Professor Christopher Blyth

Influenza and pertussis vaccine coverage in pregnancy in Australia, 2016-2021

Vaccination in pregnancy is the best strategy to reduce complications from influenza or pertussis infection in infants who are too young to be protected directly from vaccination. Pregnant women are also at risk of influenza complications preventable through antenatal vaccination. Both vaccines are funded under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women in Australia, but coverage is not routinely reported nationally. 

Randomised controlled trials of behavioural nudges delivered through text messages to increase influenza and COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women (the EPIC study): study protocol

Influenza and COVID-19 infections during pregnancy may have serious adverse consequences for women as well as their infants. However, uptake of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy remains suboptimal. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a multi-component nudge intervention to improve influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women. 

Nudging towards COVID-19 and influenza vaccination uptake in medically at-risk children: EPIC study protocol of randomised controlled trials in Australian paediatric outpatient clinics

Children with chronic medical diseases are at an unacceptable risk of hospitalisation and death from influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections. Over the past two decades, behavioural scientists have learnt how to design non-coercive 'nudge' interventions to encourage positive health behaviours. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of multicomponent nudge interventions on the uptake of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines in medically at-risk children.

The effectiveness of maternal pertussis vaccination for protecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants against infection, 2012–2017: a retrospective cohort study

To evaluate the effectiveness of maternal pertussis vaccination for preventing pertussis infections in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants under seven months of age.

Pragmatic Adaptive Trial for Respiratory Infection in Children (PATRIC) Clinical Registry protocol

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the most common cause of paediatric hospitalisation. There is an urgent need to address ongoing critical knowledge gaps in ARI management. The Pragmatic Adaptive Trial for Respiratory Infections in Children (PATRIC) Clinical Registry will evaluate current treatments and outcomes for ARI in a variety of paediatric patient groups.

Increase in invasive group A streptococcal disease among Australian children coinciding with northern hemisphere surges

Increases in invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS) have recently been reported in multiple countries in the northern hemisphere, occurring during, and outside of, typical spring peaks. We report the epidemiology of iGAS among children in Australia from 1 July 2018 to 31 December 2022.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Reinfections in Children in Western Australia

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) reinfection in children is poorly understood. We examined the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of hospital-attended RSV reinfections in children <16 years in Western Australia between 2012 and 2022.

Respiratory syncytial virus in children: epidemiology and clinical impact post-COVID-19

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. RSV seasonality was disrupted by COVID-19-associated nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). We review RSV seasonality, molecular epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and community awareness to inform future prevention strategies. 

Superior immunogenicity of mRNA over adenoviral vectored COVID-19 vaccines reflects B cell dynamics independent of anti-vector immunity: Implications for future pandemic vaccines

Both vector and mRNA vaccines were an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may be required in future outbreaks and pandemics. The aim of this study was to validate whether immunogenicity differs for adenoviral vectored (AdV) versus mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, and to investigate how anti-vector immunity and B cell dynamics modulate immunogenicity. 

Respiratory syncytial virus in children: epidemiology and clinical impact post-COVID-19

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. RSV seasonality was disrupted by COVID-19-associated nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). We review RSV seasonality, molecular epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and community awareness to inform future prevention strategies.

Maternal Pertussis Vaccination, Infant Immunization, and Risk of Pertussis

Following the introduction of jurisdictional maternal pertussis vaccination programs in Australia, we estimated maternal vaccine effectiveness (VE) and whether maternal pertussis vaccination modified the effectiveness of the first 3 primary doses of pertussis-containing vaccines.

Influenza vaccination in Western Australian children: Exploring the health benefits and cost savings of increased vaccine coverage in children

To assess potential benefits and direct healthcare cost savings with expansion of an existing childhood influenza immunisation program, we developed a dynamic transmission model for the state of Western Australia, evaluating increasing coverage in children < 5 years and routinely immunising school-aged children.

West Australian parents’ views on vaccinating their children against COVID-19: a qualitative study

Australian children and adolescents were among the last local cohorts offered COVID-19 vaccines. Despite promising initial uptake, coverage subsequently plateaued, requiring further efforts to improve access and build parents’ recognition of the importance of COVID-19 vaccination.

Non-specific benefit of seasonal influenza vaccine on respiratory syncytial virus-hospitalisations in children: An instrumental variable approach using population-based data

Seasonal influenza vaccine is effective against influenza hospitalisations, but little is known about non-specific effects of the vaccine on other respiratory pathogens with similar seasonal patterns. We aimed to assess the causal impact of seasonal influenza vaccine on laboratory-confirmed hospitalisations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children using an instrumental variable strategy.

Defining the pediatric response to SARS-CoV-2 variants

The global population has been severely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, however, with older age identified as a risk factor, children have been underprioritized. This article discusses the factors contributing to the less severe response observed in children following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), including, differing viral entry receptor expression and immune responses.

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Are Protective Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalizations in Infants: A Population-Based Observational Study

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) reduced the risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a randomized clinical trial. We aimed to assess the real-world effectiveness of PCV on RSV-hospitalizations among Western Australian infants.

Inequity of antenatal influenza and pertussis vaccine coverage in Australia: the Links2HealthierBubs record linkage cohort study, 2012–2017

Pregnancy and early infancy are increased risk periods for severe adverse effects of respiratory infections. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (respectfully referred to as First Nations) women and children in Australia bear a disproportionately higher burden of respiratory diseases compared to non-Indigenous women and infants. Influenza vaccines and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines are recommended and free in every Australian pregnancy to combat these infections.

The Challenge of Diagnosing Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Children: A Review of Existing and Emerging Tools

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality for immunocompromised children, particularly for patients with acute leukaemia and those undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Timely diagnosis, using a combination of computed tomography (CT) imaging and microbiological testing, is key to improve prognosis, yet there are inherent challenges in this process. For CT imaging, changes in children are generally less specific than those reported in adults and recent data are limited.

Short Message Service Reminder Nudge for Parents and Influenza Vaccination Uptake in Children and Adolescents with Special Risk Medical Conditions: The Flutext-4U Randomized Clinical Trial

Children with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk of severe influenza. Uptake of influenza vaccination in children and adolescents with these identified special risk medical conditions is suboptimal.

Modeling COVID-19 disease processes by remote elicitation of causal Bayesian networks from medical experts

COVID-19 is a new multi-organ disease causing considerable worldwide morbidity and mortality. While many recognized pathophysiological mechanisms are involved, their exact causal relationships remain opaque. Better understanding is needed for predicting their progression, targeting therapeutic approaches, and improving patient outcomes. While many mathematical causal models describe COVID-19 epidemiology, none have described its pathophysiology.

Mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for children: Attitudes of Western Australian parents

Australian governments have used vaccine mandates to drive high uptake of routine childhood vaccines and adult Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza vaccines. We sought to understand the attitudes of Western Australian parents regarding mandating COVID-19 vaccines for children, interviewing 44 parents of children aged up to 18 years between May and December 2021. Transcripts were analysed to ascertain parents' attitudes and sources of reasoning.

