical Children's Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Streinu-Cercel
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Săndulescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș", Bucharest, Romania
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Drăgănescu A, Săndulescu O, Florea D, Vlaicu O, Streinu-Cercel A, Oțelea D, Luminos ML, Aramă V, Abrudan S, Streinu-Cercel A, Pițigoi D. The 2017-2018 influenza season in Bucharest, Romania: epidemiology and characteristics of hospital admissions for influenza-like illness. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:967. [PMID: 31718578 PMCID: PMC6852761 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4613-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal influenza causes a considerable burden to healthcare services every year. To better measure the impact of severe influenza cases in Romania, we analyzed active surveillance data collected during the 2017-2018 season from patients admitted for influenza-like illness (ILI) at a tertiary care hospital in Bucharest. METHODS Patients admitted for acute ILI were included if they were resident in the Bucharest-Ilfov region, had been hospitalized for at least 24 h, and had onset of symptoms within 7 days before admission. Patient demographics, healthcare use, vaccination status, and outcome data were collected by questionnaire or by searching clinical records. Respiratory swabs were also obtained from each patient to confirm influenza A (A/H1 and A/H3 subtypes) or influenza B (Yamagata and Victoria lineages) infection by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS The study included 502 patients, many (45.2%) of whom were aged < 5 years. Overall, 108 patients (21.5%) had one or more comorbidities. Seventeen adults aged 18-64 years (3.4%) had been vaccinated against influenza. Patients were hospitalized for a median of 5 days and most (90.4%) were prescribed antiviral treatment. More than one-half of the patients (n = 259, 51.6%) were positive for influenza. Most influenza cases were caused by B viruses (172/259, 66.4%), which were mostly of the B/Yamagata lineage (85 of 94 characterized, 90.4%). Most of the subtyped A viruses were A/H1 (59/74, 79.7%). A/H1 viruses were frequently detected in influenza-positive admissions throughout the 2017-2018 season, whereas the predominant B/Yamagata viruses were detected around the middle of the season, with a peak in cases at week 7 of 2018. Eleven patients were admitted to an intensive care unit; of these, one patient with confirmed B/Yamagata infection died. CONCLUSIONS These results show that seasonal influenza results in considerable hospitalization in Bucharest-Ilfov, Romania and suggest vaccine coverage should be extended, especially to the youngest age groups. The data from this study should help inform and optimize national influenza healthcare policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Drăgănescu
- Children X Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Săndulescu
- Adults II Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases I, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragoș Florea
- Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology I, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Vlaicu
- Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Streinu-Cercel
- Adults II Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases I, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan Oțelea
- Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Luminița Luminos
- Children X Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victoria Aramă
- Department of Infectious Diseases I, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Adults III Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Adrian Streinu-Cercel
- Adults II Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases I, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Pițigoi
- Compartment for Surveillance and Prevention of Healthcare-associated Infections, National Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balş’, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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