Association between nasopharyngeal load of Streptococcus pneumoniae, viral co-infection and radiologically confirmed pneumonia in Vietnamese children.

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SignificanceIn laboratory experiments, Wolbachia (wMel strain)-infected Aedes aegypti are refractory to disseminated arboviral infections. Yet previous characterizations of wMel-mediated blocking have not considered several biologically and ecologically important factors likely to influence the virus–mosquito interaction. After direct feeding on 141 viremic dengue patients, we demonstrate wMel lowers dengue virus (DENV) transmission potential and lengthens the extrinsic incubation period. Subsequently, using established field populations of wild-type and wMel-infected Ae. aegypti, we compared field- versus laboratory-rearing conditions on mosquito susceptibility to disseminated DENV infection. The magnitude of wMel-mediated virus blocking was even greater when mosquitoes developed under field conditions. These clinically and ecologically relevant findings support Wolbachia introgression into Ae. aegypti populations as a biocontrol method to reduce the transmission of DENV and other arboviruses.

Background Methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist maintenance treatment (MMT) is used to treat opioid addiction by preventing opioid withdrawal and reducing cravings. However, it is important to note that mental conditions may persist, or even remain undetected while methadone maintenance treatment is ongoing. This study aimed to examine the level of psychological problems among MMT patients at public and private health facilities and identify associated factors. Method From January to September 2018, a cross-sectional study was performed in Nam Dinh province, one of the largest epicenters providing HIV/AIDS surveillance and treatment services in the North of Vietnam. 395 male respondents currently receiving MMT agreed to participate in a face-to-face interview. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess psychological problems among patients. Results The percentage of patients suffering from mild to extremely severe anxiety was the highest among psychological problems (18%). 2.8% of participants had mild depressive symptoms and the percentage of those having mild or moderate stress was approximately 4%. In addition, the longer treatment duration, the lower mental health scores regarding three types of psychological problems. Respondents who received MMT services in public health facilities were more likely to have a higher score of all psychological problems. Participants who lived with partners or spouse, having higher monthly family income had a lower likelihood of having severe depression and stress status. Freelancers or blue-collars/farmers had lower score of depression and anxiety compared to people being unemployed. Conclusion This study suggests that among our sample, MMT patients receiving treatment in public health facilities might have higher rate of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress than that of those in the private health facility. These results highlight the necessity of taking psychological counseling adequately for MMT patients and psychological assessment should be prioritized in the early stage of treatment.

Background It is uncertain whether vitamin D can reduce respiratory infection. Objective To determine whether vitamin D supplementation reduces influenza and other upper viral respiratory tract infections. Methods A total of 1300 healthy children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 17 years were randomized to vitamin D (14 000 U weekly) or placebo for 8 months in Vietnam. The primary outcome was reverse transcriptase ( RT )‐ PCR –confirmed influenza infection, and the coprimary outcome was multiplex PCR –confirmed non‐influenza respiratory viruses. Participants, caregivers, and those assessing outcomes were blinded to group assignment. Results A total of 650 children and adolescents were randomly assigned to vitamin D and 650 to placebo. The mean baseline serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels were 65.7 nmol/L and 65.2 nmol/L in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively, with an increase to 91.8 nmol/L in the vitamin D group and no increase, 64.5 nmol/L, in the placebo group. All 1300 participants randomized contributed to the analysis. We observed RT ‐ PCR –confirmed influenza A or B occurred in 50 children (7.7%) in the vitamin D group and in 43 (6.6%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [ HR ]: 1.18, 95% CI : 0.79‐1.78). RT ‐ PCR –confirmed non‐influenza respiratory virus infection occurred in 146 (22.5%) in the vitamin D group and in 185 (28.5%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [ HR ]: 0.76, 95% CI : 0.61‐0.94). When considering all respiratory viruses, including influenza, the effect of vitamin D in reducing infection was significant, HR : 0.81, 95% CI : 0.66‐0.99. Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the incidence of influenza but moderately reduced non‐influenza respiratory viral infection.