Core protocol for the adaptive Platform Trial In COVID-19 Vaccine priming and BOOsting (PICOBOO)

The need for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in different age groups and populations is a subject of great uncertainty and an ongoing global debate. Critical knowledge gaps regarding COVID-19 vaccination include the duration of protection offered by different priming and booster vaccination regimens in different populations, including homologous or heterologous schedules.

among children with pneumonia using a causal Bayesian network

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of hospitalization and death among young children worldwide, and the diagnostic challenge of differentiating bacterial from non-bacterial pneumonia is the main driver of antibiotic use for treating pneumonia in children. Causal Bayesian networks (BNs) serve as powerful tools for this problem as they provide clear maps of probabilistic relationships between variables and produce results in an explainable way by incorporating both domain expert knowledge and numerical data.

Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Australian Children from 2007 to 2017

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance continues globally as part of the World Health Organization's goal to eradicate poliomyelitis. The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit, Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance network, and National Enterovirus Reference Laboratory collaborate in AFP surveillance in Australia, capturing and reviewing cases of AFP for all aetiologies in order to exclude poliovirus. We aimed to describe the AFP epidemiology in childhood over an 11 year period.

Patient-reported outcome measures for paediatric acute lower respiratory infection studies

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are recommended for capturing meaningful outcomes in clinical trials. The use of PROMs for children with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) has not been systematically reported. We aimed to identify and characterise patient-reported outcomes and PROMs used in paediatric ALRI studies and summarise their measurement properties.

Off-season RSV epidemics in Australia after easing of COVID-19 restrictions

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute respiratory infection with the most severe disease in the young and elderly. Non-pharmaceutical interventions and travel restrictions for controlling COVID-19 have impacted the circulation of most respiratory viruses including RSV globally, particularly in Australia, where during 2020 the normal winter epidemics were notably absent.

Timing and temporal trends of influenza and pertussis vaccinations during pregnancy in three Australian jurisdictions: The Links2HealthierBubs population-based linked cohort study, 2012–2017

Antenatal inactivated influenza and pertussis-containing vaccines offer protection against severe respiratory infections for pregnant women and infants <6 months of age. Both vaccines are recommended in pregnancy; however, little is known about temporal or jurisdictional trends and predictors of uptake.

The AuTOMATIC trial: a study protocol for a multi-arm Bayesian adaptive randomised controlled trial of text messaging to improve childhood immunisation coverage

While most Australian children are vaccinated, delays in vaccination can put them at risk from preventable infections. Widespread mobile phone ownership in Australia could allow automated short message service (SMS) reminders to be used as a low-cost strategy to effectively 'nudge' parents towards vaccinating their children on time.

Estimating the excess burden of pertussis disease in Australia within the first year of life, that might have been prevented through timely vaccination

Previous Australian studies have shown that delayed vaccination with each of the three primary doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing vaccines (DTP) is up to 50 % in certain subpopulations. We estimated the excess burden of pertussis that might have been prevented if (i) all primary doses and (ii) each dose was given on time.

Parents' COVID-19 vaccine intentions for children under 5 years: Brief reflections from a qualitative study

Australian authorities made COVID-19 vaccines available for children aged under 5 years old with serious comorbidities in August 2022. There is presently no universal programme for young children, but crucial to any rollout's success is whether parents are motivated and able to vaccinate. By examining parents' vaccine intentions, this study aims to inform current and future COVID-19 vaccine roll-outs for children aged under 5 years.

Australian hospital paediatricians and nurses’ perspectives and practices for influenza vaccine delivery in children with medical comorbidities

Influenza vaccination of children with medical comorbidities is critical due their increased risks for severe influenza disease. In Australia, hospitals are an avenue for influenza vaccine delivery to children with comorbidities but are not always effectively utilised. Qualitative enquiry sought to ascertainment the barriers and enablers for influenza vaccination recommendation, delivery, and recording of these children at Australian hospitals.

COVID-19 vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of health care workers in Perth, Western Australia: A qualitative study

Health care workers (HCWs) faced an increased risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout commenced in February 2021 to priority groups, including HCWs. Given their increased risk, as well as influence on patients’ vaccine uptake, it was important that HCWs had a positive COVID-19 vaccination experience, as well as trusting the vaccine safety and efficacy data.

The Impact of a Multifaceted Tertiary Pediatric Hospital's Antimicrobial Stewardship Service

Antimicrobials are the most commonly prescribed drug class in children. Overuse through inappropriate prescribing is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance and is recognized as one of the top 10 threats to global health by the World Health Organization.

An Unusual Resurgence of Human Metapneumovirus in Western Australia Following the Reduction of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Transmission

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission disrupted respiratory virus seasonality. We examined the unusual return of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in Western Australia following a period of absence in 2020.

ATAGI 2022 Annual Statement on Immunisation

‘Corona is coming’: COVID-19 vaccination perspectives and experiences amongst Culturally and Linguistically Diverse West Australians

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) groups within high-income countries are at risk of being left behind by the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. They face both access and attitudinal barriers, including low trust in government and health authorities.

Protocol for establishing a core outcome set for evaluation in studies of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis

Pulmonary exacerbations are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). There is no consensus about which outcomes should be evaluated in studies of pulmonary exacerbations or how these outcomes should be measured.

Assessing the utility of routine viral surveillance performed in children undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation at a single centre

We assessed the utility of routine viral surveillance for cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus and human adenovirus in children <16 years, undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) at a single centre over a 10-year period. A total of 85 ASCT were performed in 65 patients.

Urinary tract infections in children: building a causal model-based decision support tool for diagnosis with domain knowledge and prospective data

Diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children in the emergency department (ED) is challenging due to the variable clinical presentations and difficulties in obtaining a urine sample free from contamination.

Variants of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 14 from Papua New Guinea with the Potential to Be Mistyped and Escape Vaccine-Induced Protection

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a human pathogen of global importance, classified into serotypes based on the type of capsular polysaccharide produced. Serotyping of pneumococci is essential for disease surveillance and vaccine impact measurement.

Western Australian health care workers’ views on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for the workplace

Health care workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of catching and spreading Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared with the general community, putting health systems at risk. Several jurisdictions globally have mandated or are looking to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for this cohort, but little is known about the acceptability of this measure, especially in different contexts, and there is little qualitative data to explore nuance, depth, and the reasons behind HCWs’ opinions.

Prevalence of respiratory viruses in community-acquired pneumonia in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Respiratory viruses are increasingly detected in children with community-acquired pneumonia but prevalence estimates vary substantially. We aimed to systematically review and pool estimates for 22 viruses commonly associated with community-acquired pneumonia.

A quality improvement study: Optimizing pneumococcal vaccination rates in children with cochlear implants

Children with cochlear implants are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, with national and international guidelines recommending additional pneumococcal vaccines for these children. This study aimed to examine the pneumococcal immunization status and rate of invasive pneumococcal disease in children with cochlear implants at a tertiary paediatric hospital over a 12-year period.

Blinatumomab as bridging therapy in paediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia complicated by invasive fungal disease

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) remains a challenging complication of treatment for paediatric acute leukaemia. Consensus fungal treatment guidelines recommend withholding chemotherapy to facilitate immune recovery in this setting, yet prolonged delays in leukaemia therapy increase risk of relapse.

