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Background In summer 2022, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 became dominant in Europe. In vitro studies have shown a large reduction of antibody neutralisation for this variant. Aim We aimed to investigate differences in protection from previous infection and/or vaccination against infection with Omicron BA.4/5 vs BA.2. Methods We employed a case-only approach including positive PCR tests from community testing between 2 May and 24 July 2022 that were tested for S gene target failure (SGTF), which distinguishes BA.4/5 from BA.2 infection. Previous infections were categorised by variant using whole genome sequencing or SGTF. We estimated by logistic regression the association of SGTF with vaccination and/or previous infection, and of SGTF of the current infection with the variant of the previous infection, adjusting for testing week, age group and sex. Results The percentage of registered previous SARS-CoV-2 infections was higher among 19,836 persons infected with Omicron BA.4/5 than among 7,052 persons infected with BA.2 (31.3% vs 20.0%). Adjusting for testing week, age group and sex, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3–1.5). The distribution of vaccination status did not differ for BA.4/5 vs BA.2 infections (aOR = 1.1 for primary and booster vaccination). Among persons with a previous infection, those currently infected with BA4/5 had a shorter interval between infections, and the previous infection was more often caused by BA.1, compared with those currently infected with BA.2 (aOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.5–2.6). Conclusion Our results suggest immunity induced by BA.1 is less effective against BA.4/5 infection than against BA.2 infection.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the associations between previous TORCH infection (cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, herpes simplex virus, and rubella) with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in couples undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET. Materials and Methods: A total of 18,074 couples underwent fresh IVF/ICSI-ET (in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection–embryo transfer) cycles were included in our analyses. TORCH infection status was determined by serological confirmation of cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, herpes simplex virus, and rubella IgG in the absence of IgM antibodies. Clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth, preterm birth, congenital malformation, and perinatal death were evaluated in both infection and non-infection group. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to calculate odds ratio. Results: Previous toxoplasmosis infection is associated with a significantly decreased preterm birth rate [P = 0.045, OR = 0.755 (95% CI, 0.571–0.997), Adjusted OR = 0.749 (95%CI, 0.566–0.991)]. No differences in clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and perinatal death were observed between the corresponding TORCH infection group [IgM (–) IgG(+)] and the non-infection group [IgM (–) IgG (–)]. Conclusions: Previous TORCH infections were not associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in IVF/ICSI-ET overall, and toxoplasmosis infection might be associated with a lower preterm birth rate in patients underwent IVF/ICSI-ET. The necessity of TORCH IgG screening in IVF procedure might need re-evaluation, and further cost-effective analysis might be helpful for the clinical management strategy.

Background Total hip arthroplasty for adult patients with a history of infection of the hip in childhood could be a more technically demanding procedure due to complicated anatomy and the possibility of reinfection. Here, we conducted a mid-term analysis of clinical outcomes in such patients after primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods We reviewed 101 patients (101 hips; 51 men; mean age, 52.3 years) who underwent cementless THA between 2008 and 2015, at a mean of 24 years (range, 11–43) since the resolution of childhood hip infection. Patients were followed up for a mean of 6.1 years (range, 2.1–9.6). Clinical outcomes and quality of life after THA were assessed at final follow-up. Results No cases of infection were reported during the follow-up, and patients showed significant improvement in Harris Hip Score, for which the mean score increased from 48.5 to 90 points; the modified Merle d’Aubigne and Postel (MAP) Hip Score; the Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score; the SF-12; and mean limb length discrepancy, which decreased from 3.4 to 1.1 cm. During follow-up, four cases of prosthesis dislocation, three of transient sciatic paralysis, seven of femoral fracture, five of heterotopic ossification, and 19 of osteolysis were recorded. Revision surgery was performed for two patients, one for isolated loosening of the acetabular component and another for loosening of the femoral stem. Conclusion Cementless THA can effectively treat patients with a quiescent period of infection of the hip of more than 10 years, resulting in good functional outcomes and fewer complications. Risk of infection recurrence after THA in these patients seems extremely low.