Unusual 2020 respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis season in Western Australia: Not explained by weather

To describe and explore the relationship between weather and the unusual 2020 bronchiolitis season in Western Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Antifungal use in children with acute leukaemia: state of current evidence and directions for future research

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) remains a common and serious complication in children treated for leukaemia. Antifungal prescription in children with leukaemia presents unique challenges, particularly due to variation in IFD risk between and within leukaemia treatment protocols, drug toxicities and interactions between antifungals and chemotherapeutic agents.

Postinfectious Acute Cerebellar Syndromes in Children: A Nationally Ascertained Case Series From Australia 2013–2018

Postinfectious acute cerebellar syndromes show a wide spectrum of acute severity and can occur with acute febrile illness or vaccine receipt. Varicella has historically been the most common cause, associated with up to 25% of cases in large cohorts. This study aimed to describe the spectrum of syndromes in a setting with high varicella vaccine coverage.

Whole genome sequencing and molecular epidemiology of paediatric Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia

The role Staphylococcus aureus antimicrobial resistance genes and toxins play in disease severity, management and outcome in childhood is an emerging field requiring further exploration.

Diagnosis and analysis of unexplained cases of childhood encephalitis in Australia using metatranscriptomic sequencing

Encephalitis is most often caused by a variety of infectious agents identified through diagnostic tests utilizing cerebrospinal fluid. We investigated the clinical characteristics and potential aetiological agents of unexplained encephalitis through metagenomic sequencing of residual clinical samples from multiple tissue types and independent clinical review.

Surveillance for severe influenza and COVID-19 in patients admitted to sentinel Australian hospitals in 2020: the Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN)

Influenza is a common cause of acute respiratory infection, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection that emerged as a pandemic worldwide before the start of the 2020 Australian influenza season.

Influenza epidemiology in patients admitted to sentinel Australian hospitals in 2019: the Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN)

This report summarises the epidemiology of hospitalisations with laboratory-confirmed influenza during the 2019 influenza season. The Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN) is a sentinel hospital-based surveillance program that operates at sites in all jurisdictions in Australia.

Preventing severe influenza in Australian infants: Maternal influenza vaccine effectiveness in the PAEDS-FluCAN networks using the test-negative design

Effectiveness of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against hypoxic pneumonia and hospitalisation in Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea: An observational cohort study

Pneumonia is a leading cause of childhood mortality with Streptococcus pneumoniae a major contributor. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have been introduced into immunisation programs in many low- to middle-income countries yet there is a paucity of data evaluating the effectiveness in these settings. We assess the effectiveness of 13-valent PCV against hypoxic pneumonia, hospitalisation and other clinical endpoints in children <5 years living in Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea).

Rare cause of scalp swelling in an infant

Acute haemoptysis, fever and abdominal pain in an adolescent from northern Australia

Consensus guidelines for antifungal prophylaxis in haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, 2021

Antifungal prophylaxis can reduce morbidity and mortality from invasive fungal disease (IFD). However, its use needs to be optimised and appropriately targeted to patients at highest risk to derive the most benefit. In addition to established risks for IFD, considerable recent progress in the treatment of malignancies has resulted in the development of new 'at-risk' groups.

COVID-19 and changes in the National Immunisation Program: a unique opportunity to optimise the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents aged 5 years and older undergoing treatment for cancer and non-malignant haematological conditions: Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group consensus statement

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and New Zealand Ministry of Health recommend all children aged ≥ 5 years receive either of the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Comirnaty (Pfizer), available in both Australia and New Zealand, or Spikevax (Moderna), available in Australia only. Both vaccines are efficacious and safe in the general population, including children. Children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer and immunosuppressive therapy for non-malignant haematological conditions are particularly vulnerable, with an increased risk of severe or fatal COVID-19.

Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of invasive candidiasis in haematology, oncology and intensive care settings, 2021

Patients with haematological malignancies, haemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and patients requiring admission to intensive care settings are at high risk for invasive candidiasis (IC). Over the past decade, there has been increased reporting of non-albicans species and fluconazole resistance in Australia. These guidelines provide updated evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of IC in adult and paediatric haematology, oncology and intensive care settings.

Consensus guidelines for antifungal stewardship, surveillance and infection prevention, 2021

Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are serious infections associated with high mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The prescribing of antifungal agents to prevent and treat IFD is associated with substantial economic burden on the health system, high rates of adverse drug reactions, significant drug-drug interactions and the emergence of antifungal resistance.

Olfactory dysfunction at six months after coronavirus disease 2019 infection

This study aimed to assess olfactory dysfunction in patients at six months after confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 infection. Coronavirus disease 2019 positive patients were assessed six months following diagnosis. Patient data were recoded as part of the adapted International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium Protocol. Olfactory dysfunction was assessed using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test.

Excess respiratory mortality and hospitalizations associated with influenza in Australia, 2007-2015

Influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in Australia, causing significant morbidity and mortality. We assessed the burden of influenza across all ages in terms of influenza-associated mortality and hospitalizations using national mortality, hospital-discharge and influenza surveillance data.

Pediatric Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: Clinical Spectrum and Predictors of Poor Outcome

Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of bacteremia, yet the epidemiology and predictors of poor outcome remain inadequately defined in childhood. ISAIAH (Invasive Staphylococcus aureus Infections and Hospitalizations in children) is a prospective, cross-sectional study of S. aureus bacteremia in children hospitalized in Australia and New Zealand over 24 months.

Weighing the Risks of Perimyocarditis With the Benefits of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination in Adolescents

Examining the entire delayed respiratory syncytial virus season in Western Australia

An interseasonal resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was observed in Western Australia at the end of 2020. Our previous report describing this resurgence compared the 2019 and 2020 calendar years, capturing only part of the 2020/21 season.

Multilocus Sequence Typing Reveals Extensive Genetic Diversity of the Emerging Fungal Pathogen Scedosporium aurantiacum

Scedosporium spp. are the second most prevalent filamentous fungi after Aspergillus spp. recovered from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in various regions of the world. Although invasive infection is uncommon prior to lung transplantation, fungal colonization may be a risk factor for invasive disease with attendant high mortality post-transplantation. Abundant in the environment, Scedosporium aurantiacum has emerged as an important fungal pathogen in a range of clinical settings.

Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of invasive aspergillosis, 2021

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) in haematology/oncology patients presents as primary infection or breakthrough infection, which can become refractory to antifungal treatment and has a high associated mortality. Other emerging patient risk groups include patients in the intensive care setting with severe respiratory viral infections, including COVID-19.

Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cryptococcosis and rare yeast infections in the haematology/oncology setting, 2021

Cryptococcosis caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans-Cryptococcus gattii complex is an important opportunistic infection in people with immunodeficiency, including in the haematology/oncology setting.

Consensus guidelines for optimising antifungal drug delivery and monitoring to avoid toxicity and improve outcomes in patients with haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, 2021

Antifungal agents can have complex dosing and the potential for drug interaction, both of which can lead to subtherapeutic antifungal drug concentrations and poorer clinical outcomes for patients with haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Antifungal agents can also be associated with significant toxicities when drug concentrations are too high.

The Interseasonal Resurgence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Australian Children Following the Reduction of Coronavirus Disease 2019-Related Public

Following the end of winter, there has been a persistent absence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 community transmission and no increase in influenza detections. Limited physical distancing measures have remained in place, with largely no restrictions on gathering sizes and no mandate for wearing masks.

Examining the interseasonal resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus in Western Australia

Following a relative absence in winter 2020, a large resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detections occurred during the 2020/2021 summer in Western Australia. This seasonal shift was linked to SARS-CoV-2 public health measures. We examine the epidemiology and RSV testing of respiratory-coded admissions, and compare clinical phenotype of RSV-positive admissions between 2019 and 2020.

Introduction to the updated Australasian consensus guidelines for the management of invasive fungal disease and use of antifungal agents in the haematology/oncology setting, 2021

This article introduces the fourth update of the Australian and New Zealand consensus guidelines for the management of invasive fungal disease and use of antifungal agents in the haematology/oncology setting. These guidelines are comprised of nine articles as presented in this special issue of the Internal Medicine Journal. This introductory chapter outlines the rationale for the current update and the steps taken to ensure implementability in local settings.

Calling Future Grandparents-Further Efforts Required to Increase Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Use in Adolescence

Altered Behavior in Encephalitis: Insights From the Australian Childhood Encephalitis Study, 2013-2018

Altered mental status is a major criterion for a diagnosis of encephalitis to be made with alteration in behavior, a key manifestation of altered mental status. We reviewed all evaluated cases identified by the Australian Childhood Encephalitis study between May 2013 and June 2018.

Infectious complications and optimising infection prevention for children with cochlear implants

To describe the clinical epidemiology of children receiving cochlear implants, as well as the management and outcomes of cochlear implant infections and adherence to infection prevention measures.

Using provider-parent strategies to improve influenza vaccination in children and adolescents with special risk medical conditions: a randomised controlled trial protocol

Influenza immunisation is a highly cost-effective public health intervention. Despite a comprehensive National Immunisation Program, influenza vaccination in children and adolescents with special risk medical conditions (SRMCs) is suboptimal. Flutext-4U is an innovative, multi-component strategy targeting paediatric hospitals, general practice and parents of children and adolescents with SRMC.

Pertussis Disease and Antenatal Vaccine Effectiveness in Australian Children

Population-level studies of severe pertussis extending beyond infancy are sparse, and none in the context of antenatal vaccination. We compared hospitalized pertussis cases from birth to 15 years of age before and after introduction of antenatal immunization.

Pertussis burden and acellular pertussis vaccine effectiveness in high risk children

Pertussis hospitalisation is more common among infants born prematurely, who have significant comorbidities, or are Indigenous, but acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates in these sub-groups are lacking. We measured aP VE by Indigenous status, and policy-relevant categories of prematurity and comorbidity, in a population-based Australian cohort.

COVID-19-Related Submission Priorities From the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society

Preferred health outcome states following treatment for pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis

Treatment for pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis (CF) can produce a range of positive and negative outcomes. Understanding which of these outcomes are achievable and desirable to people affected by disease is critical to agreeing to goals of therapy and determining endpoints for trials.

Developing a prediction model to estimate the true burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in hospitalised children in Western Australia

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of childhood morbidity, however there is no systematic testing in children hospitalised with respiratory symptoms. Therefore, current RSV incidence likely underestimates the true burden.

Risk factors and disease severity in Australian infants aged under 6 months hospitalised with influenza 2011–2019

Infants aged <6 months are vulnerable to severe influenza disease and no vaccine is approved for use in this age group. We aimed to describe the epidemiology, risk factors associated with severe outcomes and management of influenza in Australian infants aged <6 months.

Does a major change to a COVID-19 vaccine program alter vaccine intention? A qualitative investigation

On 8th April 2021, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) made the Pfizer-BioNtech (Comirnaty) vaccine the “preferred” vaccine for adults in Australia aged < 50 years due to a risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) following AstraZeneca vaccination. We sought to understand whether this impacted COVID-19 vaccine intentions.

Consensus guidelines for improving patients' understanding of invasive fungal disease and related risk prevention in the haematology/oncology setting, 2021

Patients with invasive fungal disease (IFD) are at significant risk of morbidity and mortality. A productive partnership between patients, their carers/families, and the multidisciplinary team managing the infection and any underlying conditions, is essential.

Re-examining Hepatitis B Postexposure Prophylaxis Following Pediatric Community-acquired Needle-stick Injury in an Era of a National Immunization Registry

Long-term hepatitis B immunity has been demonstrated following the completion of the primary vaccination series in childhood. Some guidelines recommend a hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) directed approach following community-acquired needle-stick injury (CANSI) to inform hepatitis B postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) management.

ATAGI 2021 annual statement on immunisation Last updated: 19 September 2021

COVID-19 vaccine Mandates: An Australian attitudinal study

The rollout of vaccines against COVID-19 is prompting governments and the private sector to adopt mandates. However, there has been little conceptual analysis of the types of mandates available, nor empirical analysis of how the public thinks about different mandates and why. Our conceptual study examines available instruments, how they have been implemented pre-COVID, and their use for COVID-19 globally.

Interrupted time-series analysis showed unintended consequences of non-pharmaceutical interventions on paediatric hospital admissions

COVID-19-associated non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) have disrupted respiratory viral transmission. We quantified the changes in paediatric hospital admissions in 2020 from five different NPI phases in Western Australia for acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in children in the context of all-cause admissions.

Prospective characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 infections among children presenting to tertiary paediatric hospitals across Australia in 2020: A national cohort study

To present Australia-wide data on paediatric COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndromes to inform health service provision and vaccination prioritisation. Design Prospective, multicentre cohort study. Setting Eight tertiary paediatric hospitals across six Australian states and territories in an established research surveillance network - Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease (PAEDS).

Influenza hospitalizations in Australian children 2010–2019: The impact of medical comorbidities on outcomes, vaccine coverage, and effectiveness

Children with comorbidities are at greater risk of severe influenza outcomes compared with healthy children. In Australia, influenza vaccination was funded for those with comorbidities from 2010 and all children aged <5 years from 2018. Influenza vaccine coverage remains inadequate in children with and without comorbidities.

Antifungal prescribing in neonates: Using national point prevalence survey data from Australia

We describe contemporary antifungal use in neonates, with point-prevalence survey data from the National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey across Australian hospitals from 2014 to 2018.

Novel method to select meaningful outcomes for evaluation in clinical trials

A standardised framework for selecting outcomes for evaluation in trials has been proposed by the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials working group. However, this method does not specify how to ensure that the outcomes that are selected are causally related to the disease and the health intervention being studied. Causal network diagrams may help researchers identify outcomes that are both clinically meaningful and likely to be causally dependent on the intervention, and endpoints that are, in turn, causally dependent on those outcomes.

Examining prescribing, timeliness and data recording of immunisations onto a national electronic immunisation register for inpatients at a tertiary paediatric hospital

The aim of this study was to investigate the quality and adherence of inpatient immunisation prescribing, as well as timeliness and recording of immunisations onto the national immunisation register, within a tertiary paediatric hospital setting. We conducted an observational, retrospective review of inpatient immunisations at Perth Children’s Hospital from July 2018 to February 2019.

Echinocandins in Pediatric Invasive Candidiasis and the Challenges of Antifungal Use in Children

In pediatric invasive candidiasis (IC), epidemiology and risk factors differ compared to adults. Furthermore, the use of antifungals in children is challenging and requires consideration of availability and tolerability of formulations, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variations, and safety in different age groups.

Lack of effectiveness of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination against pneumococcal carriage density in Papua New Guinean infants

Papua New Guinea (PNG) introduced the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in 2014, with administration at 1, 2, and 3 months of age. PCV13 has reduced or eliminated carriage of vaccine types in populations with low pneumococcal carriage prevalence, carriage density and serotype diversity.

Levels of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine coverage and indirect protection against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia hospitalisations in Australia: An observational study

There is limited empiric evidence on the coverage of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) required to generate substantial indirect protection. We investigate the association between population PCV coverage and indirect protection against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumonia hospitalisations among undervaccinated Australian children.

Invasive fungal disease in children with acute myeloid leukaemia: An Australian multicentre 10-year review

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a common and important complication in children with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We describe the epidemiology of IFD in a large multicentre cohort of children with AML.

The role of Kingella kingae in pre-school aged children with bone and joint infections

The Pre-school Osteoarticular Infection (POI) study aimed to describe the burden of disease, epidemiology, microbiology and treatment of acute osteoarticular infections (OAI) and the role of Kingella kingae in these infections.

Coronavax: preparing community and government for COVID-19 vaccination: a research protocol for a mixed methods social research project

Ahead of the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination programme, the interdisciplinary Coronavax research team developed a multicomponent mixed methods project to support successful roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine in Western Australia. This project seeks to analyse community attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine access and information needs. We also study how government incorporates research findings into the vaccination programme.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Public Health Measures on Detections of Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children During the 2020 Australian Winter

Public health measures targeting coronavirus disease 2019 have potential to impact transmission of other respiratory viruses. We found 98.0% and 99.4% reductions in respiratory syncytial virus and influenza detections, respectively, in Western Australian children through winter 2020 despite schools reopening. Border closures have likely been important in limiting external introductions.

Influenza disease and vaccination in children in Australia

Over the past decade, multiple initiatives have been implemented to strengthen influenza vaccination programs in Australia, with an increasing focus on children. In this article, we review these changes, the events that prompted them, and how they have influenced influenza vaccine uptake in Australia.

The Collaboration for Increasing Influenza Vaccination in Children (CIIVIC): a meeting report

The burden of seasonal influenza disease in Australian children is substantial, especially for those with medical comorbidities including chronic cardiac, respiratory, neurological and immunosuppressive conditions. Influenza is more likely to be severe in children with comorbidities compared to previously healthy children (e.g. more frequent and longer hospitalisation, more frequent intensive care unit admission and requiring respiratory support). Direct protection against influenza by vaccination is critical for children with comorbidities and remains the most effective tool for influenza prevention.

Clinical experience with SUBA-itraconazole at a tertiary paediatric hospital

Itraconazole remains a first-line antifungal agent for certain fungal infections in children, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and sporotrichosis, but poor attainment of therapeutic drug levels is frequently observed with available oral formulations. A formulation of 'SUper BioAvailability itraconazole' (SUBA-itraconazole; Lozanoc®) has been developed, with adult studies demonstrating rapid and reliable attainment of therapeutic levels, yet paediatric data are lacking.

Barriers to influenza vaccination of children hospitalised for acute respiratory illness: A cross-sectional survey

To identify barriers to influenza vaccination of children hospitalised for acute respiratory illness in Australia. A total of 595 parents of children hospitalised with acute respiratory illness across five tertiary hospitals in 2019 participated in an online survey. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors most strongly associated with influenza vaccination barriers. 

The measurement properties of tests and tools used in cystic fibrosis studies: a systematic review

There is no consensus on how best to measure responses to interventions among children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). We have systematically reviewed and summarised the characteristics and measurement properties of tests and tools that have been used to capture outcomes in studies among people with CF, including their reliability, validity and responsiveness. This review is intended to guide researchers when selecting tests or tools for measuring treatment effects in CF trials. A consensus set of these tests and tools could improve consistency in how outcomes are captured and thereby facilitate comparisons and synthesis of evidence across studies.

Nasopharyngeal density of respiratory viruses in childhood pneumonia in a highly vaccinated setting: findings from a case-control study

Detection of pneumonia-causing respiratory viruses in the nasopharynx of asymptomatic children has made their actual contribution to pneumonia unclear. We compared nasopharyngeal viral density between children with and without pneumonia to understand if viral density could be used to diagnose pneumonia.

Infant, maternal and demographic predictors of delayed vaccination: A population-based cohort study

Receiving vaccines at or close to their due date (vaccination timeliness) is a now key measure of program performance. However, studies comprehensively examining predictors of delayed infant vaccination are lacking. We aimed to identify predictors of short and longer-term delays in diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccination by dose number and ethnicity.

Key steps in our journey to a COVID-19 vaccine program

Providing a safe and effective coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination program is required to mitigate against the current and future negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of all Australians from COVID‐19. An effective vaccination program is a key element required to facilitate economic recovery, safe movement throughout and beyond Australia and a return to the quality of life previously experienced.

Case Report: Neonatal Varicella Acquired From Maternal Zoster

The incidence of neonatal varicella has decreased dramatically since the introduction of the varicella vaccination. Although the varicella zoster virus is often associated with a mild infection, it may cause severe morbidity and mortality, particularly in the neonatal period and immunocompromised hosts. We report a case of neonatal varicella acquired from maternal zoster in a mother on biological immunosuppressive therapy.

Improving Influenza Vaccination in Children With Comorbidities: A Systematic Review

Children with medical comorbidities are at greater risk for severe influenza and poorer clinical outcomes. Despite recommendations and funding, influenza vaccine coverage remains inadequate in these children. We aimed to systematically review literature assessing interventions targeting influenza vaccine coverage in children with comorbidities and assess the impact on influenza vaccine coverage.

Meningococcal serotype W septic arthritis: Case series in children

The epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease has changed over the last decade and there has been an increase in cases caused by serogroup W135, particularly in Indigenous children. Extra‐meningeal and atypical presentations are associated with serogroup W and may delay diagnosis and therefore appropriate treatment. Public and clinician awareness are essential in facilitating effective new vaccine schedule implementation.

Converting the maybes: Crucial for a successful COVID-19 vaccination strategy

Broad community acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccination will be critical for effectively halting the spread of the virus. In this study, we focus on factors that differentiate those who are undecided from those who are either willing or unwilling to accept a prospective COVID-19 vaccine. An online survey in May 2020 assessed Australian adults' willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (yes, maybe, no). A multinomial logistical regression of responses (N = 1,313) was used to identify correlates of vaccine willingness between the three groups.

Epidemiology and seasonality of human parainfluenza serotypes 1-3 in Australian children

Parainfluenza viruses are significant contributors to childhood respiratory illness worldwide, although detailed epidemiological studies are lacking. Few recent Australian studies have investigated serotype-specific PIV epidemiology, and there is a paucity of southern hemisphere PIV reports. We report age-stratified PIV hospitalisation rates and a mathematical model of PIV seasonality and dynamics in Western Australia (WA).

Do rapid diagnostic methods improve antibiotic prescribing in paediatric bacteraemia?

Rapid blood culture pathogen identification facilitated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight and GeneXpert has the potential to improve antibiotic prescribing. This study investigates the impact of these rapid diagnostics on the timeliness of effective and optimal antibiotic prescribing in paediatric patients with bacteraemia.

Predictors of hospital readmission in infants less than 3 months old

To examine rates and predictors of 7-day readmission in infants hospitalised before 3 months of age with infectious and non-infectious conditions. A retrospective population-based data-linkage study of 121 854 infants from a 5-year metropolitan birth cohort (2008-2012). Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine associations between infant and maternal factors with 7-day readmission.

Outcomes and endpoints reported in studies of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review

There is no consensus about which outcomes should be evaluated in studies of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Outcomes used for evaluation should be meaningful; that is, they should capture how people feel, function or survive and be acknowledged as important to people with CF, or should be reliable surrogates of those outcomes. We aimed to summarise the outcomes and corresponding endpoints which have been reported in studies of pulmonary exacerbations, and to identify those which are most likely to be meaningful.

Aminoglycoside use in paediatric febrile neutropenia - Outcomes from a nationwide prospective cohort study

Aminoglycosides are commonly prescribed to children with febrile neutropenia (FN) but their impact on clinical outcomes is uncertain and extent of guideline compliance is unknown. We aimed to review aminoglycoside prescription and additional antibiotic prescribing, guideline compliance and outcomes for children with FN.

Clinical Management of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Neonates, Children, and Adolescents

Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of community and health care-associated bacteremia, with authors of recent studies estimating the incidence of S aureus bacteremia (SAB) in high-income countries between 8 and 26 per 100 000 children per year. Despite this, <300 children worldwide have ever been randomly assigned into clinical trials to assess the efficacy of treatment of SAB.

Predicting the causative pathogen among children with osteomyelitis using Bayesian networks – improving antibiotic selection in clinical practice

We have demonstrated the potential use of Bayesian Networks in improving antibiotic selection for children with osteomyelitis

Assessing the burden of laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus infection in a population cohort of Australian children through record linkage

Respiratory syncytial virus is pervasive across multiple severity levels and diagnoses. Vaccines targeting children <3 months must be prioritized

Causes and Clinical Features of Childhood Encephalitis: A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study

Epidemic viral infections predominated as causes of childhood encephalitis in Australia. The leading causes include vaccine-preventable diseases

Progress towards a coordinated, national paediatric antimicrobial resistance surveillance programme

These data support that children are not just 'little adults' in the AMR era, and analyses by age group are important to detect differences in antibiotic susceptibility

Comparative Postmarket Safety Profile of Adjuvanted and High-Dose Influenza Vaccines in Individuals 65 Years or Older

The findings of this postmarketing assessment of the safety of 2 new enhanced influenza vaccines support confidence in ongoing vaccine use

Clinical description and outcomes of Australian children with invasive group a streptococcal disease

Invasive group A streptococcal infection in Australian children is frequently severe and has a high long-term morbidity burden

Immunogenicity of the inactivated influenza vaccine in children who have undergone allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant

This study provides evidence to support annual inactivated influenza vaccine administration to children following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant

The impact of new universal child influenza programs in Australia: Vaccine coverage, effectiveness and disease epidemiology in hospitalised children in 2018

A significant reduction in severe influenza was observed in Australian children, possibly contributed to by improved vaccine coverage and high vaccine effectiveness

Antibiotic appropriateness and guideline adherence in hospitalized children: results of a nationwide study

Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing in children was linked to specific risk factors, presenting opportunities for targeted interventions to improve prescribing

Spotting sporotrichosis skin infection: The first Australian paediatric case series

These data highlight the importance of recognising Sporotrichosis in children outside an outbreak setting

A Rationale for Change: An Increase in Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Fully Vaccinated Children

A review of cases informed a change from a "3 + 0" infant schedule to a "2 + 1" schedule

The Use of Test-negative Controls to Monitor Vaccine Effectiveness: A Systematic Review of Methodology

Our review highlights similarities and differences in the application of the test-negative design that deserve further examination

Invasive group A Streptococcus disease in Australian children: 2016 to 2018 - a descriptive cohort study

Our aims were to describe the epidemiological distribution of paediatric invasive group A Streptococcus disease in Australia and correlate this with influenza notifications

AMEND study protocol: A case-control study to assess the long-term impact of invasive meningococcal disease in Australian adolescents and young adults

This study aims to address this evidence gap by assessing the clinical, physical, neurocognitive, economic and societal impact of invasive meningococcal disease

Influenza epidemiology in patients admitted to sentinel Australian hospitals in 2018: the Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN)

This report summarises the epidemiology of hospitalisations with laboratory-confirmed influenza during the 2018 influenza season

Effectiveness of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against hospital admissions for pneumonia in Australian children

Reductions in pneumonia-coded hospital admissions in unvaccinated children predominated in non-Aboriginal children with low incidence of pneumonia

Invasive fungal infections in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Results from four Australian centres, 2003-2013

Invasive fungal infections are more common in children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and in relapsed disease

Attitudes about and access to influenza vaccination experienced by parents of children hospitalised for influenza in Australia

Improving parents’ and providers’ knowledge and confidence in influenza vaccination safety, efficacy, and benefits should be prioritised

Influenza epidemiology in patients admitted to sentinel Australian hospitals in 2017: the Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN)

This report summarises the epidemiology of hospitalisations with laboratory-confirmed influenza during the 2017 influenza season

Timeliness and factors associated with rotavirus vaccine uptake among Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children: A record linkage cohort study

Aboriginal children are at greater risk of rotavirus disease than non-Aboriginal children and delayed vaccine receipt is substantially higher

Perinatal risk factors associated with skin infection hospitalisation in Western Australian Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal children

We have quantified the relative influence of perinatal risk factors associated with skin infection hospitalisations in WA children

Links2HealthierBubs' cohort study: Protocol for a study on the safety, uptake and effectiveness of influenza and pertussis vaccines among pregnant Australian women

Multi-jurisdictional cohort of mother-infant pairs to measure the uptake, safety and effectiveness of antenatal IIV and dTpa vaccines in three Australian jurisdictions

Infectious diseases clinician's variation in the management of pediatric Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia and equipoise for clinical trials

Large variation in antibiotic prescribing amongst clinicians is demonstrated and increased, corresponding with escalating case complexity and persisting MRSA bacteraemia

Temporal trends and socioeconomic differences in acute respiratory infection hospitalisations in children: an intercountry comparison of birth cohort studies

Admissions for ARI were higher in Western Australia and displayed greater socioeconomic disparities than England and Scotland, where ARI rates are increasing

Australian Aboriginal children have higher hospitalization rates for otitis media but lower surgical procedures than non-Aboriginal children

Aboriginal children and children from lower socio-economic backgrounds were over-represented with OM-related hospitalizations but had fewer TTIs

Combination of clinical symptoms and blood biomarkers can improve discrimination between bacterial or viral community-acquired pneumonia in children

Combining elevated CRP with the presence or absence of clinical signs/ symptoms differentiates definite bacterial from presumed viral pneumonia better than CRP alone

Epidemiology of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised children; an Australian national 10-year review

Non-Aspergillus molds and non-albicans Candida contributed substantially to pediatric invasive fungal infection in our study

Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention during pregnancy and lactation: forget not the women and children

The framework for appropriately identifying and managing at-risk pregnant and lactating women requiring PrEP is poorly defined

Caregiver’s attitudes, beliefs, and experiences for influenza vaccination in Australian children with medical comorbidities

Influenza vaccination recommendation by children’s hospital physicians and previous vaccine receipt in hospital was associated with vaccine uptake

Influenza Epidemiology, Vaccine Coverage and Vaccine Effectiveness in Children Admitted to Sentinel Australian Hospitals in 2017

Significant influenza-associated morbidity was observed in 2017 in Australia. Vaccine coverage and antiviral use was inadequate.

The contribution of viruses and bacteria to community-acquired pneumonia in vaccinated children: A case - Control study

Respiratory viruses, particularly respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus, are major contributors to pneumonia in Australian children

Antibiotic Allergy Labels in Children Are Associated with Adverse Clinical Outcomes

This is the first study demonstrating the negative impact of antibiotic allergy labels on clinical outcomes in children

Geographical disparities in emergency department presentations for acute respiratory infections and risk factors for presenting

One in four ED presentations in WA children are for ARIs, representing a significant out-of-hospital burden with some evidence of geographical disparity

Perinatal Risk Factors Associated With Gastroenteritis Hospitalizations in Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Children in Western Australia (2000-2012)

Given the beneficial effect of infant rotavirus vaccination efforts should be taken to optimize rotavirus vaccine coverage in those at highest risk

Adjunctive protein synthesis inhibitor antibiotics for toxin suppression in Staphylococcus aureus infections: a systematic appraisal

A summary of the literature regarding the use of adjunctive protein synthesis inhibitors for toxin suppression in the setting of S. aureus infections is presented

The impact of influenza infection on young children, their family and the health care system

Influenza infection in young children has a significant impact on medication use, absenteeism and the use of health care service

Moraxella catarrhalis Restriction-Modification Systems Are Associated with Phylogenetic Lineage and Disease

We observed an association between Type III DNA methyltransferase presence and Otitis Media-associated middle ear isolates

Active surveillance of 2017 seasonal influenza vaccine safety: An observational cohort study of individuals aged 6 months and older in Australia

AusVaxSafety surveillance demonstrated comparable and expected safety outcomes for the 2017 quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine brands used in Australia

Infection characteristics and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia at a tertiary children's hospital

There is a wide spectrum of disease severity in paediatric Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia

Assessment of on-time vaccination coverage in population subgroups: A record linkage cohort study

On-time coverage of the 2-4-6 month schedule is only 50-60% across specific population subgroups representing a significant avoidable public health risk

Optimising the use of linked administrative data for infectious diseases research in Australia

Increased collaboration and engagement across all sectors can optimise the use of linked data to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases

Determining the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine coverage required for indirect protection against vaccine-type pneumococcal carriage in low and middle-income countries

We will investigate the relationship between PCV coverage and VT carriage among undervaccinated children in Asia and the Pacific

Mucormycosis in Children: Review and Recommendations for Management

we summarize the literature on the epidemiology and diagnosis of this invasive fungal infection and provide suggestions on the management of mucormycosis in children

Effectiveness of a 3 + 0 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine schedule against invasive pneumococcal disease among a birth cohort of 1.4 million children in Australia

Our population-based cohort study demonstrates that >90% coverage in the first year of a universal 3 + 0 PCV program provided high population-level protection

Role of viral and bacterial pathogens in causing pneumonia among Western Australian children: A case-control study protocol

We aim to determine the contribute of bacteria and virus to childhood CAP to inform further development of effective strategies.

The Impact of Pneumococcal Vaccination on Bacterial and Viral Pneumonia in Western Australian Children: Record Linkage Cohort Study of 469589 Births, 1996-2012

We assessed the impact of PCV on all-cause and pathogen-specific pneumonia hospitalizations in Western Australian (WA) children aged 16 years.

Role of viral and bacterial pathogens in causing pneumonia among Western Australian children: A case-control study protocol

Pneumonia is the leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Australia, 1998-2012

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is uncommon in Australia

Macrolides in children with community-acquired pneumonia: Panacea or placebo?

Pneumonia, most often caused by a respiratory virus, is common in childhood.

A microbiome case-control study of recurrent acute otitis media identified potentially protective bacterial genera

We characterised the nasopharyngeal microbiome of these children in comparison to children with rAOM to identify potentially protective bacteria.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells protect from viral bronchiolitis and asthma through semaphorin 4a-mediated T reg expansion

We found transient pDC depletion during Pneumovirus infection alone predisposed to severe bronchiolitis in early life and subsequent asthma after reinfection.

Dedicated paediatric Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy medical support: a pre-post observational study

We examined the impact of introducing a dedicated team to OPAT, to define the role of increased medical oversight in improving patient outcomes in this cohort.

Advances in Vaccines to Prevent Viral Respiratory Illnesses in Children

Childhood vaccination has played a critical role in the reduction of morbidity and mortality from communicable diseases, including specific respiratory pathogens

Hospital admissions for skin infections among Western Australian children and adolescents from 1996 to 2012

Skin infections are a significant cause of severe disease, requiring hospitalization in Western Australian children, particularly with Aboriginal children

Immunogenicity and safety of single-dose, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in pediatric and adolescent oncology patients

All children who are receiving therapy for cancer should receive a single dose of PCV13 as soon as possible after diagnosis, regardless of prior PCV exposure.

Influenza-Associated Encephalitis/Encephalopathy Identified by the Australian Childhood Encephalitis Study 2013-2015

We aimed to describe case of Influenza associated encephalitis/encephalopathy identified by the Australian Childhood Encephalitis study

Record linkage study of the pathogen-specific burden of respiratory viruses in children

Reliance on hospital discharge diagnosis codes alone will likely underestimate the burden of respiratory viruses

Hospital admissions for skin infections among Western Australian children and adolescents from 1996 to 2012

The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of skin infection associated hospitalizations in children born in Western Australia (WA).

Potential impact of a maternal vaccine for RSV: A mathematical modelling study

Respiratory syncytial virus is a major cause of respiratory morbidity and one of the main causes of hospitalisation in young children.

A 15-Year Old Burmese Girl With Hemoptysis: A Case Report

A 15 year old girl, born in Hakha, Myanmar, presented with 2 months of intermittent hemoptysis 3 years after immigrating to Australia, via Malaysia.

Dedicated paediatric Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy medical support: a pre-post observational study

The introduction of a formal medical team to Hospital in the Home (HiTH) demonstrated a positive clinical impact on Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) patients' outcomes.

The Spectrum and Burden of Influenza-Associated Neurological Disease in Children: Combined Encephalitis and Influenza Sentinel Site Surveillance from Australia, 2013-2015

Seasonal influenza is an important cause of acute neurological disease in Australian children.

Using record linkage to validate notification and laboratory data for a more accurate assessment of notifiable infectious diseases

Studies investigating pathogen-specific infectious disease would benefit from using multiple data sources.

Repeated vaccination does not appear to impact upon influenza vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization with confirmed influenza

These findings reinforce current recommendations for annual influenza vaccination, particularly those at greatest risk of influenza disease.

Using record linkage to examine testing patterns for respiratory viruses among children born in Western Australia

Using linked data, we describe changes in respiratory virus testing among children born in Western Australia in 1996-2012

Childhood pneumonia and meningitis in the Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea in the era of conjugate vaccines: study methods and challenges

Recruitment of large numbers of pediatric pneumonia and meningitis cases and community controls in a third-world setting presents unique challenges

An observational study of febrile seizures: The importance of viral infection and immunization

Determine the frequency of detection of specific viral pathogens in children with febrile seizures

Influenza epidemiology in patients admitted to sentinel Australian hospitals in 2015: the Influenza Complications Alert Network

This report summarises the epidemiology of hospitalisations with laboratory-confirmed influenza during the 2015 influenza season

Influenza C infections in Western Australia and Victoria from 2008 to 2014

Comparison of Influenza C viruses detected from Australian clinical samples with Influenza C viruses detected in other parts of the world in recent years

Epidemiology and mortality of staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Australian and New Zealand children

Describe the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in children and adolescents younger than 18 years from Australia and New Zealand

Antibiotic duration and timing of the switch from intravenous to oral route for bacterial infections in children: systematic review and guidelines

Systematic review of antibiotic duration and timing of intravenous to oral switch for paediatric infectious diseases and evidence-graded recommendations

Influenza epidemiology, vaccine coverage and vaccine effectiveness in children admitted to sentinel Australian hospitals in 2014

The Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN) is a sentinel hospital-based surveillance programme operating in all states and territories in Australia

Influenza vaccine effectiveness and uptake in children at risk of severe disease

Participation in the preschool influenza vaccination program remains low with parents unconvinced of the benefits and safety of influenza vaccine

Immunogenicity and clinical effectiveness of the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in immunocompromised children undergoing treatment for cancer

The trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine is safe, immunogenic, provides clinical protection and should be administered annually to immunosuppressed children receiving treatment for cancer

The relationship between Bordetella pertussis genotype and clinical severity in Australian children with pertussis

In children, we found no relationship between Prn status and markers of severe pertussis

A prospective cohort study assessing the reactogenicity of pertussis and influenza vaccines administered during pregnancy

Data on systemic and local reactions following receipt of TIV and dTpa during pregnancy support the safety of antenatal vaccination

Systematic review and meta-analysis of respiratory viral coinfections in children

Coinfection is not associated with increased clinical severity, but further investigations by pathogen pairs are warranted

Optimization is required when using linked hospital and laboratory data to investigate respiratory infections

Chart review to validate linked microbiological data

Consensus guidelines for the treatment of invasive mould infections in haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation

Evidence-based recommendations for the antifungal management of common, rare and emerging mould infections in both adult and paediatric populations

Introduction to the updated Australian and New Zealand consensus guidelines for the use of antifungal agents in the haematology/oncology setting, 2014

This article introduces the second revision of the Australian and New Zealand consensus guidelines for the use of antifungal agents in the haematology/oncology setting.

The safety of seasonal influenza vaccines in Australian children in 2013

Our objective was to examine influenza vaccine safety in Australian children aged under 10 years in 2013.

What do infectious diseases physicians do? A 2-week snapshot of inpatient consultative activities across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore

We performed a 2-week prospective survey of formal ID physician activities related to direct inpatient care, encompassing 53 hospitals throughout Australia,...

Modelling the seasonal epidemics of respiratory syncytial virus in young children

This paper describes a mathematical model used to predict when an epidemic of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will occur so that preventive measures, such...

Pandemic clinical case definitions are non-specific

During the early phases of the 2009 pandemic, subjects with influenza-like illness only had laboratory testing specific for the new A(H1N1)pdm09 virus.

The impact of pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza and vaccine-associated adverse events on parental attitudes and influenza vaccine uptake in young children

This paper reports on the shift in parental attitude to vaccination after 2010, due to an unprecedented increase in febrile reactions in children receiving...

Effectiveness of trivalent flu vaccine in healthy young children

This paper reports some of the findings from the Western Australian Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Study, commenced in 2008, to evaluate a program providing...

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Western Australia, 1998-2012

Our objective was to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, health care resource use, treatment and outcomes of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis...

International collaboration to assess the risk of Guillain Barré Syndrome following Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccines.

The global spread of the 2009 novel pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus led to the accelerated production and distribution of monovalent 2009 Influenza A...

Clinical Predictors of Influenza in Young Children: The Limitations of “Influenza-Like Illness”

This study aims to identify clinical predictors of influenza infection in children ≤5 years old from which age-specific ILI definitions are then constructed.

How Accurate Are International Classification of Diseases-10 Diagnosis Codes in Detecting Influenza and Pertussis Hospitalizations in Children?

Influenza diagnosis codes had high specificity (98.6%) and modest positive predictive value (PPV; 84.1%) and sensitivity (86.1%) for a laboratory-confirmed...

Bacillus Cereus Bacteremia and Multiple Brain Abscesses During Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Induction Therapy

Bacillus cereus can cause serious infections in immunosuppressed patients. This population may be susceptible to B. cereus pneumonia, bacteremia, cellulitis,...

Safety surveillance of influenza vaccine in pregnant women

Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing influenza infection in pregnancy.

Idiosyncratic nature of voriconazole photosensitivity in children undergoing cancer therapy

In adults, the unpredictability of voriconazole pharmacokinetics, particularly in those patients receiving chemotherapy, is well recognised. A paucity of...

Use of data linkage to investigate the aetiology of acute lower respiratory infection hospitalisations in children

The aim was to document the aetiology of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) hospitalisations in Western Australian children

Trivalent influenza vaccine and febrile adverse events in australia, 2010: Clinical features and potential mechanisms

Increased numbers of children presenting with febrile adverse events following trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) were noted in Australia in 2010.

Clinical associations and prevalence of Scedosporium spp. in Australian cystic fibrosis patients: identification of novel risk factors

Risk factors for the association of Scedosporium in cases of cystic fibrosis (CF) and its clinical implications are poorly understood

Detection of the rapid emergency of the H274 mutation associated with oseltamivir-resistance

In 2009 a new swine-origin influenza virus A/H1N1 (A/H1N1 09) emerged, causing the century's first pandemic.

Complexity of Influenza Outbreaks during the World Youth Day 2008 Mass Gathering and its Impact on Community Seasonal Influenza Activity

How Influenza outbreaks during mass gatherings have been rarely described, and detailed virologic assessment is lacking.

Skull base osteomyelitis: Fungal versus Bacterial Infection

An 18-year (1990-2007) retrospective review of patients with Skull-base osteomyelitis (SBO) presenting to Westmead Hospital was performed.

Antifungal therapy in infants and children with proven, probable or suspected invasive fungal infections

This review aims to systematically identify and summarise the effects of different antifungal therapies in children with proven, probable or suspected...

Detection of occult Scedosporium species in respiratory tract specimens in cystic fibrosis (CF) by use of selective media

Respiratory samples from cystic fibrosis outpatients were cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SABD) containing antibiotics, Mycosel, and Scedosporium-sel...

Comparison of a rapid antigen test with nucleic acid testing during cocirculation of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 09 and Seasonal influena A/H3N2

The rapid diagnosis of influenza is critical in optimizing clinical management. Rapid antigen tests have decreased sensitivity in detecting pandemic influenza.